Description
Delicious elk burgers topped with creamy chipotle avocado sauce and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground elk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2–4 chipotles in adobo sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 4 burger buns
- 1 cup crisp lettuce
- 1–2 thinly sliced ripe tomatoes
- ¼ red onion, cut into rings
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a small food processor or blender, combine the mayonnaise, chipotle peppers (start with 1-2, depending on your preferred heat level), 1-2 tablespoons of the adobo sauce from the can, the fresh lime juice, and the minced garlic. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat as needed.
- Transfer the sauce to a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.
- Slice or dice the ripe avocados and drizzle them with fresh lime juice to prevent browning.
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Thinly slice the tomatoes and red onion, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground elk with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any optional spices.
- Mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into patties, about ¾-inch thick.
- Press a shallow indentation into the center of each patty.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or a skillet over medium-high heat, adding oil as necessary.
- Carefully place the elk patties on the grill or in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 5-6 minutes for medium doneness.
- If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking.
- Once cooked, let the patties rest for 5 minutes on a plate.
- While the patties are resting, lightly toast the burger buns.
- To assemble, spread a generous amount of chipotle sauce on both halves of each toasted bun, and layer with lettuce, tomato, the elk patty, sliced avocado, and red onion. Crown with the top bun.
- Prepare to enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust chipotle and adobo sauce to your heat preference.
- For a flavorful twist, marinate the elk meat for a few hours before cooking.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes, like fries or a salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg