North Dakota Bison Burgers on Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Experience the bold, rich flavors of North Dakota with these juicy Bison Burgers grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill using the reverse sear method. This method locks in moisture and flavor while delivering a steakhouse-quality crust all in your backyard. With regional toppings on a toasted bun, it's an unforgettable burger experience you can craft with simple, quality ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground bison (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 brioche or potato burger buns, halved
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Optional toppings: caramelized onions, pickled beets, horseradish aioli, lettuce, tomato, sharp cheddar cheese

The Sear Makes the Steak, And Arteflame Makes the Sear

Why settle for low-temperature searing when you can achieve steakhouse-quality results with an Arteflame? Gas grills take longer, drying out your steak, while the Arteflame sears at 1000°F in just one minute, locking in juices for perfection.

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Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack dry firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the paper napkins and let the fire catch the wood.
5. Wait about 20 minutes until the cooktop reaches optimal searing temperature (center grate over 1,000°F).

Step 2: Prepare the Bison Patties

1. In a bowl, gently mix ground bison with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Avoid over-mixing.
2. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties roughly 3/4 inch thick. Press a slight dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing while cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Patties

1. Place each patty directly on the center grill grate for 1.5–2 minutes per side to create a caramelized crust.
2. Once seared, move the patties to the flat cooktop griddle to continue cooking to preferred temperature. Use a thermometer to monitor doneness.
3. Remove the patties when they reach 15°F below your target temperature (they’ll continue to cook as they rest).

Step 4: Toast the Buns

1. While patties are resting, butter the cut sides of the burger buns.
2. Place them on the flat cooktop, cut side down, until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Build Your Burger

1. Place the rested patty on a toasted bun base.
2. Add toppings like caramelized onions, pickled beets, or horseradish aioli.
3. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use high-quality ground bison for best flavor.
• The dimple in the middle of patties helps maintain shape during cooking.
• Bison is leaner than beef, so use a thermometer and don’t overcook.
• Cook everything on the Arteflame; from onions to buns—no pans needed.
• Pull patties 15°F early to let carryover heat finish the job.

Variations

1. Spicy Dakota Burger: Mix 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp cayenne into the bison and top with jalapeño slices and pepper jack cheese.
2. BBQ Bacon Bison Burger: Add crispy bacon, BBQ sauce, and sharp cheddar with grilled onions.
3. Mushroom Swiss Burger: Add sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss for a classic twist.
4. Horseradish Ranch Burger: Mix horseradish into mayo and top with lettuce and ranch dressing.
5. Northwood Blue Cheese Burger: Crumble blue cheese over the patty and finish with arugula and fig jam.

Best pairings

• Craft beer: North Dakota pale ale or amber ale
• Side: Skillet-grilled sweet corn or Arteflame-seared potato wedges
• Dessert: Grilled peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Drink: Classic root beer or cherry cola

Conclusion

Grilling North Dakota Bison Burgers on the Arteflame brings out rich, deep flavor with just the right amount of crust and juiciness. The reverse searing method enhances texture and flavor for a memorable burger adventure that's easy to master on this unique grill. Keep your heat zones in mind, trust your thermometer, and enjoy every bite of true North Dakota flavor, cooked your way.