Elk & Bison Meat
All of our animals are pasture raised and supplemented with small amounts of grain. Our animals are not fed questionable drugs, chemicals or hormones. Because the animals are farm raised with a controlled diet, their meat does not have a “gamy” taste that many people expect. In fact, elk and buffalo meat is extremely flavorful with a sweeter and richer flavor than beef. Both elk and buffalo are considered gourmet meats due to their wonderful flavor. Restaurants that have been able to establish a stable supply of these meats often feature them as their house specialties. There are, however, benefits beyond their wonderful taste. Both meats are extremely high in protein and nutrients and very low in fat, calories and cholesterol. They are ideal for people who are watching their weight or have been told to watch their fat intake.
Cuts of Meat
Elk |
Bison |
Ground
Patties
Roast
Medallions (Steaks)
Tenderloin
T-bone Steak
Rib Eye Steak
Sirloin Steak
New York Strip Steak
Brisket
Bratwurst
Franks
Liver
Heart or Tongue
|
Ground
Patties
Roast
Medallions (Steaks)
Rib Eye Steak
Sirloin Steak
New York Strip Steak
Brisket
Bratwurst
Franks
Liver
Heart or Tongue |
Specialty Products |
Special Products |
Summer Sausage
Cheddar Cheese Summer Sausage
Hot Pepper Cheese Summer Sausage
Smoked Cured Elk
Elk Snack Sticks
Elk Jerky |
Summer Sausage
Smoked Cured Buffalo
Buffalo Snack Sticks |
Comparison of Meats
Differences between beef, chicken, elk, and bison
:
Serving Size 3 oz (85g) |
Beef |
Chicken |
Elk |
Bison |
Calories |
282 |
141 |
124 |
121 |
Calories from Fat |
198 |
27 |
18 |
18 |
Total Fat |
22g |
3g |
2g |
2g |
Saturated Fat |
9g |
1g |
1g |
1g |
Cholesterol |
73mg |
73mg |
62mg |
69mg |
Sodium |
47mg |
63mg |
51mg |
48mg |
Carbohydrates |
0g |
0g |
0g |
0g |
Dietary Fiber |
0g |
0g |
0 g |
0g |
Protein |
20g |
27g |
26g |
24g |
Data from USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 13. U.S. Deparment of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1999.
Preperation Hints
When cooking elk or buffalo, it is important to remember that theses are lean meats. Because of the low fat content, certain cooking techniques need to be employed to get the best results. Less tender cuts such as chuck, shoulder, and round benefit from using oong, slow moist heat methods. While a Dutch oven is often used, many people have found that slow cooking in a crock-pot is ideal. With this method, you do not have to worry about overcooking as long as you make sure there is enough liquid in the pot. The use of pressure cooker is also an option for certain cuts of meat.
Age meat under refrigeration for three to seven days to enhance tenderness.
Trim all fat from game meats to remove a major source of the wild flavor.
Cooking Hints
Burger Patties |
Always great when grilled or pan fried. Spray liberally with cooking oil and turn often. Do not cook beyond medium well done. Just to point where pink is disappearing. |
Ground Meat |
Great for casserole, chili soup, or meatballs. |
Roasts |
Season according to your own taste. Cook slowly at a lower temperature (250° - 275°). Roaster bags work well. |
Round Steak |
Do not pan fry, broil, or grill this cut of meat. To prepare very tender round steak, cut steak into 3/4" to 1" cubes to use in stews, pepper steak, or steak and gravy recipes. |
Boneless Ribs |
Just use your favorite recipe for country style or barbecue ribs. |
Flank Steak |
Marinate 24 hours, grill whole, slice, and serve. |
Sirloin Steak, Ribeye Steak, & Strip Steak |
Each of these types of steak can be braised and pan fried, broiled, or grilled. Sirloin Steak can be cubed, marinated, and put on skewers with cherry tomatoes, peppers, onions, etc., then brushed with marinade or oil and gill for great Kabobs. Do NOT overcook! |
Tenderloin |
Prepare as you would a beef fillet mingon, for a most tender treat. |
Marinades
Elk and buffalo, especially the steaks and roasts, are best when marinated. Marinades, tenderizers, and seasonings enhance taste and moistness.
Different ways to marinate:
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Use wine or vinegar with the heavier flavors of soy or garlic
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Use Coke Classic along with any seasonings you desire
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Adding bacon strips or fat while cooking can help keep it moist (but not healthy)
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Italian salad dressing
Sample Recipes
Barbecue Meatballs
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Mix:
1 lb. elk burger
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup minced onion
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1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup rolled oats, uncooked
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Form into walnut-sized balls. Place in 13 x 9 inch pan.
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Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup chopped onion
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2 T vinegar
4 T brown sugar
|
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Mix sauce ingredients and pour over meatballs. Do not cover. Bake at 350° for 1 hour, turning once or twice.
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Crock Pot Roast
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1 elk roast
1 cup water
1 pkg. French onion soup
Salt & Pepper (to taste) |
2 cans (8 oz.) Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can whole potatoes
Baby carrots
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Add all ingredients in crock-pot and cook on medium for 4 - 6 hours.
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Grilled Elk Steak
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4 Ribeye steaks |
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Marinate steaks for 4 hours in Lawry's fat-free lemon pepper marinade.
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Prepare a baste:
6 T melted butter or margarine
6 T soy sauce
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6 T brown sugar
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Cook until seared. Turn meat: brush with the basting mixture. Continue grilling, burshing frequently with the baste until desired doneness (approximately 20 minutes).
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