Elk Steak with Herb Butter

Elk Steak with Herb Butter

Pan-seared elk with compound herb butter, roasted garlic, and greens.

• Meal Type: Dinner
• Dietary: Keto, Carnivore, Gluten-Free
• Main Ingredient: Ground Elk
• Servings: 4
• Cost per Serving: $11.00
• Prep Time: 25 min

Ingredients

Elk Steaks

• 4 elk steaks (6–8 oz each), at room temperature
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• Sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 head garlic, halved crosswise (for roasting)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting garlic)

From-Scratch Compound Herb Butter

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• Pinch of sea salt

To Serve

• 4 cups mixed greens or wilted spinach
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

Make the Herb Butter

1. Combine softened butter with parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated.
2. Roll into a log using plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up.

Roast the Garlic

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle halved garlic head with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes until golden and soft. Set aside.

Sear the Elk

1. Pat elk steaks dry. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper.
2. Heat avocado oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking.
3. Sear steaks for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare (elk is best served no more than medium). Rest for 5 minutes.

Serve

1. Place each steak on a bed of greens.
2. Top immediately with a slice of herb butter (it will melt over the hot steak).
3. Serve with roasted garlic and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Notes

Elk is one of the leanest wild game meats, extremely high in protein and low in saturated fat. This dish is keto-friendly, carnivore-compatible, and gluten-free. The from-scratch compound herb butter adds healthy fats and aromatic flavor — no artificial additives.