Mouthwatering Elk Fried Steak Recipe to Try Today
Welcome to my elk fried steak recipe article. This recipe combines the hearty taste of game meat with the classic crunchy goodness of Chicken Fried Steak. It is a true celebration of the American West.
Frying an elk steak is no different from cooking other types of red meat, but elk meat is much leaner than beef and has almost no fat content. Therefore, you need to cook it carefully to preserve its flavor and texture. I’ve developed this recipe with that in mind and I believe it will exceed expectations.
If you are not already familiar with cooking game meat, don’t be intimidated. Elk meat is a popular wild game choice, especially for those seeking low-fat protein. My recipe produces tender, juicy steaks that are full of flavor and easy to prepare.
Get ready to indulge in a tasty piece of the wild west. As The Economist magazine puts it: “This recipe will provide a perfect hit for your inner cowboy”! So grab your favorite cast iron skillet and let’s start cooking some wild game magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you ready to try something new and exciting in your kitchen? Look no further than this elk fried steak recipe! Whether you’re a seasoned elk meat pro or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress.
Not only is elk meat a delicious and low-fat alternative to beef, but this recipe takes it to the next level by turning it into a mouth-watering country fried steak with a crispy coating that will have your taste buds dancing. The combination of flour, black pepper, garlic powder, and buttermilk will create a flavor explosion in every bite.
Plus, elk meat is considered game meat, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a more sustainable and ethical source of protein. With the rising popularity of local and grass-fed meats, elk meat is quickly becoming a go-to choice for many health-conscious eaters.
So why not step out of your comfort zone and give this recipe a try? It’s an excellent way to expand your culinary horizons and celebrate Chicken Fried Steak Day with a twist. Trust us; your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you.
Ingredient List
Ingredients for Elk Fried Steak Recipe
Here are the ingredient list for making this delicious elk fried steak recipe:
- 3 elk steaks (around 4-6 oz each)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2-3 cups oil (canola or vegetable oil)
- 1/4 cup butter (optional)
Note that you can adjust the amount of seasoning based on your taste preference. Also, use low-fat ingredients to make the recipe healthier. To reinforce the gamey flavor of elk meat, you’ll be using some basic pantry supplies such as flour, salt, and black pepper.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking up this delicious elk fried steak recipe! Make sure to carefully follow these step-by-step instructions for the perfect fried steak legendary dish.
Instructions
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First, take your elk steaks and tenderize them by pounding them with a meat mallet. This is an important step as it will help break down any connective tissue and ensure the meat doesn’t come out chewy.
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In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
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Place an iron skillet on the stove and heat 1/4 cup of oil over medium-high heat until hot.
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Take your elk steaks and coat them in the flour mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated.
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Once the oil is hot enough, gently add the steaks into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until browned.
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When they’re cooked to your liking (medium-rare is recommended), remove steaks from skillet.
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Add 2 tablespoons of butter to pan and melt on medium-low heat. Then add in 1/4 cup of flour to make a roux (gravy base) using a whisk to stir continuously for at least two minutes.
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After two minutes slowly pour in 2 cups of milk into roux while whisking continuously
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Bring mixture to boil until desired thickness is achieved.
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Finally, season gravy with more salt & pepper if needed and serve alongside elk steaks or pour directly over steak fingers!
Pan-Fried Venison or Elk Tenderloin
If you have elk loin or venison steaks instead of cube steak or regular elk steak, you can still use this recipe for delicious pan-fried tenderloin. Just cook it for about 2-3 minutes per side, allowing it to sear before removing from the heat.
Now that you know how to cook this delicious elk fried steak recipe successfully, it’s time to gather your ingredients and put your skills to the test!
Substitutions and Variations
Elk meat may be the star of this recipe, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick strictly to it. There are a number of substitutions and variations you can make to create a dish that suits your tastes and preferences.
First, consider the type of flour you use. While all-purpose flour is commonly used in traditional chicken fried steak recipes, you can experiment with alternatives such as cornmeal or almond flour. These may impart a slightly different texture or flavor to the dish, but can be a fun way to mix things up.
Additionally, if you don’t have access to elk meat or prefer another type of wild game, such as venison or bison, feel free to use it instead. The marinade and preparation process should work similarly for these types of meat, though cooking times may vary depending on the cut and size.
For those looking for lower-fat options, consider using cube steak or elk tenderloin in place of thicker cuts like sirloin. These leaner cuts will require less cooking time and offer a healthier alternative to more indulgent dishes.
Finally, think about adding your own spin by incorporating different spices or seasonings into the flour mixture. Consider adding chili powder, cumin, or paprika for an extra kick of flavor. You could even try serving the elk fried steak with unique sides like sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
No matter which substitutions or variations you choose to make, this elk fried steak recipe offers plenty of room for experimentation and customization. So get creative and find your own perfect variation of this classic comfort food dish.
Serving and Pairing
After a mouth-watering chicken-fried elk steak, it’s time to talk about how to serve and pair this delicious dish. The fried elk steak is traditionally served with mashed potatoes and gravy, but you can also indulge in a side salad or steamed vegetables to add some greenery to the dish.
To complement the dish’s richness and flavor, a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec would be the perfect pairing. A cold beer is also an excellent option to cut through the high fat content of this wild game meat.
If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, try lemonade or sweet iced tea. Adding a slice of lemon or lime will refresh your palate and help balance out the flavors.
Consider garnishing your fried steak with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for added freshness and aroma. These herbs will also add a pop of color to your dish!
Remember, after cooking and seasoning your chicken-fried elk steak, let it rest for five minutes before slicing into it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy with every bite.
Now that you’ve got the perfect pairing and serving suggestions for your elk steak recipe let’s dig in! Celebrate chicken-fried steak day with these flavorful and delicious wild-game inspired dishes that are sure to leave your taste buds craving more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you are looking for a meal that can be made ahead of time and reheated, the Elk Fried Steak recipe is the answer to your culinary dreams. You can easily make the elk steaks in advance, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet with oil and spread the leftover elk steaks evenly on it. Bake them for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through. This way, your steaks will retain their crispy texture and delicate flavor.
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, you can keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave-safe container, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap (to prevent moisture from escaping), and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. If they appear too dry after reheating, add a little cream or milk and stir well.
When storing elk steak in the freezer, cook them first before freezing. They can be stored for up to three months without losing their flavor or texture. To defrost frozen elk steak safely, transfer the frozen meat to the fridge and leave it there overnight.
One useful tip when reheating elk steak is to avoid overcooking it. Overcooking could result in tough, dry and rubbery meat that is almost impossible to chew. Instead, aim to reheat it just enough to warm through while still retaining its rare to medium rare level of doneness.
Overall, this recipe allows for great make-ahead options with easy storage procedures that help preserve both taste and texture of your elk fried steak.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking wild game meat can be challenging, and elk steak is no exception. However, with some helpful tips and tricks, cooking a delicious and tender Fried Elk Steak might not be that hard as you thought.
Here are some tips to help you cook the perfect Fried Elk Steak:
1. Tenderize the Meat
Elk steaks can be tough due to connective tissue. To make it more tender, use a meat tenderizer, or marinate them for several hours before cooking. This will help to break down the tissue and make it more tender.
2. Use a Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is an essential tool for cooking any wild game meat. It distributes heat evenly and retains heat well, making it perfect for cooking elk steaks to perfection.
3. Preheat Your Skillet
Always preheat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil and the elk steak. A preheated skillet ensures even cooking throughout each side of the steak.
4. Don’t Overcook The Elk Steak
Elk steaks are best served rare or medium-rare, as they tend to get tough when cooked beyond that stage. To ensure that you cook the steak perfectly, use an instant-read thermometer to check the inside temperature.
5. Rest The Steak
After you have finished cooking the steak, let it rest on a cutting board or plate for a few minutes before slicing it into pieces. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes for a much more flavorful and juicy meal.
By following these simple tips, you can create an unforgettable Fried Elk Steak that everyone will love!
FAQ
As with every recipe, a few questions might arise in the process of making this elk fried steak recipe. To ensure that everything goes smoothly and you get perfectly cooked elk steaks on your plate, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answered them for you. Keep reading to find helpful tips and tricks that will make your cooking experience enjoyable and allow you to cook delicious elk steaks like a pro.
How do you tenderize elk steak?
If you want to enhance the tenderness of your elk steak, marinating the meat overnight is a great option. You may also opt to use a meat mallet or a fork to physically tenderize the meat by breaking down the connective tissue. For the best results, I recommend cooking elk steak to a medium-rare/medium doneness.
How is elk supposed to be cooked?
When it comes to elk steaks, it’s important to keep in mind that this meat is quite lean. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to cook it to a rare to medium-rare temperature. To keep those natural juices locked in, a sear at high temperatures for a short time is ideal. You’ll want to aim for an internal temperature of around 120-125 degrees, and make sure to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking.
Is elk round steak tough?
When it comes to preparing elk, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a leaner option than traditional beef cuts. Due to its lower fat content, elk meat has a higher amount of connective tissue. This means that it’s crucial to cook it at a low temperature and for a longer time to avoid ending up with a tough and chewy piece of meat. Overcooking elk or any type of game meat is definitely not the way to go. Remember, slow and steady wins the race in this case!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are a fan of wild game meat, especially elk, this elk fried steak recipe is without a doubt worth trying. Not only is it an excellent way to make use of your game meat, but it is also a fantastic alternative to the traditional chicken fried steak which many people love.
The crispy and juicy texture of this dish will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. And with the easy-to-follow instructions and ingredients list provided in this article, you can prepare yourself for an absolutely delicious meal.
So whether you are celebrating “chicken fried steak day” or just looking for a unique and delicious dinner idea, give this elk fried steak recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Elk Fried Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 -3 lbs boneless elk steaks
- 1/2 cup flour
- salt and pepper
- 3 -4 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Lay steaks out flat.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Coat them with flour.
- Preheat skillet and oil.
- Lay steaks in skillet and sear them on both sides.
- Then turn stove down to medium low until well done, but not dry.
- The drippings can make a very good gravy!
YOUR OWN NOTE
Nutrition
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Shara @The Bird BBQ
Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.