Elk Carpaccio with Horseradish Crème

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Elk Carpaccio with Horseradish Crème is a refined, rustic starter featuring paper-thin slices of lightly seared elk loin, served chilled and garnished with a creamy, spicy horseradish sauce, microgreens, and shaved Parmesan. It's elegant, earthy, and ideal for intimate dinners or gourmet tasting menus.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time10 minsTotal Time30 mins
For the Elk Carpaccio
 8 oz elk loin or tenderloin
 1 tbsp olive oil
 Salt & freshly ground black pepper
 Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or juniper powder
 Optional: 1 garlic clove or rosemary sprig (for quick sear)
For the Horseradish Crème
  cup crème fraîche or sour cream
 1 tbsp prepared horseradish (more or less to taste)
 1 tsp Dijon mustard
 1 tsp lemon juice
 Salt & white pepper to taste
To Garnish
 Microgreens or arugula
 Shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
 Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
 Flaky sea salt
 Cracked black pepper
 Optional: pickled shallots or red onion rings
 Optional: crushed pink peppercorns
Prep and (Optionally) Sear the Elk
1
  1. Trim any silver skin from the elk loin.

  2. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or juniper.

  3. Heat olive oil in a pan over high heat and sear the elk for 30–60 seconds per side, just to brown the outside — the inside should remain rare.

  4. Transfer to a plate, let cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 30–60 minutes until firm (not solid) for easy slicing.

Make the Horseradish Crème
2
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together crème fraîche, horseradish, Dijon, and lemon juice.

  2. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.

  3. Chill until ready to use — this can be made a day in advance.

Slice and Plate the Carpaccio
3
  1. Using a sharp knife or meat slicer, slice the chilled elk into paper-thin rounds.

  2. Arrange slices in a single layer on chilled plates or a serving platter.

  3. Let rest at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften.

Garnish and Finish
4
  1. Dot or drizzle horseradish crème artfully over the carpaccio.

  2. Garnish with microgreens, Parmesan shavings, flaky salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.

  3. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil or a few drops of lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions
5
  • Serve immediately with:

    • Toasted baguette slices or seeded crackers

    • A dry red wine (like Pinot Noir or Chianti) or a gin martini with rosemary

  • Perfect as a plated starter, part of a tasting menu, or paired with wild mushroom or beet salads.

Variations
6
  • Beef or venison carpaccio work beautifully in place of elk.

  • Add truffle oil or truffle salt for an indulgent twist.

  • For color contrast, use a few pickled red onions or golden beet curls.

Ingredients

For the Elk Carpaccio
 8 oz elk loin or tenderloin
 1 tbsp olive oil
 Salt & freshly ground black pepper
 Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or juniper powder
 Optional: 1 garlic clove or rosemary sprig (for quick sear)
For the Horseradish Crème
  cup crème fraîche or sour cream
 1 tbsp prepared horseradish (more or less to taste)
 1 tsp Dijon mustard
 1 tsp lemon juice
 Salt & white pepper to taste
To Garnish
 Microgreens or arugula
 Shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
 Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
 Flaky sea salt
 Cracked black pepper
 Optional: pickled shallots or red onion rings
 Optional: crushed pink peppercorns
Elk Carpaccio with Horseradish Crème
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