Classic New Jersey Diner Burger on Arteflame Grill

Introduction

There’s something truly iconic about a Classic New Jersey Diner Burger. Juicy, flavorful, and topped with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and creamy special sauce—this burger captures everything we love about American diner fare. When prepared on the Arteflame Grill using the reverse sear method, you’ll experience unbeatable flavor, a perfect sear, and juicy results that’ll rival any steakhouse. Let’s fire up the grill and cook this New Jersey staple to perfection!

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 4 brioche buns
• 4 crisp lettuce leaves
• 4 thick tomato slices
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
• Special Sauce (mix 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp yellow mustard, pinch of paprika, and minced pickle chips)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside your Arteflame Grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oil-soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the wood to catch. Wait approximately 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prep your burger patties

1. Form the fresh ground beef into four equal patties, slightly larger than your buns, with a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing during cooking.
2. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the patties

1. Place the patties on the center grill grate directly above the fire, where the surface reaches over 1,000°F.
2. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes to develop a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Move to the flat griddle cooktop

1. Transfer the seared patties to the flat cooktop surrounding the center grate (hotter zones are closer to the center).
2. Cook each patty to the desired internal temperature. Remove from grill when they’re 15°F below your target doneness to allow for carryover cooking. (Recommended: 135°F for medium-rare.)

Step 5: Toast the buns and melt butter

1. Spread a little butter on each halved brioche bun and place them face-down on the flat top griddle.
2. Toast until golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Assemble the burgers

1. Spread special sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
2. Stack the burger patties, lettuce, and tomato slices.
3. Add more sauce on the top bun and close.

Tips

• Use high-quality beef for the most flavorful, juicy burgers.
• Let the patties rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in the juices.
• Don’t press down on burgers while they cook—this removes moisture!
• Always cook over wood for best results with the Arteflame Grill.
• Use butter instead of oil on the flat top for richer flavor during toasting.

Variations

• Cheddar Bacon Diner Burger: Add sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon strips on top of the patty just before removing from the grill.
• Spicy Jersey Burger: Add jalapeños and use a chipotle mayo in place of the classic special sauce.
• Mushroom Swiss Burger: Sauté sliced mushrooms directly on the griddle with butter and top with Swiss cheese.
• Avocado Ranch Burger: Add sliced avocado and substitute special sauce with ranch dressing.
• BBQ Onion Burger: Top with barbecue sauce and grilled onions caramelized on the Arteflame griddle.

Best pairings

• Thick-cut grilled potato wedges with herb butter (grilled directly on the flat top)
• Griddled caramelized onions and peppers
• Old-fashioned root beer or a cold craft beer
• Grilled corn on the cob finished with parmesan and paprika
• Classic Jersey diner milkshake—vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry

Conclusion

Using the reverse sear method with your Arteflame Grill brings the Classic New Jersey Diner Burger to life with steakhouse quality sear and unbeatable flavor. It doesn’t get more satisfying than this juicy, crispy, and flavor-packed burger—all cooked outdoors, right on the Arteflame. Don't forget—remove the burgers 15°F below your finishing temperature and let them rest for perfect doneness every time.