Wyoming Bison Burgers on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Sink your teeth into a Wyoming-style bison burger, grilled to juicy perfection on the Arteflame. With a rich, lean flavor and steakhouse-quality sear, these burgers boast bold flavor and rustic charm. The reverse sear method ensures your patties stay tender and packed with taste, perfect for your next Wyoming backyard gathering.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground bison meat (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 tsp coarse kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 brioche or kaiser burger buns
• 4 tbsp butter (for toasting buns and griddle use)
• Optional toppings: lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up your Arteflame Grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the fire bowl and pour vegetable oil over them.
2. Stack your firewood over the napkins and light the napkins.
3. Allow the Arteflame to heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches over 1,000°F and the flat cooktop is sizzling hot.

Step 2: Form the bison patties

1. Combine the ground bison, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl.
2. Form into 4 equally sized patties, slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage while cooking. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty for even cooking.

Step 3: Sear the patties over the center grill grate

1. Place the patties on the center grill grate to achieve a high-temperature sear.
2. Sear each side for about 1.5-2 minutes until a dark, flavorful crust forms.
3. Move the patties to the flat cooktop griddle to finish cooking to your desired doneness.

Step 4: Finish on the flat cooktop using reverse sear

1. Add a small pat of butter beneath each patty as it cooks on the flat top for added richness.
2. Cook to an internal temperature of 130°F for medium rare (remove at 115°F) or 140°F for medium (remove at 125°F).
3. Add cheddar cheese slices on top of each patty during the last 1-2 minutes on the flat top to gently melt.

Step 5: Toast the buns

1. Place halved buns cut-side down on the flat cooktop with a pat of butter to toast until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble your Wyoming Bison Burger

1. Place each patty on a toasted bun and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, ketchup, and mustard.
2. Serve immediately with sides of your choice.

Tips

• Don’t overwork the bison meat when forming patties, as it can make them tough.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature accurately.
• Let the patties rest for 5 minutes off the grill to preserve juiciness.
• For best flavor, always butter the cooking surface instead of using oil.
• Remember to remove the patties 15°F before desired doneness—they continue to cook as they rest.

Variations

1. Smoky Bacon Bison Burger: Add crispy smoked bacon and smoked gouda for a robust flavor punch.
2. Western BBQ Bison Burger: Top with onion rings, BBQ sauce, and sharp cheddar for a classic Western taste.
3. Spicy Chipotle Bison Burger: Mix chipotle powder into the bison meat and top with pepper jack cheese and jalapeños.
4. Wyoming Bleu Bison Burger: Blend bleu cheese crumbles into the patties and top with arugula and caramelized onions.
5. Breakfast Bison Burger: Top with a fried egg, grilled ham slices, and cheddar cheese on a toasted English muffin.

Best pairings

• Sweet potato fries or grilled corn on the cob with chipotle butter
• Crispy coleslaw or Caesar salad
• Craft pale ale or a chilled glass of Zinfandel

Conclusion

The Arteflame grill brings out the best in lean, flavorful bison meat. With its high-temp searing and even heat surface, your Wyoming Bison Burgers will turn out juicy, tender, and packed with character every time. Easy, mess-free grilling has never tasted this good.