Recipe: Wild Rice Elk Burgers

by
posted on September 17, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Recipe Wild Rice Elk Burgers Lead

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)

Ground elk mixed with wild rice and onion burger patties before cooking.

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.

Elk burger topped with lettuce, pickles, and ketchup with French fries on yellow dinner plate.

For more delicious wild-game recipes, click here.

Latest

Echo With A Turkey Wing
Echo With A Turkey Wing

Know How: Hunting Fall Turkeys with your Dog

Curious about hunting fall turkeys with your dog? Join Scott Haugen as he runs through the process and tactics.

NRA Foundation Affirms the Importance of Second Amendment Philanthropy

As the year draws to a close and philanthropic giving reaches its peak, The NRA Foundation is reaffirming what has always set it apart: a steadfast commitment to independent, mission-driven philanthropy that directly supports America’s shooting sports traditions, firearm safety, and responsible gun ownership.

Range Review: Henry's U.S. Survival .22 LR Takedown Rifle

This handy little rimfire from Henry is practical, portable and enjoyable to shoot! Check out our thorough review of the rifle here.

Saiga Antelope: Conservation Success in Kazakhstan

The Saiga (antelope) in Kazakhstan has rebounded from dangerously low numbers and has been recognized as a success by the international body governing threatened and endangered wildlife.

Hardware Review: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. BE.S.T. is, put simply, on the fast track to being considered a waterfowling marvel. Standing for Advanced Impact technology, the SBE 3 A.I. shoots its shot with  improved downrange results thanks to a very, very proprietary barrel technology that actually assists in energy retention for greater downrange velocity. Sounds crazy, right? That’s what I thought too; then I took the gun to Montana’s Bighorn River and had my mind blown.

Bowhunting Increases in Ohio, but a New Restriction Comes to Arizona

A crossbow harvest more than double the number taken by vertical bow in Ohio illustrates why Arizona recently repealed R12-4-216.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.