Juicy Idaho Bison Burgers on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Nothing beats a perfectly seared, juicy bison burger grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. With rich seasonings, a buttery toasted bun, and expert grilling methods, you’ll achieve a steakhouse-quality burger right in your backyard. Let’s fire up the grill and create the best Idaho-style bison burgers!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground bison
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 4 brioche buns
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Lettuce, tomato, and red onion (for toppings)
• Dijon mustard and mayonnaise (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oil-soaked napkins and light them.
3. Let the fire build and allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the bison patties

1. In a bowl, combine ground bison, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Form into 4 equal-sized patties, roughly ¾ inch thick.
3. Brush each patty with melted butter for extra flavor.

Step 3: Sear the bison patties

1. Place the patties on the center grill grate (over 1,000°F) and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until a crust forms.
2. Move the seared patties onto the flat cooktop to finish cooking.

Step 4: Cook to desired doneness

1. Continue cooking the patties on the flat cooktop griddle, flipping occasionally.
2. Use an instant-read thermometer and remove them when 15°F below the target temperature (130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium).

Step 5: Toast the brioche buns

1. Butter the buns and place them cut-side down on the flat griddle cooktop.
2. Toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble and serve

1. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the warm patties and let it melt.
2. Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
3. Spread Dijon mustard and mayonnaise on the toasted buns.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• For the juiciest burgers, don’t overwork the bison meat when forming patties.
• Bison is lean, so cooking it to medium ensures maximum tenderness.
• Use a thermometer to prevent overcooking—bison can dry out quickly.
• Let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.

Variations

1. Spicy Chipotle Bison Burgers: Add 1 tsp chipotle powder and top with pepper jack cheese and jalapeños.
2. BBQ Bacon Bison Burgers: Mix in 1 tbsp BBQ sauce into the patties and top with crispy bacon and smoked gouda.
3. Mushroom Swiss Bison Burgers: Grill sliced mushrooms on the flat cooktop and serve with Swiss cheese.
4. Blue Cheese Bison Burgers: Stuff the patties with blue cheese crumbles and top with caramelized onions.
5. Greek-Style Bison Burgers: Add 1 tbsp oregano and serve with feta cheese, cucumbers, and tzatziki sauce.

Best pairings

• Grilled sweet potato fries
• Charred corn on the cob
• Grilled asparagus with garlic butter
• Crisp coleslaw
• A cold craft beer or Idaho potato vodka cocktail

Conclusion

Grilling bison burgers on the Arteflame is an unbeatable experience. The perfect sear, deliciously juicy texture, and rich flavors make this Idaho-inspired dish a crowd favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the best homemade bison burger!