This delectable game dish will you warm during the winter months.
At Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, chef-owner Tony Street is serving up every hunter and foodie's dream with his espresso-crusted elk tenderloin. Featuring a blackberry port reduction, the dish highlights the roasted flavors of coffee, savory taste of perfectly seared elk, and the sweetness of honey, port, and blackberries. It perfectly marries all the flavors we look forward to during the colder months onto one plate.
“The espresso-crusted elk tenderloin is perfect for this time of year and goes great with a wild rice,” Street says. “Here at Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, we specialize in wild game meats, and those typically go very nicely with fresh berries and particularly with this dish, because the sweetness of the fruit balances the bitterness of the coffee. This is a match made in heaven.”
Espresso-Crusted Elk Tenderloin With Blackberry Port Reduction
Espresso Coffee Dry Rub
1 cup chili powder
1 cup coffee, finely ground
½ cup paprika
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup dry mustard
4 tablespoons kosher salt
4 tablespoons black pepper, ground
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano, dried (optional)
¼ cup ginger, ground
Add all ingredients to mixing bowl and stir until well mixed. Store in an air tight container, cover, label, and date. Spice will keep for 4 weeks.
Blackberry Port Reduction
1 pint fresh blackberries
1 cup port
½ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup molasses
¼ cup honey
¼ cup demi-glace or brown sauce
3 tablespoons butter
Add the first five ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low medium and continue to cook until reduced to about ⅓ of the beginning yield. Add the demi-glace and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat. Add butter and mix.
Elk
1 elk tenderloin
Cut into 4-ounce medallions and coat with the espresso rub. Heat a pan or griddle with vegetable oil and cook elk on first side 3 or 4 minutes until charred. Turn and cook to desired temperature. Put on a plate and top with sauce.
For more information about Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse or to make reservations, visit the restaurant’s website.
