Elk Burger Recipe

These delicious elk burgers will be your new favorite! Try this recipe on your next burger night.

As a San Diego native, In-n-Out holds a special place in my heart. As a little kid, I begged my parents to stop at the In-n-Out we’d pass on the way to my grandparent’s house. I loved their trademark pink lemonade.

As a teenager, I’d go see local bands play at a venue that shared its parking lot with an In-n-Out. I loved those late nights, eating a double-double with my friends and talking about the show. Many southern California kids have memories like mine. In-n-Out has always been more than a fast-food restaurant to us.

That’s why I tried to recreate In-n-Out’s special sauce to go with these delicious elk burgers!

What’s the Big Deal About In-n-Out Burgers?

If you’re not from the southwest, then you probably don’t get why In-n-Out is big deal. Aside from being a late-night gathering place for hungry teenagers, it makes a great burger. There’s a reason why whenever you go to an In-n-Out, there’s a drive-through line wrapped around the building.

Here’s the key to understanding why In-n-Out is such a big deal. They aren’t the best burgers in the world. But they are among the best *fast-food* burgers you will find just about anywhere. Don’t compare it to an amazing steak house wagyu beef burger. Compare it to other fast food chains, and you will understand why it is so well-loved. There are also only a few of them in most of the bigger southwest/west coast states. Their scarcity makes them more popular, unlike most fast-food chains that you will find off every freeway exit.

Why You Should Try this Recipe with Elk

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk about this burger. If you’ve never tried elk, you are in for a treat. Elk is one of my favorite game meats. Flavorful elk burgers are a tasty treat the whole family will love. Wild game meat like elk and white tail venison is a lower fat, higher protein option than beef. Lean ground elk meat has a delicious flavor. If you have leftover ground elk meat and you’re not sure what to do with it, elk burgers are the way to go.

Where Can You Buy Elk?

Elk is not usually available at your local grocery store. You will have better luck at your local butcher shop. There are also several online options to have fresh ground elk delivered to your home. Or, of course you can go out and get it yourself (with appropriate permits of course).

What Makes This an In-N-Out-Inspired Burger?

Every In-n-Out burger comes with In-n-Out’s special sauce. I’ll never be able to replicate it exactly, but I think I got pretty close with this recipe. The burgers are also thin and come with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion (I skip the onion).

Elk Burger Recipe Video

Sometimes it’s just better to watch how its done! Check out the Outdoor Muscle YouTube Channel for more high protein recipe videos.

Burger Ingredients

This juicy burger recipe serves four and only calls for a few simple ingredients.

• 1 lb Ground Elk
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Sea Salt
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 slices American Cheese
• Iceberg Lettuce
• 1 Tomato
• 1 Red Onion (optional)
• 4 Burger Buns
• 4 tsp Mustard

Substitutes

This recipe works great for ground beef as well. You could also substitute the elk for ground venison or bison. For this to be a true copycat burger, you need to use American cheese. However, I understand not everyone loves American cheese. Cheddar cheese is your next best bet while still maintaining the intended flavor.

Sauce Ingredients

The sauce is what separates these elk hamburgers from the pack.

• 2 tbsp Mayonaise
• 2 tsp Ketchup
• 2 tsp Relish
• 1/2 tsp White Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Vinegar

How to Make the Sauce

Making the sauce for these appetizing wild-game burgers is as easy as it gets. There’s only one step!

Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

That’s it! Your sauce is ready to go.

How to Cook the Perfect Elk Burger

Step 1

Place the ground elk in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Using your hands, form four separate burger patties of equal size. About a quarter pound each. Make them as flat as possible.

Step 2

Prepare the fresh ingredients. Thinly slice the tomato (and onion if you’re using one). Thinly chop the lettuce.

Step 3

Heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat in a cast iron skillet or large pan.

Step 4

Cook the burgers on one side for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Add a teaspoon of mustard to each patty before you flip it. The idea is to cook the mustard into the patty.

Step 6

Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Do not press the burgers down to flatten them. This will give you a dry burger.

Step 7

Just before the burger is done cooking, add a slice of American cheese on top of the patty. Allow it to cook for 10-20 seconds, then remove it from the heat. Place the burger on a plate to let the meat rest while the cheese continues to melt.

Step 8 (optional)

While the burgers rest, toast the burger buns in the same pan. A lightly toasted bun turns a great burger into the perfect burger.

Step 9 (optional)

If making an In-n-Out-style “Double-Double,” stack two patties on top of each other. Make sure each patty is topped with its own slice of cheese.

Step 10

Top your burger with lettuce, tomato, and fresh onion. Spread the sauce onto the top bun, not the burger itself.

Note: The burgers’ flat shape will allow them to cook faster than a normal burger. Dear meat also tends to cook faster than beef due to its lower fat content.

These elk burgers are a delicious way to enjoy family burger night.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love these other recipes.

1. Easy High Protein Ramen Recipe for Busy Weeknights
2. Skillet Egg, Sausage, and Potatoes Breakfast Scramble Recipe
3. How to Cook a Ribeye Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet (+ Video)

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