There is something perfect about a burger. I love that it is a known entity. It’s not like you would ask someone, “Hey, have you ever had a burger? They are awesome!” No, that would be ridiculous because everyone has had a burger.
But, if you asked, “Have you tried a BISON burger?” You may receive a different response!
I tried bison for the first time about three years ago. Now, I choose bison (sorry big buffalo) over beef (good news cow) almost exclusively.
Why?
- Richer flavor
- Higher level of protein
- Richer in minerals
- Loads of fatty acids
- Leaner than beef
- More iron
- Less cholesterol
AND!!! Private ranchers typically supply bison, which is more beneficial for our health because the animals are almost always free-roaming and naturally grass fed!
Most people think you cook beef and bison (buffalo) the same way. Au Contraire. Buffalo meat is less fatty, so it has different cooking requirements. Bison requires slow-cooking at a low temperature. So, if you plan to grill or broil bison, make sure that you take this cooking recommendation into consideration. If you plan to grill the bison, cook it approximately 4-6 inches above medium-hot coals, and if you plan to broil the meat, move the rack one level down from where you would normally broil burgers.
[Tweet “”BACON PASTE” – The Secret To All Exceptional Burgers. “]
REMEMBER:
TIME: Bison takes 1/3 less time to cook.
HEAT: It also requires 1/3 less heat.
REST: Allow the bison to rest in a warm place for 5-15 minutes. Cutting the meat too soon will allow all the sealed juices to escape.
TEMP: Internal temperature should be between 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more information and great cooking recommendations visit: www.thebisoncouncil.com
Paleo Bison Bacon Burgers
- 1.5 lbs. of ground Bison
- 3 Tbsp. cilantro, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp. green Onion, finely chopped
- 3 Strips nitrate-free bacon
- 1/3 Tsp. salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1-1.5 Tbsp. coconut aminos
- You can also add garlic, red pepper, or red onion instead of green.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Place bacon on a foiled cookie sheet. Next, place the cookie sheet in a cold oven. Turn the oven on to 400 degrees. Set timer for 20 minutes. Once bacon is thoroughly cooked, place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. (TIP: This is by far the best way to cook bacon – no mess, no fuss!) Once cooled place in a mini food processor and blend. You want the bacon to become a paste. (This is my SECRET BACON PASTE RECIPE. I know, complicated)
- Start the grill, and warm it up to a medium heat. Remember, bison should be cooked at a lower temperature than beef.
- Mix bacon paste, green onion, cilantro, salt, pepper and coconut aminos in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk like there is no tomorrow!
- Add the bison, and GENTLY mix the ingredients together with your hands (TIP: ground meat can be ruined if you mix it too hard. Be Kind!)
- Create four even sized balls. Then flatten leaving a small indent in the middle (TIP: This will help the meat cook more evenly) Add a small dash of coconut aminos to the dent.
- Make sure the meat is almost room temperature before cooking. (TIP: Meat and fish cook much better if they are not too cool.)
- Rub a tiny bit of olive oil on the burgers before grilling.
- Grill burgers, flipping them half-way through. Make sure that the center temperature is 145 degrees. (TIP: ALWAYS use a meat thermometer when cooking meat. Cooking times will vary, depending on the grill)
- Cover with foil, and allow burgers rest 5-15 minutes
- Add whatever condiments you like! Enjoy!
Makes approximately 4 delicious burgers.
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Need a meat thermometer?
50 Responses
These look fab! Where do you come up with all this stuff?!
Made these a couple of months ago for my husband and myself. We both agreed that they were the best burgers we have ever had!
I am so glad you liked them! 🙂
If anyone has the opportunity to use ground bison for buyers hope they take the opportunity. Brings the buyer to a whole new level.
Wish I lived closer to a store that sold bison because we would definitely make these. Your pictures look so yummy!
Safeway sells BISON. Do you have a Safeway near you?
Never knew one could eat bison! These look delicious and though in my part of the world, I doubt that I would find bison in the supermarket, I could still do a paleo version of a burger, rolled in lettuce.
Yesss! It is so delicious to just focus on the flavor of the meat instead of all the breading!
Looks really tasty . I have had bison once at Ted Montana Grill and it was delicious
Oh yummy, I’d certainly give these a try.
I’m not much a cook. But oh my word, I’d definitely love to try these.
I want one…lol. I am hungry. Great recipe
This is my kind of dinner, I’ve never had bison but I think I need to change that!
This looks SO good! I will definitely try this recipe out soon!
This looks yummy! Thanks for sharing!!!
Wow, those look phenomenal! I love bacon with burgers, so this is a winner!
I love a good bison burger, what a great change to make it paleo! Thank you for sharing. P.S. I love sprouts on anything and everything!
Me TOOOOO. I love all the accoutrements on top as much as i love the burgers!
I love bison burgers but I’ve never made them for myself. Pinning this to save for later!
I’ve had bison burger before, and I agree with you that it’s delicious, flavorful, and not as greasy as a classic beef patty. I really liked it!
I was so happy to have discovered it as well, Lulle
You had me at bacon! Never had a bison burger before but I think you’ve inspired me to try!
Bacon Paste = Secret Sauce 🙂
Yum! I don’t think I’ve ever had bison before. I’ve certainly never cooked it myself. This recipe sounds delish and easy! Love that it’s bunless too! Buns always make me feel bloated! lol
Me too, Krista. Once I started eating them this way I enjoyed them so much more!
I’ve never had a bison burger before. Now I want one lol. Thanks for sharing!
I also never had a bison burger before. God I want a burger now. xx
Wow, bison meat! I would have never thought to try that. It does sound very appealing, though, especially because it takes less time to cook!
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
It really is so delicious, Nina. You should definitely try it!
Will need to share this with hubby. He is always complaining how unhealthy burgers are. lol Here is his alternative!
Your hubby will love it! You can even dress it up with some smokey cheese or fun aioli!
That looks so yummy! I love trying out new burger recipes and I don’t think I’ve ever had bison before.
It is so rich and flavorful, Sheree. Delicious!
Oh wow, this looks so scrumptious!! Will have to try this!
Love healthy options for every day foods, this looks like a delicious concoction of items! xo
I don’t know if we have bison meat where we live. But I’m def game to try this out! Sounds delicious AND healthy.
I am not usually a big burger fan but these look much lighter without the typical accompaniments and I have heard amazing things about bison meat. I will have to give them a try!
Bison burgers are so good! I remember having them when I went to Jackson Hole in Wyoming, and they were great!
Wow absolutely bookimarking this, this recipe will be perfect for my husband, he loves burgers and I’m glad it’s also healthy!
Burgers are a favorite in my house, so I really love seeing recipes like this. Classics made healthy are the best.
I’m not a big fan of eating meat in general but those do look great!
La Belle Sirene
I see eggs in the photos but I don’t see them in the ingredient list. Am I missing something?!
Here is the deal. I used to beat and egg and put it in with some Almond flour. Then one time I did it without both those things and it was better. I adjusted the recipe but not the photos. Need to redo the photos, big time. Thank you for the reminder!
Can I substitute the coconut amino for anything else? Or can I not use it?
Yes! Just leave it out and I would add a little more garlic and salt and pepper. I would recommend Worcestershire but it is not gluten free. If you have no sensitivities to gluten you could use a little of that. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
I do t have a grill. Can these be broiled? I wouldn’t want to overcook.
Yes!!! I probably broil as much as I grill. Just use a meat thermometer and you will be golden.
I don’t have a grill. Would you recommend broiling or baking ? The broiler pretty much has a set temp so I’m guessing cutting the time would work best. Thank you
Your oven must heat quickly, because I’m nowhere near 400 after 20 minutes and my bacon is raw. I’m eyeballing it for when it’s done, but since we’re going for “paste”, I assume it shouldn’t be crispy?
It depends on the heat of your oven and the thickness of your bacon. And yes, you do not want your bacon crispy. Floppy bacon for this recipe for sure.