Minnesota Grilled Buffalo Elk Burgers

Introduction

Experience the bold flavors of Minnesota with these Grilled Buffalo Elk Burgers. Lean elk meat is mixed with spicy buffalo sauce, seared on the center grill grate of the Arteflame for a perfect crust, and finished to perfection on the flat cooktop griddle. Serve these juicy burgers for a smoky, spicy bite that’s truly unforgettable!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground elk meat
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter (for griddle cooking)
• 4 burger buns
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper and allow the fire to build; the grill will be ready in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Elk Burger Patties

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground elk meat, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Form the mixture into four equal-sized patties.

Step 3: Sear the Burgers

1. Place the patties on the center grill grate of the Arteflame, searing at 1,000°F for about 1-2 minutes per side.
2. Once the patties have a dark brown crust, move them to the flat cooktop.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Add butter to the flat cooktop griddle and move the burgers to a medium-heat zone.
2. Allow them to cook through, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 15°F below the desired doneness.
3. Remove the burgers and rest them for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Toast the burger buns on the cooktop with a little butter.
2. Place the cooked patties onto the buns and top with blue cheese, red onions, lettuce, and ranch dressing.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• For extra flavor, baste the patties with additional buffalo sauce while grilling.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Let the meat rest before serving to keep the juices locked in.

Variations

1. Cheddar Bacon Buffalo Elk Burgers: Add crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese for a smoky, cheesy twist.
2. Spicy Jalapeño Buffalo Elk Burgers: Mix in diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
3. BBQ Blue Buffalo Elk Burgers: Replace buffalo sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce and top with extra blue cheese.
4. Garlic Butter Buffalo Elk Burgers: Add minced garlic and extra butter for intense richness and bold garlic flavor.
5. Minnesota Wild Mushroom Buffalo Elk Burgers: Top with grilled wild mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a savory, earthy taste.

Best Pairings

• A side of grilled sweet potato fries
• A crisp, cold IPA beer
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• A fresh side salad with blue cheese dressing
• Smoked baked beans with bacon

Conclusion

The Arteflame grill makes this Minnesota Grilled Buffalo Elk Burger truly outstanding. The 1,000°F sear locks in juices while the flat cooktop ensures even cooking, creating a burger that is both flavorful and juicy. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy this gourmet experience in your own backyard.