This simple marinade slays any complaints about the taste of the elk before they even start. This game-changing balsamic marinade is the secret to incredibly flavorful elk steaks. It takes elk or any red meat steak from ordinary to extraordinary, ensuring tender, juicy results every time.
Our carefully crafted marinade combines the rich tang of balsamic vinegar with the savory depth of Worcestershire sauce. We’ve added olive oil for moisture, garlic, and mustard for punch, and fresh rosemary for an aromatic finish. A perfect balance of salt and pepper ties it all together. This powerhouse mixture not only enhances the natural flavor of the elk but also helps tenderize this lean meat.
Whether you’re experienced with game recipes or trying elk for the first time, this marinade is designed to enhance the robust flavors of game meat.
Ingredients for balsamic steak marinade
Although we use this marinade for elk steaks, it also works great for bison, deer meat, or any type of steak you would marinate. Another great option for picky eaters is to marinate game in buttermilk. We do this with our venison steaks.
- olive oil
- balsamic vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce is a good substitute
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- garlic cloves
- Mustard (Dijon or whole grain recommended)
- fresh rosemary
- onion powder
- dried parsley
How to make the elk steak marinade
- Blend the Marinade:
- In a food processor, add all the ingredients.
- Pulse 5 to 7 times until the garlic and rosemary are finely minced.
- Continue to process for 20 to 30 seconds until all ingredients are well emulsified into a smooth marinade.
- Pour the marinade into a glass jar or large resealable plastic bag.
- Store or Use Immediately:
- The marinade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For best results, marinate your elk or beef steaks in the fridge for 4 to 8 hours before grilling.
Tips for Perfect Marination
- Allow Time to Marinate: For the deepest flavor, let the steaks marinate in the refrigerator for the full 8 hours.
- Room Temperature: Bring the marinated steaks to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Game meats are best enjoyed when cooked to no more than medium-rare, as they can become tough if overcooked. Use an instant-read thermometer for a perfectly cooked elk steak, whether grilling or searing in a cast iron skillet.
Cooking Elk Steak
After marinating, remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the marinade. Then pan sear or grill them over medium-high heat to 130-135 degrees F, medium rare to medium, for the best results or your preferred doneness.
For a step-by-step, check out our grilled elk steaks recipe.
This marinade brings out the natural flavors of the juicy steak, making it perfect for a hearty meal. Serve with grilled vegetables, a rustic potato side, or a fresh salad to complete your dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This marinade is particularly effective for game meats like elk, which benefit from the ingredients’ tenderizing and flavor-enhancing properties. The balsamic vinegar adds a slight tang that complements the meat’s rich flavors, while the rosemary and garlic provide fragrant aromatics.
This marinade will become a staple in your culinary repertoire, especially if you enjoy game meats and want to enhance their natural flavors with a simple, homemade touch.
More Game Meat Recipes
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Create a flavor-packed balsamic marinade that enhances and tenderizes elk steaks. This recipe combines balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, mustard, and fresh rosemary for the perfect wild game prep.
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Make the Marinade:
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In a food processor combine all of the ingredients.
3/4 cup Olive oil, 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp Salt, ½ tsp Pepper, 3 Garlic cloves, 1 tbsp Mustard, 1 tbsp fresh Rosemary, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried parsley
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Pulse 5 to 7 times until the garlic and fresh rosemary are finely minced.
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Then run the food processor for 20 to 30 seconds to combine everything into a smooth marinade.
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You can refrigerator this marinade for up to 4 days or use it on steaks immediately.
- Although we use this balsamic marinade on elk steaks, it will work for bison, venison, and beef steaks too.
- The marinade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For best results, marinate your elk or beef steaks in the fridge for 4 to 8 hours before grilling.
Serving: 1g | Calories: 63kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 114mg | Potassium: 12mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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