Description
Experience a burger that combines the rich, lean flavor of elk meat with the tangy, creamy punch of blue cheese. This Elk Blue Cheese Burger is a culinary adventure that elevates a classic meal to gourmet status.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Ground Elk Meat (85-90% lean)
- 4–6 ounces Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola, Danish Blue, Roquefort, or Stilton)
- 4 Burger Buns (brioche, pretzel, or sesame seed)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Crisp lettuce (romaine or butter lettuce)
- Ripe tomato slices
- Thinly sliced red onion or caramelized onions
- Tangy pickle slices
- Crispy beef bacon (optional)
- Fig jam (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground elk meat with your seasonings: about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. If using, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently and avoid overworking the meat.
- Divide the seasoned elk into four equal portions and gently form them into patties, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
- Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). A little cooking oil can help prevent sticking.
- Place the elk patties on the hot grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 4-5 minutes per side for medium. The internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
- During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, crumble or slice your blue cheese generously over each patty. If grilling, close the lid to help the cheese melt.
- Lightly butter or oil your burger buns and toast them on the grill or in a separate pan, cut-side down, until golden brown.
- Remove the melted blue cheese patties from the heat and let them rest for a minute. Assemble your burgers by placing a patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun and layering with your favorite toppings. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Cook elk to no more than medium doneness (140°F / 60°C) to maintain juiciness. Consider adding caramelized onions, crispy beef bacon, or special sauces for extra flavor. Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking to keep them juicy.