If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dish, this elk heart recipe for tacos is a must-try. Elk heart is tender and rich, making it perfect for tacos with a twist. With just a few simple steps, you can prepare and cook the elk heart, then top it with delicious additions like pickled jalapeños and creamy avocado crema.
The result is a taco that’s both savory and satisfying, offering a new take on a classic dish. Keep reading to learn how to make these elk heart tacos and impress your guests with something truly special.
The Benefits of Elk Heart and Wild Game Meat
Elk heart and wild game meat are nutritional powerhouses that offer a range of health benefits. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also provide high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Incorporating elk heart into your diet can be a flavorful and unique way to enjoy the benefits of wild game meat.
When it comes to nutrition, elk meat, including the heart, is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in iron, which is essential for healthy blood cell production. Iron plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout the body, ensuring optimal energy levels and overall well-being.
Furthermore, elk meat is low in fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice. It offers a lean alternative to traditional meats while still satisfying your taste buds. By adding elk heart to your meals, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of wild game without compromising your health.
Elk heart and wild game meat provide a natural source of essential nutrients, delivering a well-rounded blend of vitamins and minerals. Including elk heart in your diet can provide you with a unique and tasty way to benefit from high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Related Article: If you’re interested in other ways to cook elk, check out our recipes for Elk Meatloaf, Elk Stew, and Elk Burgers. These dishes offer delicious and creative ways to enjoy elk meat.
Elk Heart Recipe: How to Prepare and Cook the Elk Heart
Preparing and cooking elk heart might seem challenging at first, but with a few simple steps, you can turn it into a delicious and unique dish. Let’s walk through the process of breaking down, marinating, and cooking elk heart for the perfect tacos.
Breaking Down and Preparing Elk Heart
Breaking down an elk heart may seem intimidating, but fear not! Once you remove the tough pieces, you’ll find it’s mostly meat waiting to be transformed into a delicious dish.
First, grab a sharp knife and remove all the excess fat from the outside of the elk heart. This will help enhance the flavor and texture of the meat. Take your time and make sure to trim off any visible fat.
Next, it’s time to tackle the tough parts. Cut along the vessels to remove the left ventricle and any other tough material that might hinder your overall dining experience. Be precise and take care while doing this.
Once you’ve removed the unwanted bits, it’s time to turn the remaining meat into tender and flavorful steaks. Slice the elk heart into evenly sized steaks that will cook uniformly.
Marinating for Peak Flavor
To get the best flavor from your elk heart steaks, marinating is essential. A good marinade not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Try a marinade made from a mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a bit of soy sauce.
Place the elk heart steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure they are fully covered. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to soak in and the meat to become tender.
Cooking the Elk Heart
When it’s time to cook the elk heart, there are several methods you can choose. Grilling and pan-searing are both excellent options. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness, until they reach your desired level of doneness.
If pan-searing, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook the steaks for a similar amount of time on each side. The key is to cook them quickly at high heat to keep the meat tender and juicy. Once cooked, slice the steaks thinly and serve them as tacos with your favorite toppings.
Related Article: For more ways to enjoy elk heart, check out our other article on recipes for elk heart, which shows how to cook this unique cut in different delicious ways.
Pickled Jalapeños – The Perfect Taco Topping
Pickled jalapeños are a fantastic way to add a spicy, tangy crunch to your elk heart tacos. They’re easy to make and elevate the flavor of any taco. Here’s how you can make them at home:
- Slice the Jalapeños: Start by slicing fresh jalapeños into thin rounds. Pack them tightly into a clean jar along with a few garlic cloves for extra flavor.
- Make the Brine: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Simmer the mixture until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
- Pour the Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the sliced jalapeños in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Let the jar cool to room temperature, then seal it and refrigerate. The jalapeños will be ready to use in about 24 hours but will develop even more flavor over a few days.
- Serve: When you’re ready to enjoy your elk heart tacos, simply top them with a handful of these pickled jalapeños for a burst of spicy, tangy goodness.
Creamy Avocado Crema – The Perfect Taco Sauce
If you’re looking for a sauce to take your elk heart tacos to the next level, avocado crema is the way to go. This creamy, zesty sauce pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of elk heart. Follow these steps to make that perfect taco sauce:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering a ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons of sour cream or yogurt, the juice of one lime, 1 garlic clove, a handful of cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Blend Together: Place the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the crema and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lime juice for extra tang or more salt to enhance the flavor.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the avocado crema to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for a few days, so you can enjoy it with your tacos and other meals.
- Serve: When it’s time to serve your elk heart tacos, drizzle the creamy avocado crema on top. The smooth texture and zesty flavor perfectly complement the hearty elk heart, making each bite delicious.
This avocado crema adds just the right balance of creaminess and tanginess to your tacos, making them even more irresistible.
Assembling Your Elk Heart Tacos
Putting together your elk heart tacos is easy and fun. Start with warm tortillas as your base—they’re perfect for holding all the delicious fillings. For the best experience, opt for a corn and wheat blend tortilla. These tortillas offer the rich, authentic taste of corn while providing the flexibility needed to hold all the flavorful fillings.
Next, layer on your tender, cooked elk heart slices. Add some sautéed onions for a touch of sweetness and texture. Then, top it off with pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick and a generous drizzle of creamy avocado crema.
These simple yet flavorful ingredients come together to create tacos that are rich, savory, and satisfying.
Conclusion
This elk heart recipe is not only unique but also surprisingly easy to prepare. By following the steps to trim, marinate, and cook the elk heart, you can create a tender and flavorful filling for your tacos.
Paired with pickled jalapeños, sautéed onions, and creamy avocado crema, these tacos offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking to try something new or impress your dinner guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that’s both adventurous and satisfying.
PrintElk Heart Recipe: Turn Game Meat into a Tasty Taco Treat
These Elk Heart Tacos are a unique and flavorful dish, combining tender elk heart with zesty toppings like pickled jalapeños and creamy avocado crema, all wrapped in corn and wheat blend tortillas.
Ingredients
For the Elk Heart:
- 1 elk heart
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, chopped (such as rosemary or thyme)
For the Pickled Jalapeños:
- 5 fresh jalapeños, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Avocado Crema:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove
- Handful of cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- Corn and wheat blend tortillas
- Sautéed onions
Instructions
- Step 1 – Start by trimming the elk heart, removing any excess fat and tough parts. Slice the heart into evenly sized steaks.
- Step 2 – In a bowl, mix the marinade ingredients: olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. Place the elk heart steaks in the marinade and let them sit in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Step 3 – While the meat is marinating, prepare the pickled jalapeños. Slice the jalapeños and place them in a jar with garlic cloves. In a saucepan, simmer vinegar, water, salt, and sugar until dissolved. Pour the brine over the jalapeños and let them cool before refrigerating.
- Step 4 – For the avocado crema, blend together the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 5 – Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the sliced onion until soft and caramelized. Set aside.
- Step 6 – Cook the marinated elk heart steaks in the same pan or grill them, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until done to your preference. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Step 7 – Warm the corn and wheat blend tortillas, then assemble the tacos by layering the sliced elk heart, sautéed onions, pickled jalapeños, and a drizzle of avocado crema.
FAQ
Is elk heart safe to eat?
Yes, elk heart is safe to eat. It is a lean and nutritious cut of meat that is enjoyed by many wild game enthusiasts.
What does elk heart taste like?
Elk heart has a rich, beefy flavor with a slightly firmer texture than regular steak. It’s often described as having a deep, gamey taste that’s very satisfying.
Where can I buy an elk heart?
Elk heart can be found at specialty butcher shops, local farms, or online meat suppliers that offer game meats. It may also be available during hunting season if you know local hunters.
Can I freeze an elk heart?
Yes, elk heart can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum seal it, then store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
How should I cook elk heart if I don’t have a grill?
If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear the elk heart in a hot skillet or cook it in an oven using the broil setting. Both methods will give you a delicious, tender result.
What are some good side dishes to serve with elk heart tacos?
Great side dishes include Mexican rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh corn salad. These sides complement the rich flavor of the elk heart and make for a complete meal.
How do I know when elk heart is cooked properly?
Elk heart is best when cooked to medium-rare or medium, which is about 135°F to 145°F (57°C to 63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.