Kansas Grilled Elk Burgers with Smoky Mayo

Introduction

Juicy and flavorful Kansas-style grilled elk burgers, seared on the Arteflame grill to lock in the juices, then finished to perfection on the flat cooktop. Served with a smoky mayo, these burgers are perfect for an outdoor feast!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground elk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 brioche buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp chipotle adobo sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light them.
3. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F.

Step 2: Prepare the burger mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine ground elk, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than the buns as they will shrink during cooking.

Step 3: Make the smoky mayo

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chipotle adobo sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Sear the elk burgers

1. Place the patties on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F for about 2 minutes per side.
2. Once a crust has formed, move the patties to the flat cooktop to continue cooking to your desired doneness.
3. For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F, then remove from heat at 115°F as they will continue to cook off the grill.

Step 5: Toast the buns and melt the cheese

1. Place the brioche buns cut-side down on the flat cooktop until golden brown.
2. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of smoked cheddar cheese on each patty and let it melt.

Step 6: Assemble the burgers

1. Spread smoky mayo on the bottom bun.
2. Place the grilled elk patty with melted cheese on top.
3. Add lettuce and tomato slices.
4. Place the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Always remove the meat from the grill 15°F before your target temperature as it will continue to cook off the grill.
• Use butter instead of oil for a rich, flavorful sear.
• Let the elk patties rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain their juices.

Variations

• Spicy Kansas Elk Burger: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the elk mixture and top with pepper jack cheese.
• Kansas BBQ Elk Burger: Brush the patties with Kansas-style BBQ sauce while grilling and top with crispy fried onions.
• Mushroom Swiss Elk Burger: Sauté mushrooms on the flat cooktop and top the burger with Swiss cheese.
• Bacon Kansas Elk Burger: Add crispy bacon slices and a fried egg for an extra indulgent touch.
• Blue Cheese Buffalo Elk Burger: Mix crumbled blue cheese into the patties and drizzle with buffalo sauce before serving.

Best Pairings

• Sweet potato fries cooked on the Arteflame flat cooktop
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Ice-cold Kansas craft beer
• A refreshing coleslaw

Conclusion

Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, these Kansas elk burgers showcase the bold flavors of the wild. Smoky, juicy, and incredibly satisfying, they are a must-try for any grilling enthusiast. Enjoy your meal!