The trick to making great wild-game burgers is to ensure that moisture is maintained in the meat during and after cooking. Many argue that pork needs to be added to make the best burgers that hold together, offer lots of flavors, and taste great. However, there are other options for adding moisture.
Wild rice is a natural seed with an earthy flavor that holds plenty of moisture when fully cooked. Wild rice will absorb five to six times its volume in moisture. Mixing cooked wild rice to your favorite wild game ground meat makes a lean patty that cooks firm and has plenty of moisture. It is the perfect marriage of wild meets wild.
Egg and breadcrumb help bind the burgers to ensure they don’t crumble. Different spices or fresh herbs can be added to customize flavors.
Ingredients
• 1½ lbs. ground elk
• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp seasoning salt (Bearded Butcher or Hi Mountain)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Hi Mountain Hickory Burger Seasoning (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the wild rice as directed on the package. For enhanced flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
2. Thoroughly mix the wild rice, ground elk, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt and pepper.
3. Form the meat mixture into patties and grill, fry or broil.
4. Serve in a bun with your favorite condiments or cover in gravy like a steak.
For more delicious wild-game recipes, click here.
