Elk Carne Asada

Turn your elk flank steak into Elk Carne Asada! Marinated with your favorite carne asada flavors and then grilled or broiled into a tender, flavorful steak that’s perfect to eat on its own or make some delicious carne asada tacos!

Ground elk meat recipes are easy to come by, but what about other cuts of meat, like the flank or skirt steak? Turn your elk flank steak into this delicious elk carne asada and then enjoy some elk tacos. Flank steak can be difficult to work with because it can be easily overcooked, which results in a tough steak. With this recipe, you’ll marinade the elk flank steak to perfection, then throw it on the grill to just the right temperature for a juicy carne asada steak!

Ingredients needed

• 1 – 1.5 pound elk flank or skirt steak
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup diced white onion

How to make elk carne asada

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1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and diced onion. Stir to combine.
2. Lay the elk flank steak in a flat dish or a resealable baggie. Pour the marinade over the steak and flip/rotate until fully covered by the marinade. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Remove the marinaded elk steak from the refrigerator.
4. Grill or broil the elk flank steak to medium-rare.
   • To grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Add the elk steak to the grill and grill to an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees F.
   • To broil indoors, turn your oven to the broil setting. Place a cast-iron skillet into the oven and let heat for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the cast iron skillet and add the elk flank steak. Place the skillet back into the oven and broil for 4 minutes, then flip the steak and broil for another 3-4 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees F.
   • Follow these directions for an air fryer option!
5. Remove the steaks from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
6. Slice against the grain and serve alone or serve as carne asada tacos with your favorite shells and toppings!

Recipe FAQs and variations

What cut of meat is carne asada?

Carne asada is typically made using flank, skirt, or sirloin steak. Almost any steak can be used, so whatever elk steak you have on hand can be transformed into carne asada!

What temperature do you cook elk steak?

Elk steak should be cooked to 130-135 degrees F. Because elk steak is a much leaner cut of meat compared to beef, it can quickly be over-cooked and dry out. Be sure to check your elk flank steak with an instant read thermometer as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

What does elk steak taste like?

Elk steak tastes very similar to beef. With this elk carne asada, you’re also going to taste the flavors of the marinade.

How should I serve elk carne asada?

Carne asada is a flavorful meat on its own. Or, you can slice it and serve as carne asada tacos. Just use your favorite shells and taco toppings, like pico de gallo, queso fresco cheese, guacamole, and more! Or, chop it up and serve it as a delicious appetizer, like Homemade Carne Asada Fries!

Recommended cooking resources for this recipe

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Enjoy these other wild game recipes!

• Venison Reuben Sandwich – a delicious venison sandwich recipe for your venison roast
• Venison Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers – the perfect wild game appetizer recipe
• Elk Swedish Meatballs – a classic comfort food dish
• Elk Bolognese Sauce – a hearty slow-cooked bolognese sauce recipe

Elk Carne Asada Recipe