Montana Bear Meat Burgers on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Experience the rich, earthy flavors of Montana with these bear meat burgers grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. This reverse-seared burger method locks in juices with a high-temperature sear before finishing to the perfect doneness. Grilling on the solid steel cooktop keeps food from burning while giving the best possible flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground bear meat
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 4 burger buns
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• Lettuce, tomato, onion (for garnish)
• Favorite burger sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the oil-soaked napkins in the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the paper and let the fire build. The grill will be ready in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the bear meat mixture

1. In a large bowl, mix the ground bear meat with Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Form the meat into four evenly sized burger patties.

Step 3: Sear the burger patties on the center grill grate

1. Place the bear meat patties on the 1,000°F center grill grate for a high-temperature sear.
2. Sear each side for about 2 minutes or until a deep brown crust forms.

Step 4: Move the patties to the flat cooktop

1. Transfer the seared patties to the flat cooktop, closer to the outer edges where the temperature is lower.
2. Let them cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (for medium) or desired doneness.
3. Remove the patties at 130°F as they will continue cooking after removal.

Step 5: Toast the burger buns

1. Spread butter on the burger buns.
2. Place them on the flat cooktop until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Assemble the burgers

1. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty.
2. Add the bear meat patty to the bottom bun.
3. Top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite burger sauce.
4. Place the top bun and serve hot.

Tips

• Always remove the bear meat patties 15°F before the target temperature to allow them to finish cooking while resting.
• If using lean bear meat, consider adding a little beef fat to maintain juiciness.
• Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes after removing from the grill for the best flavor.
• To enhance flavor, brush a little melted butter on the patties while on the flat cooktop.

Variations

• Spicy Montana Burger: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper and top with pepper jack cheese.
• BBQ Bear Burger: Mix 2 tbsp of BBQ sauce into the meat and top with caramelized onions.
• Montana Blue Cheese Burger: Add 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese into the patty mixture.
• Smoky Bacon Bear Burger: Add smoked bacon to the burger and use smoked gouda cheese.
• Mushroom Swiss Bear Burger: Grill mushrooms on the flat cooktop and top with melted Swiss cheese.

Best pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob with butter
• Sweet potato fries cooked on the flat cooktop
• Grilled mushrooms and onions
• Smoky baked beans
• A rich porter or stout beer

Conclusion

These Montana bear meat burgers bring out the deep, gamey flavor of the wild while keeping them juicy and tender. The Arteflame grill ensures the perfect sear without burning, giving you a steakhouse-quality burger right at home. Grill your favorite sides alongside for the ultimate outdoor cooking experience.