Elk Sirloin Tacos with Spicy Dry Rub
These Elk Sirloin Tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, infusing the rich, gamey flavor of elk with a zesty and aromatic dry rub. Inspired by the vibrant spices used in carne asada, this recipe celebrates elk's unique taste, perfectly balanced with fresh vegetables and creamy avocado. Topped with a tangy lime and served in warm corn tortillas, these tacos are not only easy to prepare but are also a satisfying meal for gatherings or a cozy night in. The combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet bell peppers, and cooling sour cream elevates each bite, making these tacos a true delight for any taco lover!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
elk steaks
2 (trimmed and patted dry)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
tomatoes
1 (diced)
avocado
1 (sliced)
lime
1 (cut into wedges)
yellow sweet bell pepper
1 (finely chopped)
red sweet bell pepper
1 (finely chopped)
corn tortillas
6 (warmed)
cabbage
1 cup (shredded)
sour cream
1/2 cup (for topping)
salt
1 teaspoon (as a dry rub spice)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (as a dry rub spice)
ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (as a dry rub spice)
ground chipotle chile pepper
1/2 teaspoon (as a dry rub spice)
ground cumin
1 tablespoon (as a dry rub spice)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chipotle chile pepper, and cumin to create the dry rub.
2
Pat the elk steaks dry with paper towels and generously season them with the dry rub on both sides. For enhanced flavor, let the rubbed meat rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3
While the elk is marinating, prepare your taco toppings by finely chopping the onion, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and avocado. Set aside.
4
Preheat your cast iron grill or skillet until it is hot. This step is crucial for achieving those beautiful grill marks and a nice crust.
5
Once the grill is ready, place the elk steaks on it, cooking for about 3-4 minutes. Rotate the steaks 90 degrees to create criss-cross grill marks and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the same side.
6
Flip the steaks and repeat the same cooking technique on the other side until they reach your desired doneness (typically another 4-6 minutes for medium-rare).
7
Remove the elk steaks from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender taco filling.
8
While the meat is resting, warm the corn tortillas in a 250°F (120°C) oven to keep them soft and pliable.
9
Slice the elk steaks against the grain into 1/4 inch thick strips.
10
To assemble the tacos, place a slice or two of elk steak in each tortilla, then top with the chopped vegetables, a handful of cabbage, a drizzle of sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty elk tacos!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this taco recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is elk sirloin steaks.
What spices are included in the spicy dry rub?
The spicy dry rub consists of salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground chipotle chile pepper, and ground cumin.
How long should the elk steaks rest after applying the dry rub?
For the best flavor, you should let the rubbed meat rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
What is the best way to prepare the elk steaks before seasoning?
The steaks should be trimmed and patted dry with paper towels before applying the rub.
What kind of cookware is recommended for grilling the elk?
A preheated cast iron grill or skillet is recommended to achieve a good crust and grill marks.
How do you achieve criss-cross grill marks on the meat?
Cook the steaks for 3-4 minutes, then rotate them 90 degrees and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the same side.
What is the suggested cooking time for medium-rare elk steaks?
After the initial 6-8 minutes on the first side (including rotation), flip and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes.
Why is it important to let the meat rest after grilling?
Resting the meat for about 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the taco filling stays tender.
How should the elk steaks be sliced for the tacos?
The steaks should be sliced against the grain into strips approximately 1/4 inch thick.
What type of tortillas are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using corn tortillas.
How should the corn tortillas be warmed?
Warm the tortillas in an oven set to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) to keep them soft and pliable.
What fresh vegetables are used as toppings?
The toppings include finely chopped onion, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and shredded cabbage.
Are bell peppers included in the recipe?
Yes, both yellow and red sweet bell peppers are finely chopped and used as toppings.
Is there a creamy element added to these tacos?
Yes, sour cream is drizzled over the assembled tacos for a cooling effect.
What adds a tangy flavor to the dish?
Fresh lime juice squeezed over the tacos adds a necessary tangy finish.
How much cumin is required for the dry rub?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the use of cayenne pepper and chipotle chile pepper gives the dry rub a spicy kick.
What is the inspiration behind this elk taco recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the vibrant spices and techniques used in traditional carne asada.
How many elk steaks are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 elk steaks.
Can this recipe be considered gluten-free?
Yes, since it uses corn tortillas and a homemade dry rub, it is naturally gluten-free.
How much cabbage should be prepared for the tacos?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of shredded cabbage.
What type of chili pepper provides a smoky heat to the rub?
Ground chipotle chile pepper provides both heat and a smoky flavor profile.
How much garlic powder is used in the spice mix?
The dry rub includes 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the total amount of sour cream used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sour cream for topping the tacos.
Should the onion be cooked or raw?
The onion should be finely chopped and served raw as a fresh topping.
How do you assemble the elk tacos?
Place elk strips in a warm tortilla, top with chopped vegetables, cabbage, sour cream, and lime juice.
What is the flavor profile of the elk meat?
Elk has a rich, gamey flavor that is complemented by the aromatic spices in the rub.
How much salt is in the dry rub?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is the recommended preparation for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be diced before being added to the tacos.
Is this recipe suitable for a gathering?
Yes, these tacos are described as a satisfying meal for gatherings or a cozy night in.