Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by Shari Mason
Allow your inner chef to shine and impress your guests with a juicy, perfectly cooked elk steak.
With our expert guidance, learning how to cook an elk steak in the oven has never been easier.
From selecting the right cut to mastering the heat, we’ll show you how to achieve a perfectly cooked steak every time.
So, grab your oven mitts, and let’s get started.
7 Steps to Cooking Elk Steak in the Oven
1. Prepare the Elk Steak
Allow food to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking. Next, place the steak on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, and pop it in the oven. [1]
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven for perfect elk steak. Even cooking, juicy flavor. Set to desired temp, wait for indicator. Makes all the difference, don’t skip it!
3. Pan Sear Both Sides of the Elk Steak
To get a juicy, perfectly cooked elk steak every time, you must sear it in a pan before finishing it in the oven.
“The key to a perfectly cooked elk steak is to start with a high-quality cut, season it well, and let it come to room temperature before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and a juicy, delicious result.”
– Gordon Ramsay, Renowned Chef
The pan’s high heat caramelizes the steak’s outside, creating a delicious crust while sealing in the natural juices. Quickly sear both sides of the steak for about 1-2 minutes per side [2].
4. Transfer to a Baking Dish
Transfer the elk steaks to a preheated baking dish and prepare the barbecue sauce.
5. Prepare the Barbecue Sauce
Get ready for a flavorful ride with the perfect barbecue sauce for your elk steak. Mix equal parts ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Add a touch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Let the sauce simmer until thick, and then brush it onto your elk steak.
6. Pour It on Top of the Elk Steak
Pouring barbecue sauce on elk steak before baking is the secret to a mouth-watering and delicious meal. The sauce adds flavor and keeps the meat moist and tender.
When choosing a barbecue sauce, look for a balanced combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will complement the natural taste of the elk.
7. Cook in the Oven Until Desired Doneness
It’s time to bring your delicious elk steak to perfection! Place the seasoned steak in a preheated oven set to 425°F. Cook for 6–8 minutes for rare, 5–10 minutes for medium-rare, or 10–12 minutes for medium-well.
For rare, a meat thermometer reading of 130 degrees Fahrenheit, medium-rare at 145 degrees, and medium at 160 degrees are ideal.
Remember, oven temperatures can vary, so adjust cooking time accordingly. Enjoy your perfectly cooked elk steak!
FAQs
What temperature do you cook elk steak at?
Elk steak is best cooked at a temperature of 425°F. Cook for 6–8 minutes for rare, 8–10 minutes for medium-rare, or 10–12 minutes for medium.
With a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature. Rare is at 130 degrees Fahrenheit, medium-rare is at 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and medium is at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do you soak elk meat before cooking?
Some hunters soak elk meat in a mixture of water, vinegar, salt, and other ingredients to get rid of any “gamey” taste before cooking it.
Is elk meat better than beef?
Comparing elk meat and beef is subjective and depends on personal taste preferences. Elk meat is leaner and healthier than beef, with a gamey flavor.
On the other hand, beef is widely available and has a rich, robust taste. Both have their own good points, and it’s up to each person to decide which one is better.
Is elk steak longer to cook than beef?
Yes. Elk steak takes longer to cook than beef steak due to its leaner composition and lower fat content.
In a Nutshell
You can get a juicy and flavorful elk steak with little effort by baking it. Then, with the right marinade and cooking time, you can have a delicious elk steak in no time!
Try this method today, and you’ll never look back. Bon appétit!
References:
- https://www.food.com/recipe/grilled-elk-steaks-143734
- https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Elk-Steak
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