Swedish Elk Burgers with Lingonberry Mayo

Introduction

Juicy, flavorful Swedish elk burgers seared to perfection on the Arteflame grill and topped with a sweet and tangy lingonberry mayonnaise. Grilled using the reverse searing method, these elk burgers lock in moisture and gain rich caramelization for a truly gourmet outdoor cooking experience.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground elk meat
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 hamburger buns
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lingonberry jam
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup arugula
• 1/2 cup sliced pickles

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F.

Step 2: Prepare the burger mixture

1. In a bowl, combine ground elk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Gently mix until evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
3. Form into 4 equal-sized patties, pressing slightly in the center to prevent puffing up while grilling.

Step 3: Sear the elk burgers

1. Place the elk patties on the center grill grate of the Arteflame.
2. Sear for 2 minutes on each side to develop a crust and lock in the juices.
3. Move the burgers to the flat cooktop griddle to continue cooking to the desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
4. Remove from the grill when the internal temperature is 15°F below the desired doneness, as it will continue to cook off the grill.

Step 4: Grill the buns

1. Butter the inside of the hamburger buns and place them on the outer edge of the flat cooktop.
2. Toast for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Make the lingonberry mayo

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lingonberry jam, and Dijon mustard until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble the burgers

1. Spread lingonberry mayo on both toasted bun halves.
2. Add the arugula, sliced pickles, and grilled elk patty.
3. Top with red onions and the remaining bun half.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
• Rest the burgers for 5 minutes before serving to redistribute the juices.
• Adjust the heat zones on the Arteflame to cook other ingredients like onions or mushrooms.

Variations

1. Blue Cheese Elk Burgers: Add crumbled blue cheese into the elk patty mix for a bold flavor.
2. Smoky Bacon Elk Burgers: Top the burger with crispy grilled bacon from the flat cooktop.
3. Spicy Elk Burgers: Mix chili flakes and smoked paprika into the ground elk for extra heat.
4. Truffle Elk Burgers: Add truffle aioli instead of lingonberry mayo for a luxurious twist.
5. Brie & Caramelized Onion Elk Burgers: Melt brie cheese over the patties and top with grilled caramelized onions.

Conclusion

These Swedish elk burgers with lingonberry mayo bring together the richness of elk meat with a touch of sweetness and tang. Grilled to perfection on the Arteflame grill, each bite is a testament to the power of an excellent sear and dynamic flavors.

Best pairings

• Beverage: A full-bodied red wine like Malbec or a crisp craft beer.
• Side dish: Grilled sweet potato fries or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Extra topping: Melted gouda or crispy fried onions.