Norwegian Flame Grilled Moose Burgers with Lingonberry Mayo

Introduction

Transport your taste buds to the rugged fjords of Scandinavia with these authentic Norwegian Flame Grilled Moose Burgers. Unlike standard beef patties, moose meat offers a rich, deep game flavor that is surprisingly lean and tender when prepared correctly. The secret to elevating this wild game lies in the balance of flavors; the savory, iron-rich meat pairs perfectly with the tart sweetness of lingonberry mayonnaise and the nutty, mild melt of Jarlsberg cheese. Cooking this on an Arteflame grill enhances the experience, allowing you to achieve a wood-fired sear that locks in moisture while imparting a subtle smoky aroma.

Whether you are a hunter looking to utilize your harvest or a culinary adventurer seeking new horizons, this recipe brings a touch of Nordic sophistication to your backyard barbecue. The high heat of the Arteflame center grate sears the meat instantly, while the flat-top griddle allows you to toast the buns and melt the cheese to perfection simultaneously. Get ready to experience a burger that is as wild and beautiful as the Norwegian wilderness itself.

Ingredients

The Moose Patties

• 1 lb (450g) Ground Moose meat
• 1/2 lb (225g) Ground Pork (essential for added fat and juiciness)
• 1 small Red Onion, finely diced
• 1 tbsp Juniper Berries, crushed (optional for authentic Nordic flavor)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
• 1 Egg (binder)
• 2 tbsp Butter (for the grill)

Lingonberry Mayo

• 1/2 cup High-quality Mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp Lingonberry Jam (Wild cranberry sauce can be a substitute)
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice
• Pinch of Black Pepper

Assembly

• 4 Brioche Buns
• 4 slices Jarlsberg Cheese
• 1 cup Fresh Arugula or Mixed Greens

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lingonberry Mayo

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and lingonberry jam.
2. Add the lemon juice and a pinch of black pepper. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld while you prepare the meat.

Step 2: Form the Patties

1. In a large bowl, gently mix the ground moose meat with the ground pork. The pork fat is crucial to prevent the lean moose meat from drying out.
2. Add the diced onion, crushed juniper berries, salt, black pepper, and the egg.
3. Mix with your hands just until combined—do not overwork the meat, or the burgers will become tough.
4. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, pressing a small indentation in the center of each to prevent them from puffing up during grilling.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a wood fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. Let it burn down until you have a bed of hot coals and the flat cooktop is searing hot.
2. Lightly oil the flat steel cooktop with vegetable oil or rub with a piece of fat.
3. Place a dab of butter on the cooktop where you plan to place the burgers.

Step 4: Grill the Burgers

1. Place the moose patties directly onto the hot flat top (or the center grill grate for a char). Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Move the patties to a slightly cooler zone on the outer ring of the flat top to finish cooking to your desired internal temperature (medium-rare to medium is recommended for game).
3. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Jarlsberg cheese on each patty to melt.

Step 5: Toast and Assemble

1. Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and place them on the flat top grill until golden brown and crispy.
2. To assemble, spread a generous layer of lingonberry mayo on the bottom bun. Add a bed of arugula.
3. Place the cheese-topped moose patty on the greens. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.

Tips

When cooking game meat like moose, moisture control is the absolute priority. Because moose is incredibly lean, it lacks the intramuscular fat (marbling) found in beef. This is why we incorporate ground pork into the mix; it adds the necessary fat content to keep the burger juicy and flavorful. If you strictly prefer 100% moose meat, be careful not to cook the burgers past medium-rare, as they will quickly become dry and crumbly.

Regarding the Arteflame grill, utilize the different heat zones intelligently. Start the burgers near the center to get that delicious Maillard reaction crust, then move them further out to let the inside cook gently without burning the exterior. Also, don't skip the juniper berries if you can find them—they provide a piney, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the meat and is a staple in Scandinavian game cooking.

Variations

If you want to experiment with this Nordic classic, there are several ways to tweak the flavor profile while keeping the spirit of the dish alive. You can swap the meat or the toppings to suit your pantry or dietary preferences. Here are a few delicious variations to try on your grill:

• The Forest Mushroom Burger: Sauté chanterelle or wild mushrooms in butter on the Arteflame flat top and pile them high on the burger for an earthier flavor profile.
• The Blue Cheese Twist: Substitute the mild Jarlsberg with a crumbled Danish blue cheese for a sharper, more pungent contrast to the sweet lingonberries.
• The Bacon Bomb: Instead of mixing pork into the patty, wrap the moose burger in bacon slices before grilling to baste the meat in fat as it cooks.
• The Spicy Viking: Add chopped fresh chili peppers to the lingonberry mayo for a sweet and spicy kick that warms the palate.
• Venison Swap: If moose is unavailable, this recipe works perfectly with elk or deer meat, following the same ratio of added fat.

Best pairings

To round out this meal, you need sides and drinks that can stand up to the robust flavors of game meat without overpowering it. In Norway, root vegetables are a common staple. Try grilling sliced parsnips, carrots, or celery root directly on the Arteflame flat top alongside the burgers; the caramelization adds a wonderful sweetness that complements the savory moose.

For beverages, a dark beer is the traditional choice. A Porter or a Stout works exceptionally well, mirroring the roasted notes of the meat. If you prefer wine, opt for a full-bodied red like a Syrah or a Cabernet Sauvignon that has enough tannins to cut through the richness. For a truly authentic experience, finish the meal with a small glass of Aquavit, a Scandinavian spirit flavored with caraway and herbs, which aids in digestion and cleanses the palate.

Conclusion

Grilling moose burgers on the Arteflame is more than just cooking a meal; it is a celebration of wild flavors and outdoor living. By combining the lean, iron-rich taste of moose with the creamy, tart accent of lingonberry mayo, you create a dish that is both rustic and refined. This recipe proves that game meat, often intimidated by home cooks, can be transformed into a juicy, gourmet masterpiece with just a few simple techniques and the right equipment.

We hope this recipe inspires you to step outside your comfort zone and try something new on the grill. The combination of fire, smoke, and fresh ingredients creates a dining experience that is hard to replicate in a standard kitchen. Gather your friends and family, light up the fire, and enjoy a true taste of the Nordic wild. Velbekomme (Bon appétit)!