Grilled Virginia Peanut Burgers

Introduction

Virginia peanuts bring a unique nutty richness to these grilled peanut burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and topped with a spicy peanut sauce. When grilled on the Arteflame, these burgers gain incredible texture and flavor thanks to the high-heat sear on the center grill grate and perfect finish on the flat cooktop. If you’re looking for a standout burger recipe with a Southern twist, this one’s unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 3/4 cup chopped roasted Virginia peanuts
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)
• 4 burger buns
• Spicy peanut sauce (see note)
• Lettuce, sliced red onion, and tomato (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the center grill area and pour vegetable oil over them.
2. Stack firewood neatly over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to build. Ready to cook in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Burger Patties

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped Virginia peanuts, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
3. Form into 4 equal-sized burger patties, about 3/4 inch thick.

Step 3: Sear the Burgers

1. Once your Arteflame grill grate center reaches 1000°F, place each patty on the grill grate for a high-heat steakhouse-style sear—about 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 4: Finish on the Flat Cooktop

1. After searing, move burgers to the slightly cooler flat top cooktop.
2. Add a little unsalted butter under each patty for enhanced flavor as they finish cooking.
3. Grill until internal temperature is 15°F below your target doneness (carryover cooking will finish them).

Step 5: Toast the Buns & Assemble

1. Lightly butter your burger buns and place them cut-side down on the flat cooktop—toast until golden.
2. Add lettuce, slice of tomato, and red onion to each bun base.
3. Top with grilled Virginia peanut burger, drizzle with spicy peanut sauce, and close with the top bun.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach 160°F for ground beef (remove at 145°F).
• Use chopped roasted salted Virginia peanuts for extra flavor contrast.
• For even more flavor, add some crispy bacon or a cheese slice while finishing on the flat cooktop.
• Never press the burgers with a spatula—keep those juices locked in!
• The Arteflame’s varying temperature zones allow you to control the finish of each ingredient perfectly.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Peanut Burger: Add diced jalapeños to the ground beef mix and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
2. Sweet & Savory Honey Peanut Burger: Mix a teaspoon of honey into your beef blend and top with caramelized onions.
3. Asian Fusion Peanut Burger: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and green onions in the ground beef and use a hoisin-based peanut sauce.
4. BBQ Peanut Bacon Burger: Add smoky BBQ sauce and crispy bacon with the peanut topping for extra southern charm.
5. Vegetarian Peanut Burger: Swap beef for a black bean and sweet potato patty, then add crushed peanuts into the mix for crunch.

Best pairings

• Sweet potato fries grilled on the Arteflame flat cooktop
• Grilled corn on the cob with butter and smoked paprika
• Classic Southern coleslaw
• Peach iced tea or a light lager

Conclusion

Grilling these Virginia-inspired peanut burgers on the Arteflame brings out bold flavors and delivers the perfect sear without drying out the meat. Thanks to the glowing hot center grate and evenly heated flat cooktop, every element from the bun to the burger is perfectly grilled. It’s truly an unforgettable burger experience that delightfully celebrates Virginia’s famous peanuts.