Reverse Seared Elk Roast
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 15 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
16 servings
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Calories
160 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Reverse Seared Elk Roast
Description
To prepare Reverse Seared Elk Roast, a 5-pound elk roast is coated with olive oil and massaged with salt, cracked black pepper, ground cumin, and optional ground coriander. The roast is then placed in a smoker at about 200-250°F or an oven set to 225°F. It cooks slowly until the internal temperature reaches 110-120°F, which can take a couple of hours depending on the conditions.
Once the target temperature is reached, the roast is removed, and the heating source is cranked to a very high temperature (500°F or more). The roast is returned to this heat for 6-15 minutes to develop a dark, flavorful crust. The final result is a tender interior with a well-seasoned outer crust that highlights the spices and the natural flavor of elk.
This roast can be served sliced for dinner or used in sandwiches, salads, tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Adjusting smoking temperature and spices can further customize the flavor. Using a probe thermometer helps achieve precise doneness, and undercooking slightly can allow for resting and carryover cooking.
The notes emphasize that cooking large roasts varies with size and temperature, so feel free to adapt timing and spices to preference. Leftover roast stores well and provides flavorful additions to other dishes.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds elk roast (or other large roast)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt
- 2 tablespoons black pepper cracked
- 2 tablespoons cumin ground
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander (optional)
Instructions
- Coat the roast with the oil, then massage the salt and spices into it.
- If you are using a smoker, get it ready. You want to smoke around 200°F and no hotter than 250°F. Wood choice is up to you. If you are using your oven, set it to 225°F.
- Set the roast in the oven or smoker, and insert a probe thermometer into its thickest part. With a roast around this size, you will be shooting for an internal temperature of about 110°F to 120°F. This could take as long as 3 hours to reach, but normally it takes a couple hours.
- When you hit that temperature, remove the roast and set it on a cutting board. Remove the probe thermometer. Either increase the heat of your oven to at least 500°F and better yet 550°F, or get a grill or pizza oven roaring. 600°F is not too much heat.
- Return the roast to the screaming hot oven or grill (cover the grill if that's what you are using), and roast for 10 to 15 minutes. If you've hit 600°F, you may only need about 6 minutes. You are looking for a pretty, browned crust.
- Remove the roast once again and let it set on a cutting board. Re-insert the thermometer, ideally in the same hole. Let this sit until the internal temperature hits at least 127°F, and no hotter than 145°F. In terms of time, no less than 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes is fine. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use a probe thermometer to monitor internal temperature for accurate cooking; target 110-120°F before searing.
- Cooking times vary with size and temperature; undercook slightly if unsure since you can cook more later.
- Lower smoker temperature to 200°F for longer smoking, adding deeper smoky flavor before the sear.
- Spice mix is flexible—feel free to omit or substitute spices but do not skip salt.
- Leftover elk roast is excellent for sandwiches, salads, tacos, or burritos.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 160 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 160kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Sodium | 63mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 548mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 14IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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