The Type Of Burger You Need To Try Before You Die

When it comes to dining experiences, there's nothing like sinking your teeth into a big, juicy burger. And there's definitely no shortage when it comes to the toppings, sauces, cheeses, and breads one can use to create the perfect burger recipes. The iconic grub has been around for a lot longer than some folks may realize.

Burgers — or, at the very least, sandwich-esque dishes closely resembling them — have been enjoyed since the 1st century, when Romans noshed on a savory blend of crushed pine nuts, pepper, fish sauce, and wine, per Food & Wine. However, the true origin of the ground beef patty sandwich becomes a bit vague. Fast-forward to mid-18th century London, where smoked sausage was commonly served on toast, and then to the 19th and 20th centuries in America, where ground pork and beef were formed into patties and nestled between two slices of bread or split buns.

Regardless of their history, burgers have made an epically delicious mark in culinary culture. Today, burgers come in all shapes and sizes and frequently veer away from traditional meats and garnishes, and one type of burger is becoming more and more popular for its tender texture and unique palate. Hint: The meat comes from an animal that's among the largest of the deer family.

Behold: the elk burger! Yep, you read that right. When it comes to exotic meats, elk burgers are taking the gastronomic world by storm — and for good reason. If you're curious about what elk meat tastes like, rest assured it's not too far a throw from classic cow beef. Moreover, elk offers some additional nutrients you may not find in other provisions. According to Eat Elk Meat, it yields less grease than beef, mainly due to its lower fat content. Livestrong also explains that elk is an excellent source of protein and generally contains few calories (roughly 150 per serving). Elk also contains 100% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin B-12, plus iron, zinc, phosphorus, and other key vitamins and minerals.

So, where can you get your hands on a hearty, delicious elk burger? If you want to whip up your own at home for your next backyard BBQ, elk meat is sold in many meat markets and grocery stores around the globe. You can also find it at some diners and restaurants. Sconni's Alehouse and Eatery in Schofield, Wisconsin, for one, features The Elk on its menu, which includes an elk patty piled high with hickory smoked bacon, Marieke Gouda, greens, sliced tomato, and horseradish. You can also dig into an elk burger at Deschutes Brewery and Public House in Portland, Oregon, which is topped with Gruyère, blue cheese, mixed greens, garlic-IPA sauce, and beer-brined pickles. Oh, deer!