Meat
Elk
Elk (wapiti) is a lean, mildly sweet red meat from Cervus canadensis, intermediate in flavour between beef and venison with fine grain and low fat. Ranch-raised and wild elk supply steaks, roasts, and ground meat popular in North American specialty markets. Quick searing suits prime loin and rib cuts; shoulder and shank reward braising. Grass-finished elk is darker and more aromatic than grain-finished ranch product. Note: in Europe “elk” often means moose; here the North American wapiti sense is used.
Also known as: Elk / Wapiti, Elk / Red Deer Cross Ranch
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Breeds & varieties
A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.
Characteristics
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Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 13 g
- Saturated Fat 5.95 g
- Trans Fat 0.2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 5.73 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 1.27 g
- Cholesterol 74.2 mg
- Sodium 58.9 mg
- Salt 0.14 g
- Total Carbohydrate 0 g
- Dietary Fibre 0 g
- Total Sugars 0 g
- Complex / starch 0 g
- Protein 21.3 g
- Water 59.7 g
- Energy 202 kcal
- Water 59.7 g
- Protein 21.3 g
- Animal Protein 20.2 g
- Fat 13 g
- Saturated Fat 5.95 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 5.73 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 1.27 g
- Trans Fat 0.2 g
- Vitamins 45.9 mg
- Vitamin A 20 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.09 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.22 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 6.08 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.66 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.43 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 2.7 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 8.5 µg
- Vitamin B12 — Cobalamin 3.1 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0.2 µg
- Vitamin E 0.31 mg
- Vitamin K 1.6 µg
- Minerals 302 mg
- Major Minerals 291 mg
- Trace Minerals 10.7 mg
- Salt 0.14 g
- Sodium Chloride 0.14 g
- Cholesterol 74.2 mg
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-b12-cobalamin: 3.1 · vitamin-a: 20 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.09 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.22 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 6.08 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.66 · vitamin-b6: 0.43 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 2.7 · vitamin-b9-folate: 8.5 · vitamin-d: 0.2 · vitamin-e: 0.31 · vitamin-k: 1.6 ·
Minerals
Sodium: 58.88 · Potassium: 166 · Calcium: 66 · Iron: 3.6 · Zinc: 2.1 · Iodine: 5 ·
Muscle meat is protein-dense with variable marbling fat.
In the kitchen
Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Elk.
Pairs well with
Classic and complementary matches
Usually avoid with
Often clash in flavour or tradition
History
Indigenous peoples of North America hunted elk for meat, hides, and antler across the continent.
Conservation and game management rebuilt elk populations after near extirpation in many regions.
Commercial elk ranching expanded for velvet antler, breeding stock, and specialty meat.
Restaurant and retail demand for lean elk steaks and burgers grew in North America and export markets.