Belgian Blue Beef Burgers - Juicy and Flavorful

Introduction

These Belgian Blue Beef Burgers are thick, juicy, and grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill. By searing the meat at 1,000°F on the center grill grate, we lock in the juices, ensuring every bite is tender and delicious. The burgers are then brought to the perfect doneness on the flat cooktop griddle, which allows for even cooking without burning. Topped with a traditional Belgian-style sauce, these burgers are bursting with rich, savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Belgian Blue ground beef
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 4 brioche burger buns
• 4 slices Belgian cheese (Gruyère or similar)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp finely chopped shallots
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup arugula
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

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

Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties

1. In a bowl, mix the Belgian Blue ground beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Form the mixture into four thick burger patties.

Step 3: Sear the Burgers

1. Place the burger patties on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F for about 1-2 minutes per side.
2. After searing, move the burgers to the flat cooktop griddle to continue cooking to the desired doneness, flipping as necessary.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. On the flat cooktop, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté the shallots until soft.
2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chopped parsley, and the sautéed shallots.

Step 5: Grill the Buns

1. Spread butter on the inside of the brioche burger buns.
2. Place them on the flat cooktop to toast until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

1. Spread the sauce on the bottom bun.
2. Layer with arugula, a burger patty, Belgian cheese, tomato slices, and red onion.
3. Top with the other half of the bun, press gently, and serve immediately.

Tips

• Remove the burger from the grill when it is about 15°F below the desired serving temperature, as it will continue cooking off the heat.
• Use firewood that delivers mild, aromatic smoke such as oak or hickory to complement the beef's natural flavors.
• If you want an extra cheesy burger, melt an additional slice of cheese on the patty before assembling.

Variations

1. Spicy Belgian Burger: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the beef mix and top with spicy aioli.
2. Blue Cheese Belgian Burger: Swap Belgian cheese for blue cheese crumbles for a bolder flavor.
3. Caramelized Onion Burger: Add caramelized onions grilled on the Arteflame flat cooktop for a sweet-savory twist.
4. Mushroom Swiss Burger: Sauté mushrooms with butter and thyme on the flat cooktop and top the burger with Swiss cheese.
5. Bacon and Egg Belgian Burger: Grill crispy bacon and a fried egg on the flat cooktop for a rich breakfast-style burger.

Conclusion

Grilling Belgian Blue Beef Burgers on the Arteflame grill creates a mouthwatering experience by searing in the juices at 1,000°F and then perfectly cooking on the flat griddle cooktop. The result is an incredibly flavorful, juicy burger that pairs wonderfully with a homemade Belgian-style sauce. Try these variations, and make your grilling experience truly unforgettable.

Best Pairings

• Belgian-style fries with truffle mayo
• Crisp Belgian lager or a rich Abbey beer
• Grilled vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers
• Classic coleslaw for a crunchy contrast
• Sweet potato fries with a hint of cinnamon