The Ultimate Bison Burger Guide: Savory, Sweet, and Everything In Between

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bison burger recipe

What’s Up, Hungry People?

You probably already know about my deep affection for bison. Okay, let’s call it a passion. But here’s the catch: despite how much I adore it, bison is surprisingly good for you! From variations like bison chili to those tempting bison stuffed peppers, I just find it hard to resist.

And today? Well, let’s just say it’s not my debut with bison burgers. These hearty gems have graced our table many times. But, as you know, I’m always on the lookout for fresh spins and twists!

The Bison Basics

Here’s a fun tidbit: Bison meat is leaner and has a distinct sweetness compared to regular beef. While this recipe is crafted with bison’s unique profile in mind, guess what? It’s versatile enough to jazz up any regular ol’ burger too. And oh, my little secret to crafting that ideal bison burger? Mix in some sweet notes with a spicy kick.

These burgers are brimming with layers of taste. We start with the caramel hints of brown sugar, throw in aromatic garlic, rich parmesan cheese, and then kick things up a notch with hot peppers. And if you’re wondering about the magic binder that holds all this goodness together? A touch of corn flour does the trick, absorbing the extra moisture and ensuring these patties don’t crumble away.

bison burger ingredients

Here’s What You Need

  • Ground bison meat: Lean protein, the star of the dish with a unique, sweet flavor.
  • Brown sugar or honey: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
  • Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, umami-rich taste and binds the burger mixture.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the meaty flavor with a deep, tangy touch.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor and adds a pop of color.
  • Garlic powder: Adds depth and an aromatic note to the meat.
  • Chile pepper: Brings a spicy kick, enhancing overall flavor.
  • Salt: Amplifies the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Pepper: Adds a mild heat and aromatic quality.
  • Corn flour: Absorbs moisture, helping to bind and shape the burger.
  • Kaiser rolls: The vehicle for the burger; soft with a slightly crusty exterior.
mixing bison burgers

Let’s Cook!

Here’s what you do: grab all the ingredients and mix ’em up in a bowl. Next, divide the meat – maybe in half, and half again, or even once more (depending on your meat quantity).

mixed bison meat

Aim for those juicy quarter-pounders. A little heads up – bison, being the lean thing it is, cooks quicker than your average ground beef patty. My advice? Keep those burgers about half an inch thick to get that perfect cook.

bison patties

Now, it’s time to get those hands dirty. Fire up the grill or heat a skillet, and cook these patties until they hit an internal temperature of 140°F for those who love it medium rare, or venture up to 160°F if you’re a well-done fan. To wrap it all up, crown your burger with choice toppings. On my end, I went for the spicy punch of habanero cheddar cheese, the sweet allure of sautéed onions, and the classics – lettuce and tomato. All of this goodness, nestled snugly in a kaiser roll.

Bison Burger Tips & Tricks

  • Choosing your meat: While bison is leaner, ensure you’re using fresh ground meat for the best texture and flavor.
  • Adjusting sweetness: Depending on personal preference, you can use brown sugar for a caramel hint or honey for a natural sweetness. Experiment and find your sweet spot!
  • Patty thickness: Keeping your burgers around half an inch thick ensures even cooking, especially given bison’s lean nature.
  • Resting the burgers: Always let your burgers rest post-cooking. This helps in retaining the juices, ensuring a moist burger bite.
  • Topping choices: While we’ve given some topping options, the world is your oyster! From avocado slices to different cheeses, customize your bison burger to your heart’s content.
  • Cooking method: If you’re not using a grill, a cast-iron skillet can work wonders for a great sear on your bison patties. Remember to preheat well!
  • Checking doneness: Invest in a meat thermometer. It’s the most accurate way to ensure your burgers are cooked to your preferred doneness. No more guessing games!
grilled bison burgers

Alright, Hungry People, our easy bison burgers adventure has come to a delightful pause. There’s something truly magical about a well-made burger, and when it’s bison, the game’s just elevated. These burgers are not just a meal; they’re an experience brimming with flavors both sweet and spicy, bound together with love (and a touch of corn flour). Whether it’s a weekend treat or a weekday delight, these burgers promise to satiate both your hunger and your culinary curiosity. Now, all that’s left is for you to give it a go and let these flavors dance on your palate!

bison burgers

Easy Bison Burgers

The Starving Chef
A flavorful bison burger with a mix of sweet and spicy notes, served on a soft kaiser roll.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Grill
Cuisine American, Backyard Cooking, Burgers
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz ground bison meat
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 chile pepper diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup corn flour
  • 4 Kaiser rolls for serving

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:

  • cheese slices
  • lettuce
  • tomato slices
  • pickle chips
  • onion slices
  • your favorite condiment

Instructions
 

  • Preheat a grill or skillet and grease with cooking spray as needed. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground bison meat, corn flour, diced chile pepper, brown sugar (or honey), garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley.
  • Divide the mixture and form into evenly sized patties, approximately a quarter-pound each.
  • Grill the patties for 2-4 minutes on each side. The internal temperature should reach 140°F for medium rare and 160°F for well done.
  • After grilling, let the burgers rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
  • Serve the burgers on Kaiser rolls with optional toppings, such as sautéed onions, cheese slices, lettuce, and tomato. Serve hot. Enjoy!
Keyword bison, burger, grill
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