Colorado Bison Meatball Skewers with Smoky BBQ Glaze

Introduction

Bison meatball skewers are a flavorful and juicy delight, perfect for grilling on your Arteflame. These skewers are reverse-seared, locking in the flavor and delivering a smoky barbecue finish that pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables and buttery sides. Let's fire up the grill and get started!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground bison
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the napkins and let the firewood catch. Wait about 20 minutes until the grill is ready.

Step 2: Prepare the meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground bison, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
3. Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 3: Sear the meatballs on the center grill grate

1. Place the meatballs on the center grill grate and sear at 1,000°F for 1-2 minutes per side.
2. Once a rich brown crust forms, remove them from the grate.

Step 4: Finish cooking on the flat griddle

1. Move the seared meatballs to the flat cooktop griddle, near the center where it's hotter.
2. Rotate the meatballs occasionally and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
3. Remove from the grill when they reach 130°F, as they will continue to cook off the heat.

Step 5: Skewer and baste with barbecue sauce

1. Thread the meatballs onto skewers.
2. Brush with barbecue sauce and return them briefly to the cooktop griddle for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
3. Remove from heat and brush with melted butter for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips

• Use butter instead of oil for a richer flavor when basting.
• Rotate the skewers frequently to ensure they cook evenly.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
• Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain moisture.
• Experiment with different barbecue sauces for unique flavors.

Variations

1. Spicy Chipotle: Add 1 tsp chipotle powder and 1 tbsp chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
2. Garlic Parmesan: Mix in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and an extra clove of minced garlic.
3. Herb-Infused: Add 1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary and thyme for an earthy, aromatic touch.
4. Sweet and Tangy: Use honey barbecue sauce with 1 tsp Dijon mustard for a balanced sweet-savory glaze.
5. Asian-Inspired: Incorporate 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp ginger powder into the meat mixture.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Charred bell peppers and onions
• Buttery garlic bread
• Smoked baked potatoes
• A glass of bold red wine or a craft beer

Conclusion

These Colorado Bison Meatball Skewers bring out the best of smoky barbecue flavors with a juicy, tender bite. The reverse searing method locks in moisture while the Arteflame grill provides the perfect cooking conditions. Try different variations and pair them with delicious sides for a complete meal.