Elk grilling experts please

[Zundfolge]

So a friend of mine was very generous and gave my wife and I a couple Elk steaks ... I've got them marinating in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and some herbs & spices.

Was going to sauté some mushrooms in butter and garlic as a topping.

Anyone have any last minute tips before I get ready to toss these on the grill (will go on the grill around 7pm). Never grilled any game meats (other than Elk burgers and some elk, deer and wild boar chorizo or sausage in a frying pan)

[tmleadr03]

Wouldn't it be the same as a cow steak? I am as informed on this subject as you are I guess.

[Colorado Luckydog]

Don't over cook them. Elk is better than beef anyday of the week but if you over cook them they aren't so great.

[Zundfolge]

My plan is as follows:

Heat the grill (gas) HIGH on one side, and MED on the other.

Toss the steaks on the HIGH side for about a minute a side and then toss the on the MED side for 3-4 minutes a side ... my target is medium rare to medium (I eat my cow steaks rare, but the wife likes medium so I figured I'd err on the side of medium) so is that about the right times?.

[DSB OUTDOORS]

Elk is better served more rare 140 deg. is usualy perfect. How thick are the steaks?? 1/2" or less, I would do sear 1min each side 2min each side. if you over cook it it will turn to leather. You can always throw it back on the grill if its not to you're liking. Over 1/2" 3min a side after sear.

[roberth]

First off I'm no expert. I'd never marinate Elk or add salt/pepper, I just cook it and eat it plain... it is delicious all by its lonesome.

[Zundfolge]

They're about 3/4 in thick so it sounds like 3-4 will work perfect.

[sniper7]

Do not overcook them. Better to have them a little more red as they will be better that way. I cook elk about once a week. Overdone is not very good. Medium is the most you want to cook an elk steak. Above that and they will be tough. It is harder to experiment since you only have one shot. If they are under 1/2 inch then hit them a minute a side on high.for 1the inch about 2 minutes is all I do maybe a little more on my wifes steak.

Just remember you can't uncook a steak.

[tmleadr03]

I am so hungry now. Thanks OP. Sigh. Now I have to figure what I am going to go eat that will not compare to what you have described and will leave me feeling empty.[Help]

[Graves]

How thick are they? When they're about 3/4"-1" I usually crank the gas up to high then I'll go 4-5min on one side then 2-3min on the other. Makes for a nice medium steak every time, just make sure to keep en eye on them for grease fires.

[Mtn.man]

Yeah what they said never over cook elk, always rare is better.
I have cooked em with marinate, without, with all kinds of seasoning etc.

When ya get a recipe you like stick with it.

[Zundfolge]

Well after the 1 min a side sear and 3 minutes per side on the medium side of the grill they came out about a perfect medium rare.

Thanks all for the advice ... the big downside is now I'm going to have to hunt down a nice bolt action rifle and see if I can't get an elk tag now :p


Here's the finished product just moments before it was ravaged by wolves. :D

http://www.macvanpublishing.com/mike/ElkSteak.jpg

[sniper7]

Came out looking good

[DSB OUTDOORS]

x10 [Beer]

[Zundfolge]

Came out tasting damn good too :D

[tmleadr03]

Came out tasting damn good too :D

Way to rub it in!

Sure looked good!

[Zundfolge]

Ya know Graves, that only works because of your avatar.

[Graves]

Hehe, I deleted it; figured most wouldn't get it.

I gotta get me an elk now.

[JoeT]

I know that you've already cooked and ate them...but I thought I'd add this for others

Game meat is very lean, and thus cooks quicker than cow.

If you usually cook your steaks 4-5 minutes a side, you'll want to cook about a minute less a side for the same degree of doneness