Whole30 Elk Sliders

As seen on our Whole30 Challenge: Day 24. Click to read more!

We like to mix up our protein to keep things interesting and add a variety of health benefits. Elk is a great option as it is very lean, high in protein, low in fat, high in vitamin B-12, and usually free of growth hormones, antibiotics, and steroids.

We served our Whole30 Elk Sliders on a romaine lettuce leaf, topped with Whole30 Salsa/Pico de Gallo (click to see recipe), red bell peppers, Whole30 Good-for-You Guac (click to see recipe), grilled onions, and a touch of mayo. Since we didn't have enough green on our plate, we opted for the Whole30 Oven-Roasted Kale Chips, which were crunchy and tasty as always. If you haven't tried these Whole30 Kale Chips yet, you need to!

So I'd give myself a D- on food presentation. Elk sliders apparently aren't that photogenic. Maybe it's the plates... #foodstylistfail

TASTE TEST: The mini sliders definitely hit the spot and tasted much better than they looked. Since elk can taste a bit "gamey", having the Whole30 Salsa/Pico de Gallo and Whole30 Good-for-You Guac as a topping for the sliders was a nice addition and masked any gamey-ness taste.

Whole30 Elk Sliders

SERVINGS: 8-12 mini burgers/sliders, depending on size

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground elk (or ground beef or bison)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon Everyday Spice Blend (or favorite Whole30 seasoning)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

OPTIONAL ACCOMPANIMENTS:

• romaine lettuce leaves (bib lettuce leaves work well too)

• fresh Whole30 Salsa/Pico de Gallo

• avocado or guac

• grilled onion

• Whole30 approved mayo

• Clausen pickle

• tomato slices (not pictured)

STEPS:

1. Combine all main ingredients in bowl. Mix well with hands.

2. Form into patties that are 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick.

3. Cook grilled onions if using.

4. You can either grill, pan grill, or bake the burgers in the oven. Make sure meat is well-cooked and has an internal temperature that measures 140°F.

• To grill/pan grill: Spray grill or grill pan with Avocado Oil spray or use Avocado Oil or Olive Oil. Grill burgers 4-5 minutes per side, depending on desired level of doneness.

• To bake burgers: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then flip burgers and bake for 8-12 minutes more, depending on desired level of doneness.

5. Place sliders on romaine lettuce leaf and top with desired accompaniments: Pico de Gallo, avocado, tomato slices, grilled onions, Whole30-approved mayo, Clausen pickle.

NOTES:

• We topped our mini sliders with Whole30 Salsa/Pico de Gallo (click to see recipe), red bell peppers, Whole30 Good-for-You Guac (click to see recipe), grilled onions, and a touch of mayo.

• Since Elk has minimal fat, don't overcook the sliders or they will be too dry.

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