What Spices or Herbs to Use on Elk Meat?

Elk meat comes in a variety of different cuts: steaks, sausages, racks and more. The meat is leaner than beef, so it cooks quickly and tastes delicious. Rare elk should be cooked to 140 degrees F and medium-rare meat should be cooked to 150. Use elk meat for barbecues, chili, stews or for shish kebabs. A variety of seasonings and herbs can be used to flavor the meat.

Salt and pepper are mealtime staples that are used to flavor a variety of dishes. Elk meat is flavorful on its own, but salt and pepper add a boost of savory taste. A pinch of salt and pepper should be plenty, but season to your personal preferences. Try using Celtic sea salt, which is unprocessed salt loaded with health-benefiting minerals.

Garlic can be used in a variety of recipes using elk. Sprinkle garlic salt or garlic powder on elk steaks. A tasty garlic rub for can be made with 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, 1 tsp. garlic powder and 1 tsp. onion powder. Mince garlic cloves and add them to elk meatballs, elk chili or in a marinade for barbecued elk. A marinade can be as simple as 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp. onion powder and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Parsley's one-of-a-kind flavor is sometimes described as earthy. Cut up one small bunch of fresh parsley with 1 tsp. minced garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper and add to meatballs. Use the same recipe with 1/2 cup of olive oil for a savory elk marinade.

Red pepper flakes and chili powder are flavorful spices to add some kick to your elk meat recipe. These spices can be used in elk meat rubs, along with salt and pepper, for grilling. Add 1 tsp. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper for a spicy elk rub perfect for strips, steaks or ribs.