Peppercorn Crusted Elk Tenderloin

Slow-smoked to medium-rare perfection, this peppercorn crusted elk tenderloin is a simple yet sophisticated wild game recipe. Coated in a garlic compound butter, sealed with a crushed peppercorn coating, then slow-smoked to a perfectly tender texture.

This recipe was developed in partnership with The Honest Bison. All opinions are our own.

This whole elk tenderloin cuts like butter – so tender and juicy! If you’re lucky enough to harvest an elk this year, be sure to save the whole tenderloin and enjoy this recipe! If you come up short, you can always order a high-quality, naturally-raised elk tenderloin from The Honest Bison.

Ingredients needed

• 2 lb. The Honest Bison elk whole tenderloin
• ½ cup finely crushed peppercorns. 
• 1 cup butter – room temperature
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• ¼ tsp. Salt
• 2 tsp. dried parsley

How to slow-smoke a peppercorn crusted elk tenderloin

1. Preheat smoker to 225 degrees F. 
2. Let the elk tenderloin come to room temperature. 
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and parsley and stir to combine. 
4. Place the elk tenderloin on a baking sheet and, using your hands, coat the entire tenderloin in the compound butter mixture. 
5. Next, coat the entire elk tenderloin with the crushed peppercorns. 
6. Place onto the smoker and smoke for 1 – 1 ½ hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees F. 
7. Remove from smoker and let rest for five minutes. Then slice and serve.

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Recipe FAQs and Notes

What is elk tenderloin?

The tenderloin of an elk, sit opposite of the backstraps, or loin, and are located under the spine. This is a very tender cut of meat that is smaller in size, running normally between 1.5 – 2 pounds in size.

What does elk tenderloin taste like?

Elk tenderloin tastes very similar to beef, and is tender much like a filet mignon steak.

Recipe notes

• You can also roast the whole elk tenderloin in the oven—Preheat oven to 425 degrees. F. and roast for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees F.
• You can either crush whole peppercorns by hand or use a grinder at a medium-fine setting. To crush by hand, place the whole peppercorns into a plastic bag, cover the bag with a towel, then pound with a large kitchen mallet or meat tenderizer.

Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe

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Enjoy these additional elk steak recipes!

• Elk Sirloin Steak and Potato Foil Packs
• Smoked Elk Steak & Shrimp
• Coffee-Rubbed Elk Tri-Tip
• Elk Carne Asada

Enjoy these ground elk meat recipes

• Easy Elk Enchiladas
• Elk Lasagna Recipe
• Elk Chili Recipe
• Elk Swedish Meatballs

Planning your first elk hunt this year? Here’s a few resources to help you get started

• Which Colorado Elk Hunting Season is Right for You?
• 6 Resources for Planning Your First DIY Colorado Public Land Elk Hunt
• My Honest Review of First Lite Technical Hunting Apparel

Peppercorn Crusted Elk Tenderloin Recipe