Roasted Elk Top Sirloin: Herb-Butter Wild Game Roast

Here’s a quick and flavorful wild game roast that might just set off your smoke detector—in a good way!

This recipe is inspired by how we used to prepare prime rib for Christmas dinner. Always a showstopper, I decided to give the same treatment to a beautiful elk top sirloin roast. The butter blend is packed with flavor, including parsley, oregano, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. If you don’t have dried minced garlic, a fresh minced clove works perfectly as a substitute.

Keep an eye on the roast while it’s baking and remove it from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium-rare. Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way to ensure perfect doneness. Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing to guarantee juicy, tender elk with every serving.

This roasted elk top sirloin pairs beautifully with classic, comforting sides. Try serving it alongside roasted butternut squash for a touch of natural sweetness, creamy mashed potatoes with rich gravy, or a crisp green salad for a lighter, refreshing contrast. The buttery, herb-infused roast and flavorful sauce complement these sides perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal that’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

More Delicious Elk Recipes

If you love cooking with elk, there are countless ways to showcase this lean, flavorful meat. From stuffed Elk eye-of-round and Elk Parmesan to Greek-style elk shish kebabs and Elk Surf ‘n’ Turf, elk lends itself to both everyday meals and elegant dinner plates. Each recipe in my collection is designed to bring out the natural flavor of the meat while offering creative twists that make wild game approachable and exciting. Be sure to explore my full selection of elk recipes for inspiration, tips, and tried-and-true favorites to elevate your next wild game meal.

In a small bowl, combine unsalted butter, parsley, oregano, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the elk roast and let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the roast and sear for about 2 minutes per side (about 6-8 minutes total). You want a golden brown crust.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium-rare.

Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice the roast against the grain and serve.

Follow NevadaFoodies for Weekly Wild Game Inspiration

For even more wild game inspiration, follow NevadaFoodies on Instagram and Facebook. Every week, I share new recipes, cooking tips, and creative ways to prepare elk, venison, antelope, and more. From quick weeknight dinners to show-stopping dishes, following along ensures you’ll never run out of ideas to make your wild game meals exciting, flavorful, and memorable.

Roasted Elk Top Sirloin | Wild Game Roast Recipe

Juicy roasted elk top sirloin with herb butter, perfect medium-rare. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted squash, or a crisp green salad.

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Prep Time: 40 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs Elk, Top Sirloin Roast
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp dried minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp rosemary
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

• In a small bowl, combine unsalted butter, parsley, oregano, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the elk roast and let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Heat an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the roast and sear for about 2 minutes per side (about 6-8 minutes total). You want a golden brown crust.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium-rare.
• Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice the roast against the grain and serve.

Notes

• Meat Alternatives: While elk top sirloin is ideal, this recipe works beautifully with venison roasts or antelope roasts. Both are lean wild game meats and can be cooked the same way as elk.
• Cooking Temperature: Wild game is lean, so aim for medium-rare (125–130°F) to keep the roast juicy and tender. Overcooking can dry out the meat, so use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is accurate and your roast turns out perfectly every time.
• Butter Rub: If you don’t have dried minced garlic, use a fresh clove. You can also adjust the herbs to taste—thyme or sage pair well with elk.
• Searing Tip: Sear the roast before baking to create a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and juices.
• Resting: Let the roast rest 10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and flavorful.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes with gravy, or a crisp green salad for a complete, well-balanced meal.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Discover More Wild Game Recipes in My Cookbook

If you love recipes like this Roasted Elk Top Sirloin and want to explore even more ways to turn wild game into unforgettable meals, my Wild Game Cuisine Cookbook is packed with inspiration. From tender venison steaks and savory antelope roasts to hearty ground game dinners and creative weeknight dishes, each recipe is designed to celebrate the flavor, versatility, and adventure of cooking with wild game. Bring the flavors of the hunt to your kitchen and make every meal a story worth sharing.