Bison Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Introduction

Bison burgers are a lean and flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers. When cooked on the Arteflame grill, they gain a delicious sear while staying juicy and tender. Let's make a bison burger that's sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground bison
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, and pickles for topping
• Your favorite condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo)

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Grill

Start by firing up your Arteflame grill to get it ready for grilling. Allow the grill to reach a high heat in the center and medium heat on the outer edges.

2. Caramelize the Onions

Place the butter on the flat top cooktop to melt. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them on the outer edge of the cooktop, where the heat is lower. Stir occasionally until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Move them to the cooler side to keep warm.

3. Prepare the Bison Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground bison, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined. Form the mixture into four equal patties.

4. Sear the Patties

Place the bison patties on the center grill grate for a high-heat sear, about 2-3 minutes per side. This will lock in the juices and create a beautiful crust.

5. Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

Move the seared patties to the flat cooktop to bring them up to the desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (about 3-4 minutes per side). Add the cheese slices in the last minute to melt.

6. Toast the Buns

While the patties finish cooking, place the burger buns on the outer edge of the cooktop to toast lightly.

7. Assemble the Burgers

Place each bison patty on a toasted bun. Top with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Add your favorite condiments.

8. Rest and Serve

Remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

• Rest the Meat: Always remove the meat from the grill when it's 15°F below the desired internal temperature as it will continue to cook.
• Customize Toppings: Feel free to add avocado, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for additional flavor.
• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for blue cheese or pepper jack for a different taste.

Variations

1. Spicy Bison Burgers

Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper and 1 diced jalapeño to the bison mixture for a spicy kick. Top with pepper jack cheese and avocado.

2. BBQ Bison Burgers

Mix 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce into the bison mixture. Top with coleslaw and smoked gouda.

3. Mediterranean Bison Burgers

Add 1/4 cup crumbled feta, 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to the bison mixture. Serve with tzatziki sauce, cucumber slices, and red onion.

4. Herb and Garlic Bison Burgers

Mix 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and an extra clove of garlic into the bison mixture. Top with Swiss cheese and arugula.

5. Blue Cheese Bison Burgers

Add 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese and 2 tbsp chopped green onions to the bison mixture. Serve with caramelized onions and a slice of tomato.

Best Pairings

• Side Dishes: Sweet potato fries, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
• Drinks: A robust red wine like a Zinfandel, a craft beer, or a refreshing iced tea.

Conclusion

Bison burgers are a great way to enjoy a healthier, leaner burger without sacrificing flavor. The caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the rich taste of bison. Cooking on the Arteflame grill ensures a perfect sear and juicy interior every time.