Introduction

Get ready to experience a mouthwatering Kansas-style grilled buffalo burger, seared to perfection on the Arteflame grill. The smoky spice rub enhances the rich flavor of buffalo meat, while the tangy blue cheese dressing adds a creamy contrast. Using the unique heat zones of the Arteflame's flat-top cooktop, this recipe locks in the juices for an incredible bite every time.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground buffalo meat
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup arugula
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the oiled napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and ignite them.
4. Allow the fire to heat the grill for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000F.

Step 2: Prepare the Spice Rub and Patties

1. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the ground buffalo meat.
3. Gently form the meat into 4 equal patties, making a small indentation in the center to prevent puffing.

Step 3: Sear the Buffalo Patties

1. Place the buffalo patties on the center grill grate for 1-2 minutes per side to sear at high heat.
2. Once seared on both sides, move the patties to the flat cooktop to finish cooking to the desired doneness (135F for medium-rare, 145F for medium).
3. Remove the patties from the grill when they are about 15F below their final temperature as they will continue to cook.

Step 4: Grill the Buns

1. Spread butter on the cut sides of the hamburger buns.
2. Place them on the flat cooktop and toast until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Blue Cheese Dressing

1. In a bowl, mix crumbled blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Stir until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

1. Place arugula on the bottom bun.
2. Top with a grilled buffalo patty, blue cheese dressing, tomato slices, and red onion.
3. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• For extra flavor, let the spice-rubbed patties rest for 10 minutes before grilling.
• Use high-quality firewood for the best smoky flavor.
• Searing at 1,000F locks in juices, so avoid flipping the patties too early.
• Rest your burgers for a few minutes after grilling for maximum juiciness.

Variations

• Spicy Buffalo Burger: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the blue cheese dressing for extra kick.
• Bacon & Cheddar Buffalo Burger: Replace blue cheese with sharp cheddar and add crispy bacon.
• BBQ Buffalo Burger: Swap blue cheese dressing with BBQ sauce and top with caramelized onions.
• Mushroom Swiss Buffalo Burger: Replace blue cheese with Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms.
• Kansas City Sweet & Smoky Burger: Add a brown sugar rub and top with smoky mayo and crispy fried onions.

Conclusion

These Kansas-style grilled buffalo burgers will be the highlight of any backyard cookout. With the Arteflame grill, you get an unmatched sear and incredible flavor that brings out the best in the buffalo meat. Try different variations to explore new tastes and textures, and don't forget to pair your burgers with classic sides for the ultimate meal.

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet potato fries
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Smoky baked beans
• Crisp coleslaw
• A rich Kansas-style barbecue sauce on the side