Cooking elk meat at home might sound like a challenge, but it’s actually much simpler than you’d think. With the right techniques and a few pantry staples, you can turn this lean and flavourful wild game into an unforgettable meal. Whether you’ve just picked up Calgary elk meat from a local supplier or you’re new to game meat in general, these recipes are fast, delicious, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
In this post, we’ll cover how to cook big game meat properly and give you five simple elk recipes that anyone can make—no special equipment or fancy ingredients needed. Just high quality elk, a hot pan, and some good old-fashioned seasoning.
Elk Cooking Basics: What You Need to Know
Before jumping into the recipes, it helps to understand a few key tips for preparing elk meat:
- Let it come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures more even cooking.
- Elk is lean, so it’s best to cook steaks just until they reach a safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Use high heat for searing and remove from heat slightly before it’s done, letting it rest so the juices stay inside.
- Keep seasonings simple—salt and pepper, garlic, and black pepper are
often all you need.
For oils, use olive oil or canola oil with high smoke points.
Now that you know the basics, here are five elk recipes you can try tonight.
1. Elk Steak with Garlic and Herb Butter
Ingredients:
2 elk steaks (1-inch thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
Instructions:
Let steaks come to room temperature. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a cast iron pan over high heat.
Sear steaks for a few minutes per side, until they reach a safe internal temperature.
Add butter, garlic, and herbs. Spoon over steaks as they finish cooking.
Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
This is one of the best ways to showcase the natural flavour of Calgary elk meat.
2. Ground Elk Stir Fry with Veggies
Ingredients:
1 lb ground elk
1 tbsp canola oil
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 small onion, sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add ground elk and break apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and cooked through.
Add vegetables and stir fry 5–7 minutes.
Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt and pepper.
Serve over rice or noodles.
This quick stir fry is a great way to introduce game meat into your weekday routine.
3. Elk Meat and Onions Skillet
Ingredients:
1 lb elk steak or tenderloin, sliced thin
1 large onion, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt, black pepper
Instructions:
Heat oil in a skillet and add onions. Cook until softened and slightly browned.
Add sliced elk and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is cooked through.
Season with Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a touch of salt.
Serve with roasted potatoes or crusty bread.
This rustic meat and onions dish is a comforting way to enjoy elk meat with minimal prep.
4. Slow-Cooked Elk Stew
Ingredients:
1 lb elk Stew Meat
1 large onion, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt, black pepper
Instructions:
Heat oil in a skillet and add onions. Cook until softened and slightly browned.
Add sliced elk and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is cooked through.
Season with Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a touch of salt.
Serve with roasted potatoes or crusty bread.
This rustic meat and onions dish is a comforting way to enjoy elk meat with minimal prep.
5. Elk Burgers on the Grill
Ingredients:
1 lb ground elk
1 egg
1 tbsp breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper
Your favourite burger toppings
Instructions:
Mix ground elk with egg, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper. Form into patties.
Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
Grill burgers for several minutes per side, cooking until the patties reach a safe internal temperature.
Let rest before placing on buns. Add toppings and enjoy.
If you’re wondering what to do with Calgary elk meat you picked up at a local shop or online, this recipe is a great starting point.
Where to Get High Quality Elk Meat
Looking to try these recipes tonight but not sure where to find elk meat? Your local grocery store may not carry it, but Alberta residents have access to some of the best locally sourced wild game in the country.
Black Diamond Elk Ranch offers high quality, farm-raised elk available for delivery across Alberta. Whether you’re buying elk steak, ground elk, or cuts for stewing and grilling, they provide a sustainable, ethical source of protein with unmatched flavour.
Cooking elk meat at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few basic techniques and the right cuts, you can enjoy rich, flavourful wild game any night of the week. From stir fry to skillet dishes, these five elk recipes prove that game meat is just as versatile—and even more nutritious—than traditional red meat.
So next time you’re wondering how to cook big game meat, give one of these easy dishes a try. And if you’re in Alberta, check out Calgary elk meat suppliers like Black Diamond Elk Ranch for fresh, high quality cuts delivered right to your door.