Making juicy bison burgers at home is quick and easy, taking less than 20 minutes. Bison is a healthier alternative to beef, with fewer calories, less cholesterol, and less fat, while still being high in protein! Each 4 ounce patty provides over 20 grams of protein! This bison burger recipe is made with simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop —the results are perfect every time!
When it comes to burgers, bison has now become my first choice. When I see bison on a restaurant menu I am more inclined to order it over beef because American Bison are often raised on open pastures without the use of hormones or antibiotics, and are more likely grass-fed and grass finished. Ground bison is also very lean without having a gamey or wild flavor.
Making juicy bison burgers at home is easy and there is no need to fire up the grill —although if you want to, you should check out my Grilled Bison Burger Recipe. To make these burgers you only need ground bison, spices, a shallot. I like to make a date bacon jam to go on top to take my burger to the next level! It’s a quick savory jam and instantly makes the burger restaurant worthy!
Ingredients You Need To Make Bison Burgers
- Ground Bison: Finding ground bison at your local grocery store or butcher is becoming easier due to its increaed popularity. When buying ground bison, opt for lean bison that is 100% grass-fed and finished, and pastured raised. I usually purchase Force of Nature Ground Bison Ancestral Blend from my local Sprouts Grocery Store.
- Spices: Bison tastes similar to beef, but it is slightly sweeter, earthier flavor, and is almost always tender no matter how you cook it. Because of this, you don’t need a lot of spices for a flavorful bison burgers. You can keep it simple with a bit of salt, pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning. OR you can add as many spices as you like.
- Shallot, Fresh Garlic: Add-ins like diced shallot, onion, peppers, or minced garlic are completely optional. If you are building on flavor, these are great additions. I almost always use shallot, diced finely, and fresh minced garlic if I have it on hand.
How To Cook Bison Burgers On The Stovetop
STEP 1: Add the ground bison to a large bowl. Season with spices and shallot, mixing gently
Divide into 4 equal portions and gently form them into patties. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small indent in the center of each patty.
STEP 2: Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil or butter to coat the pan.
STEP 3: Place the bison patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on both sides.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F for medium-rare. If you prefer them more well-done, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
STEP 4: Rest the burgers: Remove the bison burgers from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute. Assemble and enjoy: Add your favorite toppings and serve on a bun or lettuce wrap.
Tips For Making The Best Bison Burgers
- Do not over mix: Because bison is lean, it is best to not over-mix it when seasoning the ground beef. Gently mix in the spices and form the patties.
- Make an indent in the patty: Using your thumb or the back of the spoon, make a small indent in the center of the patty. This will allow the moisture to accumulate in the grove while cooking and keep the burger juicy.
- Do not overcook: Cook your burger to at least 140°F (medium rare) and no more than 160°F. Because bison is lean it is best to cook to 140-145°F so that it remains juicy. Cooking over 160°F will most definitely result in a dry burger.
- Use Beef Tallow or Avocado Oil: I recommend using beef tallow or avocado oil because both have a high smoking point, which means they won’t burn as you are cooking the burgers –so no burnt butter or oil taste will ruin your burger.
What to eat with your bison burger
Just like a regular burger, the toppings and side options are limitless. I like to feel as if I am at the best burger place in town, so I go all out with my burger. The date bacon jam is 10/10 and is my favorite topping for these bison burgers. I also like to add a sauce, whether it’s Barbecue Sauce, Chipotle Sauce, or Avocado Sauce. And of course, I have to have my burger with fries — crispy sweet potato fries or even accordion fries.
Easy Bison Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground bison (4 patties about 4oz each)
- 1 Shallot, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder optional
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning or Dried Parsley optional
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil or Butter for the pan
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Bison: Add the ground bison to a large bowl. Season with spices and shallot, mixing gently. Divide into 4 equal portions and gently form them into patties.
- Preheat the skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter to coat the pan.
- Cook the patties: Place the bison patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on both sides, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F for medium-rare. If you prefer them more well-done, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Rest the burgers: Remove the bison burgers from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Assemble and enjoy: Add your favorite toppings and serve on a bun or lettuce wrap
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy this Bison Burger Recipe! Here are a few more tasty burger recipes for you to try next!
