Colorado Mountain Elk Burgers on the Arteflame Grill

Name: Colorado Mountain Elk Burgers on the Arteflame Grill
Prep time: PT15MM
Cook time: PT20MM
Total time: PT35MM
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Arteflame Grill; 1.5 lbs ground elk meat; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 brioche buns; 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup arugula; 4 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

Introduction

Indulge in the rich, juicy flavors of a perfectly seared Colorado Mountain Elk Burger. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality burgers by searing the elk patties over the 1,000°F center grill grate of the Arteflame and finishing them to perfection on the flat-top griddle. The result? An ultra-juicy, caramelized, and flavorful burger that will impress any burger enthusiast.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground elk meat
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 brioche buns
4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup arugula
4 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

Step 1: Light the Arteflame Grill

Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
Stack firewood over the oil-soaked napkins.
Light the napkins and allow the fire to establish itself.
Wait about 20 minutes for the Arteflame to be ready for cooking.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Place 2 tbsp of unsalted butter on the flat-top griddle.
Add finely chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized.
Move onions to a cooler section of the griddle to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Burger Patties

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground elk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and caramelized onions.
Gently form the meat into four equal patties, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 4: Sear the Elk Burger Patties

Place the patties onto the 1,000°F center grill grate.
Sear for about 2 minutes per side to create a flavorful crust.
Once seared, move the patties to the flat-top griddle to continue cooking to the desired doneness.
For medium-rare, cook until internal temperature reaches 120°F, then remove from the grill (final temp should reach 135°F).

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Spread butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns.
Place buns on the griddle until golden brown and crisp.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard and spread evenly on the buns.
Place a layer of arugula on the bottom bun.
Add the elk patty and top with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
Complete the burger with the top bun and serve immediately.

Tips

Remove patties from the grill when they are 15°F below your target temperature, as they will continue cooking.
Use high-quality brioche buns for a soft yet sturdy texture.
If you prefer, swap out cheddar for blue cheese for extra richness.
Allow the elk patties to rest for 5 minutes before serving for the juiciest results.

Variations

Spicy Southwest Elk Burger: Add diced jalapeños and chipotle powder to the patty mixture. Use pepper jack cheese and top with avocado.
Bacon & BBQ Elk Burger: Mix in crispy bacon bits and brush patties with BBQ sauce before serving.
Mushroom Swiss Elk Burger: Sauté mushrooms on the griddle and add Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
Italian Elk Burger: Add sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese to the patty mixture. Top with fresh basil.
Breakfast Elk Burger: Top with a fried egg and serve with a toasted English muffin.

Conclusion

Colorado Mountain Elk Burgers are a delicious and lean alternative to beef, offering a rich, gamey flavor with just the right amount of seasoning. Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, these burgers achieve an incredible sear while staying moist and juicy. Try this recipe today and impress your guests with a gourmet burger experience.