Looking for a great way to spice up your burgers for the summer? This Whole30 recipe from our friend  The Kitcheneer pairs our naturally lean and incredibly rich ground elk with a spicy yet creamy jalepeño aioli for a burger that’s got some serious kick!

Recipe & Photography by The Kitcheneer. Be sure to check out her blog here.

Ingredients:

Elk Burgers:

1lb of Ground Elk
1⁄2 tsp Himalayan pink salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 1⁄2 tsp of ghee

Caramelized Red Onion:

1 red onion, sliced thin
1 tsp salt

Guacamole:

2 avocados, pitted and mashed with fork
1⁄2 tsp Himalayan pink salt
1⁄2 jalapeno, diced
2 tbs finely chopped red onion
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbs freshly chopped cilantro

 Jalapeño Aioli:

1⁄4 cup Whole30 compliant mayo (or make your own)
2 jalapeños, diced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1⁄2 tsp cumin
Juice of 1 lime
Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground elk with salt, pepper, and ghee. Divide into 4 patties and let rest in fridge for 10 minutes.
2. Preheat grill to 350F (wait about 10 minutes for it to be fully pre-heated).
   
3. Grill patties for approximately 3-4 minutes per side or until (130F-140F)*.  Do not overcook as the lack of fat in elk will cause the meat to dry out!
   
4. While the burgers are resting, mix all ingredients for the aioli in a small bowl and whip up the guacamole in another
   
5. Slice the iceberg into wedges for the “bun” top with favorite toppings and serve!

Note:

• Use a meat thermometer for the elk burgers if you’re unsure about how long to cook them so they don’t dry out.
• For best results with the jalapeño aioli, make it ahead of time and allow the jalapeños to marinate and become more potent as it chills in your fridge until ready to serve!

Caramelized Red Onions:

1. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat with 1 tbs of extra virgin olive oil
2.  Add sliced onion with salt and sauté turns every few minutes until caramelized (about 7 minutes)

Shortcut Tip From The Honest Bison: Don’t feel like making your own patties? Use our thick, juicy 1/3 pound Elk Burgers, Venison Burgers or Bison Burgers as a base instead. We promise, no one will be disappointed!