Authentic Swedish Grilled Elk Striploin with Charred Rosemary

There is something primal and deeply satisfying about cooking wild game over an open fire, a tradition deeply rooted in Nordic culture. This Swedish-inspired elk striploin recipe brings the dense, aromatic forests of Scandinavia directly to your backyard. Unlike domestic beef, elk is incredibly lean and rich in iron, possessing a distinct flavor that pairs beautifully with resinous herbs like rosemary and juniper. The secret to this dish lies in the high-heat sear provided by the Arteflame grill, which locks in the juices, followed by a basting of charred rosemary-infused butter. This method ensures the meat remains tender and succulent, avoiding the dryness that often plagues game meat. Whether you are a hunter enjoying the harvest or a culinary enthusiast exploring new proteins, this recipe delivers an upscale, rustic dining experience that honors the animal and the flame.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Elk Striploin (venison loin can be substituted)
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, room temperature
• 4 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (whole)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Juniper Berries, crushed (optional but authentic)
• 3 cloves Garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Coarse Sea Salt, to taste
• Freshly Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

1. Remove the elk striploin from the refrigerator at least 45 minutes before cooking. Bringing the meat to room temperature ensures even cooking.
2. Pat the meat completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
3. Rub the elk generously with olive oil.
4. Season liberally with crushed juniper berries, chopped rosemary, coarse sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Press the spices into the meat to adhere.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

1. Build a medium-to-high heat fire in your Arteflame grill. You want the center grill grate to be searing hot (around 600°F+) for the initial sear, while the outer flat cooktop provides a slightly lower, consistent temperature for finishing.
2. Ensure the flat cooktop is lightly oiled and ready for cooking.

Step 3: The Sear

1. Place the elk striploin directly on the center grill grate for the initial sear.
2. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side. You are looking for a deep, mahogany crust, not to cook it through yet.
3. Once seared, move the steak to the flat steel cooktop to finish cooking to your desired temperature.

Step 4: Butter Basting and Charring Rosemary

1. While the steak finishes on the cooktop, place a dollop of butter near the meat.
2. Throw the smashed garlic and whole rosemary sprigs directly into the melting butter.
3. Allow the rosemary to char slightly and release its oils into the butter.
4. Using a spoon or a rosemary sprig, baste the elk continuously with the garlic-rosemary butter.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the elk when the internal temperature reaches 125°F for rare or 130°F for medium-rare. Do not overcook.
2. Transfer the meat to a cutting board and pour the remaining pan juices and butter over it.
3. Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
4. Slice against the grain and serve immediately.

Tips

Cooking wild game requires a slightly different approach than cooking grain-fed beef. Because elk is incredibly lean, it has very little intramuscular fat to protect it from drying out. Therefore, temperature control is paramount. We strongly recommend using an instant-read meat thermometer. Aim for medium-rare (130°F); anything past medium (140°F) will likely result in a tough, livery texture. Additionally, the "resting" phase is not optional. If you cut into the meat immediately after pulling it off the grill, all those flavorful juices will run out onto the board, leaving you with dry meat. Let the proteins relax for at least 10 minutes. Finally, if you cannot find juniper berries, fresh thyme or sage are excellent, earthy alternatives that stand up well to the strong flavor of the elk.

Variations

While the classic Swedish preparation focuses on the purity of rosemary and butter, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit different flavor profiles or seasonal ingredients. Here are a few variations to try on your grill:

• Creamy Mushroom Sauce: After grilling the elk, sauté wild mushrooms (chanterelles or porcini) on the flat top with cream and shallots to serve over the steak.
• Lingonberry Glaze: In true Nordic fashion, serve the savory steak with a side of tart lingonberry jam or a reduction made from lingonberries and red wine.
• Coffee Rubbed: Mix finely ground espresso with the salt and pepper rub for a darker, earthier crust that complements the gamey flavor.
• Herb Butter Compound: Instead of basting, top the hot resting steak with a cold disc of compound butter mixed with parsley, dill, and lemon zest.
• Bacon Wrapped: Wrap the striploin in thin slices of bacon before grilling to add fat and a smoky flavor, securing them with toothpicks.

Best pairings

To round out this meal, you want sides and beverages that can stand up to the bold, iron-rich flavor of the elk without overpowering it. In Sweden, game meat is almost traditionally served with potatoes. Hasselback potatoes, sliced thinly and roasted with butter and breadcrumbs on the flat top grill, are a perfect architectural and textural match. Alternatively, a root vegetable mash combining potatoes, celery root, and parsnips offers a sweet, creamy counterpoint to the savory meat. For greens, lightly charred Brussels sprouts with bacon or a simple cucumber salad with dill vinegar works wonders to cut the richness. When selecting a wine, opt for a medium-to-full-bodied red with good acidity, such as a Northern Rhône Syrah, a Pinot Noir, or a savory Rioja.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of grilling elk is a rewarding experience that connects you to an ancient culinary lineage. This Swedish Grilled Elk Striploin recipe transforms a simple cut of game meat into a gourmet centerpiece, proving that wild food can be just as tender and refined as any prime cut of beef. The combination of smoke from the Arteflame, the piney aroma of charred rosemary, and the rich, gamey depth of the elk creates a flavor profile that is truly unforgettable. Whether for a special holiday meal or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress. We invite you to fire up the grill, embrace the wild, and share this taste of the Nordic wilderness with your friends and family.