Colorado Grilled Elk Tenderloin with Whiskey Herb Marinade

There is something primal and deeply satisfying about grilling elk, especially when you are channeling the rugged spirit of the Colorado Rockies. Elk tenderloin is widely considered the crown jewel of American game meat, prized for its incredible leanness, rich color, and a flavor profile that is sweeter and cleaner than beef without being overly gamey. However, because it is so lean, it requires a careful touch to ensure it remains succulent and tender. This recipe bridges the gap between rustic campfire cooking and gourmet dining, utilizing a robust whiskey herb marinade that tenderizes the meat while imparting deep, aromatic notes of oak and molasses.

Using an Arteflame grill for this recipe elevates the experience entirely. The unique design allows you to achieve a steakhouse-quality sear on the center grill grate while gently finishing the meat on the flat cooktop, ensuring you never overcook this delicate cut. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a culinary adventurer looking to expand your grilling repertoire, this dish brings the wild elegance of the outdoors straight to your backyard feast.

Ingredients

The Meat

• 2 lbs Elk Tenderloin (trimmed of silverskin)

The Whiskey Herb Marinade

• 1/2 cup Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
• 1/4 cup Soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp Fresh thyme, leaves stripped
• 1 tsp Coarse black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt (add more to taste after grilling)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (for finishing)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the whiskey, soy sauce, olive oil, and brown sugar until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, fresh thyme, and black pepper.
3. Place the elk tenderloin into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 6 hours. Because the marinade contains alcohol and salt, marinating too long can cure the meat, affecting the texture.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Remove the elk from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook. Letting the meat come to room temperature ensures even cooking.
2. Start a wood fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want to build a hot coal bed to get the center searing grate well over 600°F, while the outer flat cooktop stabilizes at a medium-high heat range.
3. Scrape the cooktop clean and apply a thin layer of oil to season the surface just before grilling.

Step 3: The Sear and Slide

1. Remove the elk from the marinade and shake off excess liquid. Discard the remaining marinade.
2. Place the tenderloin directly onto the center grill grate for a high-heat sear. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until a rich, dark crust forms. The sugars in the marinade will caramelize quickly, creating a beautiful char.
3. Once seared, move the tenderloin onto the flat steel cooktop. This allows the meat to finish cooking evenly without direct flame exposure.
4. Add the butter near the meat on the cooktop and roll the tenderloin in the melted butter as it finishes.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pull the elk off the grill when it reaches 125°F to 130°F for a perfect medium-rare. Do not cook past medium, or the meat will dry out.
2. Transfer the elk to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for redistribution of juices.
3. Slice the tenderloin against the grain into medallions and sprinkle with a pinch of coarse sea salt before serving.

Tips

Cooking game meat like elk requires a shift in mindset compared to cooking domestic beef. The most critical tip is to never cook elk tenderloin past medium-rare. Due to its extremely low fat content, elk loses its moisture and tenderness rapidly if overcooked; the target internal temperature should be 130°F. If you prefer your meat more well-done, elk might not be the right choice for you, as it becomes tough and livery at higher temperatures. Additionally, always slice the meat against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender. Finally, ensure your grill is fully heated before the meat touches the surface. The Arteflame's high heat is your best friend here, sealing in juices instantly upon contact, which is vital for preserving the delicate texture of the loin.

Variations

While the whiskey and herb combination is a classic pairing for the earthy notes of elk, there are several ways to tweak this recipe to suit different palates or seasonal ingredients. You can easily adjust the marinade profile or the finishing technique to create a new experience. If you do not have elk available, this exact method works wonders for venison backstrap or bison tenderloin. Here are a few flavor variations to consider trying on your grill:

• Juniper & Gin: Swap the whiskey for gin and add crushed juniper berries to the marinade for a piney, botanical flavor that mimics the elk's natural diet.
• Coffee Rub: Skip the liquid marinade and use a dry rub of ground espresso, chili powder, and brown sugar for a smoky, crusty exterior.
• Red Wine Reduction: Instead of butter finishing, reduce a cup of Cabernet Sauvignon with shallots on the flat top and drizzle over the sliced meat.
• Spicy Kick: Add a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the whiskey marinade for heat.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar for a distinctly autumn flavor profile.

Best pairings

To create a balanced meal that respects the bold flavors of the game meat, you should choose sides that offer earthy, savory, or slightly sweet notes. Since elk is so lean, pairing it with richer, starchier sides helps round out the mouthfeel of the dinner. Cooking your sides right alongside the meat on the Arteflame cooktop not only saves time but allows the flavors to mingle. A robust red wine is the standard beverage choice, but a dark ale or a bourbon cocktail also mirrors the marinade beautifully. Here are the best accompaniments for your feast:

• Grill-Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted on the flat top with duck fat.
• Wild Mushroom Sauté: Chanterelles or Cremini mushrooms sautéed with garlic and butter.
• Beverage: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or a smoked Old Fashioned cocktail.
• Starch: Wild rice pilaf with cranberries or a creamy garlic parmesan polenta.

Conclusion

Mastering this Colorado Grilled Elk Tenderloin recipe is a feather in the cap of any grill master. It transforms a simple cut of game meat into a luxurious dining experience that highlights the best of the wild. The whiskey herb marinade provides just enough acidity and sweetness to complement the natural flavors of the elk, while the Arteflame grill ensures a professional-grade sear that conventional grills struggle to replicate. Whether you are celebrating a successful hunt or simply enjoying the unique flavors of specialty meats, this dish is sure to impress. Gather your friends around the fire, pour a glass of bourbon, and enjoy the rustic elegance of this mountain-inspired meal.