Grilled North Dakota Elk Steak with Garlic Butter

Introduction

There's something incredibly satisfying about grilling a thick, juicy elk steak over open fire. This North Dakota elk steak recipe brings out the rich, earthy flavors of elk meat and takes advantage of the Arteflame grill’s powerful searing center and surrounding flat cooktop for a perfect reverse sear finish. With garlic butter melting over the steak, this dish delivers a steakhouse-quality meal in your own backyard. The Arteflame’s solid steel cooktop creates heat zones that make grilling not only easy but enjoyable, and cleanup is minimal. Let's light it up!

Ingredients

• 2 North Dakota elk steaks (1.5 inches thick, ~8oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for basting)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon crushed rosemary
• 1 teaspoon coarse-grain mustard (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the grill base.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper with a match.
4. Let the fire burn down for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and center grate reaches searing temperature (1,000°F).

Step 2: Season the Elk Steaks

1. Pat the elk steaks dry with a paper towel.
2. Generously season each side with salt, pepper, rosemary, and optional paprika or mustard.
3. Let steaks sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while the grill heats.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks

1. Place elk steaks directly on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F.
2. Sear each side for about 1.5–2 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.

Step 4: Reverse Sear on the Flat Cooktop

1. After searing, move steaks to the flat top cooktop closer to the edge, away from direct heat.
2. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches about 120–125°F for medium-rare.
3. Always remove steaks from the grill when they are about 15°F below your target final temperature, as they continue cooking while resting.

Step 5: Garlic Butter Baste

1. On a hot part of the flat cooktop, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Stir in chopped parsley and spoon the melted garlic butter over the elk steaks generously.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let steaks rest on a warm part of the griddle or on a cutting board for 5–7 minutes.
2. Slice and serve with more garlic butter drizzled on top.

Tips

• Always use a meat thermometer—elk can overcook quickly due to its lean nature.
• Butter adds exceptional flavor and helps form a beautiful crust—use it generously.
• Use the outer zones of the cooktop for gentle cooking and the center for fast searing.
• Adjust the heat zones by moving your firewood as needed throughout the cook.
• Don’t skip the rest time—it ensures juicy steaks.

Variations

1. Peppercorn Crust Elk Steak: Season steaks with freshly crushed black, pink, and white peppercorns for bold texture and heat.
2. Bourbon-Glazed Elk Steak: Brush elk steak with a glaze of bourbon, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard during the final minutes of grilling.
3. Smoky Coffee Elk Rub: Mix finely ground coffee, brown sugar, cumin, and smoked paprika for a rich, smoky bark.
4. Herb-Crusted Elk Steak: Press fresh thyme, parsley, and rosemary into your steak before grilling for an herbaceous finish.
5. Asian-Inspired Elk Steak: Marinate elk in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for 2 hours before grilling.

Best pairings

• Grilled asparagus or Brussels sprouts on the griddle
• Smoked sweet potatoes or smashed baby potatoes
• Red wine with good tannin structure—Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah
• Dark beer like a stout or porter for a robust match
• Side of grilled mushrooms with garlic butter

Conclusion

Grilling North Dakota elk steak on the Arteflame grill is a sensory experience—crisp crust, tender center, and smoky aroma. With this reverse searing technique and garlic butter finish, you're guaranteed steakhouse-quality results. From fire-up to final slice, let your Arteflame do the hard work while you enjoy effortless outdoor cooking.