Bison Burger
Cuisine: American Type: Sandwich/Wrap

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Ground Bison
1 pound (454)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (3)
Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (3)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon (15)
Egg
1 large (50)
Burger Buns
4 pieces (200)
Lettuce
4 leaves (25)
Tomato
1 medium (150)
Onion
1 medium (100)
Cheese Slices
4 slices (120)
Ketchup
2 tablespoons (30)
Mustard
2 tablespoons (30)
Totals
42 oz
(1,190 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Bison Meat
250
Burger Bun
150
Lettuce
5
Tomato
25
Onion
10
Cheese
100
Mayonnaise
90
Ketchup
20
Mustard
5
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Totals
655 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Preheat the grill or stovetop to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Season the bison meat with salt and pepper, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
Step 3: Shape the seasoned bison meat into patties, making them slightly larger than the size of your burger buns, as they will shrink during cooking.
Step 4: Place the bison patties on the preheated grill or stovetop and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (55-57°C).
Step 5: While the bison patties are cooking, toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or stovetop until they are golden brown.
Step 6: Once the bison patties are cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 7: Assemble your bison burger by placing the cooked patty on the bottom half of the toasted bun.
Step 8: Add your desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, and condiments like ketchup or mayonnaise.
Step 9: Place the top half of the burger bun on the assembled ingredients, pressing it gently to hold everything together.
Step 10: Serve your delicious bison burger immediately and enjoy! You can pair it with fries, coleslaw, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Substitutions
Substitutions for Bison Burger in American Cuisine:
1. Bison meat: Substitute with lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Adjust cooking time as needed, as these meats may cook faster or slower than bison.
2. Worcestershire sauce: Replace with soy sauce or tamari sauce for a similar umami flavor. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
3. Dijon mustard: Use regular yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard instead. The quantity can remain the same.
4. Garlic powder: Substitute with fresh minced garlic. Use 1 clove of minced garlic for every 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
5. Onion powder: Replace with finely chopped fresh onions. Use 1 tablespoon of chopped onions for every 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
6. Salt and black pepper: Adjust according to taste preference.
7. Buns: If you don't have burger buns, use sandwich bread, English muffins, or lettuce wraps as alternatives.
8. Toppings: Customize your burger with various toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, bacon, or avocado based on personal preference.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the substitute ingredients used. Adjust cooking time and temperature accordingly to ensure the desired doneness of the meat.
Pairings
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Cheddar cheese
- Caramelized onions
- Avocado
- Bacon
- Chipotle mayo
- Barbecue sauce
- Craft beer or red wine
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Add a colorful touch with a vibrant mixed greens salad on the side.
- Top the burger with a slice of smoked Gouda cheese and let it melt slightly.
- Place the burger on a toasted brioche bun for an elegant touch.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Caramelize some onions and mushrooms to add a sweet and savory dimension.
- Create a tangy aioli by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and roasted garlic.
- Enhance the umami flavor by brushing the burger with a soy glaze while grilling.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Upgrade the condiments by using truffle mayonnaise or truffle-infused ketchup.
- Add a touch of decadence with a slice of foie gras on top of the burger.
- Enhance the flavor profile with a sprinkle of black truffle shavings.
Remember, these enhancements are meant to elevate the dining experience and make it more luxurious and fancy. Enjoy your next-level bison burger!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean ground bison meat instead of regular ground beef to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol content.
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free buns as a healthier alternative to white buns for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- Load up on fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles to add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the burger.
- Choose reduced-fat or low-fat cheese options or skip the cheese altogether to reduce saturated fat and calorie intake.
- Replace mayonnaise with a healthier spread like mashed avocado or Greek yogurt for added nutrients and less saturated fat.
- Consider grilling or baking the bison burger instead of frying it to reduce the amount of added fats.
- Serve the bison burger with a side of mixed greens or a vegetable salad instead of fries to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.
- For individuals with high blood pressure, limit the amount of added salt or opt for salt-free seasonings and herbs to flavor the burger.
- If you have diabetes or are watching your carbohydrate intake, consider enjoying the bison burger without the bun or using a lettuce wrap instead.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean ground bison meat instead of regular ground beef.
- Opt for whole wheat burger buns or lettuce wraps instead of white buns.
- Add plenty of vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion for added nutrients and fiber.
- Choose low-fat cheese or skip it altogether to reduce saturated fat content.
- Grill or bake the bison burger instead of frying it to minimize added fats.
- Use healthier condiments such as mustard, salsa, or Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or ketchup.
- Consider adding flavorful herbs and spices like garlic, cumin, or paprika instead of salt for seasoning.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a vegetable salad instead of fries for a healthier meal option.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-made bison patties: Opt for pre-formed bison patties to save time on shaping and seasoning the meat. Look for deals or buy in bulk to reduce costs.
2. Opt for frozen bison: Consider using frozen bison patties instead of fresh ones. They are often more affordable and readily available, saving you time on defrosting and marinating.
3. Minimize toppings: Stick to essential toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion to save time on preparation and reduce costs. Avoid gourmet or specialty toppings that can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare.
4. Use store-bought buns: Instead of making homemade buns, purchase pre-packaged burger buns from the store. They are cost-effective and save you the effort of baking from scratch.
5. Simplify condiments: Stick to basic condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, rather than making elaborate sauces from scratch. This saves time and reduces the number of ingredients needed.
6. Opt for pre-cut vegetables: Purchase pre-cut lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to save time on chopping and reduce waste. They are often priced competitively and readily available in grocery stores.
7. Cook on a grill or stovetop: Instead of using an oven, cook the bison burger on a grill or stovetop. This reduces cooking time and energy costs associated with preheating an oven.
8. Use cooking spray: Instead of oil or butter, use cooking spray to grease the pan or grill. It saves time on measuring and ensures even distribution, reducing the amount of fat needed.
9. Serve with cost-effective sides: Pair the bison burger with budget-friendly side dishes like fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Avoid elaborate sides that require extensive preparation or expensive ingredients.
10. Plan ahead: Prepare and season the bison patties in advance, storing them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to cook. This saves time on the day of preparation and allows for better flavor development.