Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 burger buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, mustard, mayo

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper to start the fire.
3. Allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes until the grill reaches cooking temperature.

Step 2: Form the Pork Patties

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing as this can make the patties tough.
3. Form the mixture into four equal patties, pressing them slightly larger than the burger buns as they will shrink when cooked.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Patties

1. Once the Arteflame center grill grate is blazing hot (about 1,000F), place the patties directly on the grate.
2. Sear for about 2 minutes per side to develop a rich, golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Finish Cooking on the Flat Cooktop

1. Move the seared patties to the cooler flat top cooktop surrounding the center grate.
2. Cook the patties until they reach an internal temperature of 150F, flipping occasionally.
3. Remember to remove them at 135F as the residual heat will bring them up to 150F after resting.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

1. Spread a thin layer of butter on the burger buns.
2. Place them on the flat cooktop, cut side down, for about 30 seconds or until golden and crisp.

Step 6: Serve

1. Place each juicily grilled pork patty onto a toasted bun.
2. Add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Use high-quality ground pork for the best flavor.
• Don’t press down on the patties while cooking—this forces juices out and makes them dry.
• For extra flavor, brush a little melted butter on the patties before grilling.
• Let the patties rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
• Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Variations

1. Spicy Iowa Pork Burger: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the pork mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Cheesy Iowa Pork Burger: Place a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on the patties for the last minute of cooking.
3. BBQ Iowa Pork Burger: Brush a layer of your favorite BBQ sauce on the patties after the sear.
4. Herb-Infused Iowa Pork Burger: Mix in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley and thyme.
5. Bacon Iowa Pork Burger: Cook crispy bacon strips on the flat cooktop and top your burger with them.

Conclusion

Cooking Iowa Pork Burgers on the Arteflame Grill ensures an epic meal packed with flavor and juiciness. The perfect sear from the center grill grate and even cooking on the flat griddle make this method unbeatable. Whether you go classic or try a variation, these pork burgers are sure to impress. Fire up your Arteflame and enjoy grilling perfection!

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob cooked on the Arteflame flat cooktop
• Sweet potato fries crisped up on the griddle
• Grilled pineapple slices for some caramelized sweetness
• Cold craft beer or homemade lemonade