Elk steak, known for its lean, flavorful meat, is a delicacy that graces the tables of many home cooks. However, cooking elk steak requires some finesse to ensure it remains tender and delicious. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook elk steak in 4 different ways.
1. Tips For Cooking Elk Steak
Selecting the right cut of elk steak is crucial for a mouthwatering result. Opt for cuts like tenderloin, ribeye, or sirloin, which provide a balance of tenderness and flavor. Look for cuts with good marbling for optimum succulence.
Elk is a lean meat and can easily dry out during cooking. Marinating the steaks for at least 2-12 hours helps tenderize and add moisture. Some good marinade options are red wine, teriyaki, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
Elk cooks faster than beef so be careful not to overcook it. Medium rare is ideal doneness for elk steak. An instant read thermometer should read 130F when done.
Like any steak, elk needs time to rest after cooking so the juices can redistribute throughout the meat. Let it sit 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Always slice elk steak against the grain of the meat fibers. This results in shorter muscle fibers for more tender bites.
2. How To Cook Elk Steak on Stove
Ingredients
- 2 elk steaks
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
In a bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the elk steaks in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
Preheat a pan over medium-high heat. Add a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Remove the steaks from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Then place them in the hot pan.
Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.
Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
3. How To Cook Elk Steak in Oven
Ingredients
- 2 elk steaks
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together red wine, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Place the elk steaks in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
Place the steaks on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Roast for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Optionally, garnish with fresh rosemary before serving.
4. How To Cook Elk Steak in Air Fryer
Ingredients:
- 2 elk steaks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Place the elk steaks in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
5. How To Cook Elk Steak on Grill
Ingredients
- 2 elk steaks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Place the elk steaks in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the grill to high heat (450-500°F or 230-260°C).
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature.
Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Then place the steaks on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
6. What Does Elk Steak Taste Like?
Elk steak has a rich, meaty, tender flavor when cooked properly. It tastes very similar to beef steak, with some subtle differences. Due to its leanness, elk has a lighter gamier flavor compared to beef. It is mildly sweet with a hint of iron richness similar to venison and other wild game.
Marinating elk steak is a surefire way to enhance its flavor and tenderness, whether you’re cooking it in a pan, oven, air fryer, or on the grill. By following these instructions, I hope that you can confidently cook a marinated elk steak that’s tender and delicious at home
