Elk Heart Tacos
Cooking the Kill: Elk Heart Tacos
When you pull the trigger or release that arrow, the work doesn’t end — it begins. Respect for the animal means using everything you can, and the heart is one of the most overlooked cuts in the field. It’s rich, lean, packed with nutrients, and when prepared right, it rivals any premium steak you can buy.
Today, we’re taking a piece of that harvest and turning it into something unforgettable — Elk Heart Tacos seasoned with High Mountain Seasonings Taco Spice.
This recipe is quick, simple, and built for hunters who appreciate real food made from real effort.
Ingredients:
1 elk heart (cleaned and trimmed)
1 large yellow onion
1–2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp High Mountain Seasonings Taco Spice
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Corn or flour tortillas
Salt and pepper to taste
Watch the Cook - https://youtube.com/shorts/F_xOHNhqzJg?feature=share
The Cook:
Step 1: Trim and Prep
Start by trimming away all fat, silver skin, and connective tissue from the heart. You’re after those clean, deep-red muscle fibers. Slice the heart into long strips, then cross-cut against the grain. This ensures a tender bite instead of a chewy one.
Step 2: Build the Base
Chop and brown one large onion in a hot cast-iron pan with a bit of olive oil. Let it cook until it softens and starts to caramelize — that’s your flavor foundation.
Step 3: Cook the Heart
Lower the heat to medium and toss in your sliced elk heart. Stir it in with the onions and cook until it’s just shy of your desired temperature.
Heart cooks fast — I like mine medium-rare to keep it juicy and rich.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Add High Mountain Seasonings Taco Spice liberally. It’s blended specifically for wild game, balancing the bold, iron-rich flavor of heart with a warm, smoky kick. Mix well and cook just until the seasoning blooms and coats every piece.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Warm your tortillas right on the flame until they blister slightly. Pile on the heart and onions, add fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and if you want, a little heat from your favorite hot sauce.
Step 6: Share the Feast
Serve it up fresh — and remember, nothing goes to waste. Heart trimmings make a nutrient-dense treat for the dog that stood by your side through the whole hunt.
Why It Matters
This recipe isn’t just about food — it’s about respect.
Field-to-fork isn’t a trend out here; it’s a way of life. When you cook the heart, you’re honoring the hunt, the effort, and the animal that gave you that meal. It’s simple, honest, and damn good eating.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s over a campfire or at your kitchen stove, elk heart tacos remind us why we hunt — to connect, to provide, and to live fully from the land.
If you make this one, tag @joe_eppele and use #CookingTheKill — I’d love to see your version.
