A Denver Guide To Cooking With Bison Meat

Bison meat is becoming more and more popular as people look for healthier alternatives to beef. Not only is it leaner, but it’s also packed with protein and has a rich, slightly sweeter flavor than traditional beef. 

It’s also a big part of the Denver culinary scene, with a host of restaurants and eateries offering locally-sourced bison meat on their menus — if there’s anywhere to get some mouth-watering inspiration for bison dishes, it’s here.

Cooking with bison may seem intimidating at first, but with a few tips and the right recipes, you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation in no time! You’ll even be able to grab some fresh cuts straight from a butcher near your luxury Denver apartments. We’ll dive into the best ways to cook with both ground bison and bison steak, ensuring that every bite is tender, juicy and packed full of flavor.

How to cook with bison meat

Cooking with ground bison

Ground bison is incredibly versatile and can be used in all sorts of dishes, from burgers to tacos to chili. Since bison is leaner than beef, it’s important to keep a close eye on your cooking time to avoid drying it out. The key is to cook it gently and add moisture where needed.

Bison burgers

Because of its lower fat content, bison is a great choice for a beef-burger alternative, though you’ll want to add a bit of fat to the mixture or cook it with care to avoid overcooking it. You can even mix in a little butter or oil to help keep it juicy!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground bison
• 1 egg (for moisture)
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp. olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 burger buns

Instructions: 

In a bowl, combine the ground bison, egg, Worcestershire sauce and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into patties and cook over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, being careful not to overcook. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.

Bison chili

Chili is one of the best dishes to make with ground bison, as the meat absorbs the spices and flavors while staying tender. Since bison is on the leaner side, it doesn’t produce a lot of excess grease and makes the dish lighter yet still hearty and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb.. ground bison
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: 

In a large pot, brown the ground bison over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the tomatoes, beans and spices, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld — but beware overcooking and drying out the meat. Serve with toppings like sour cream, cheese or avocado.

Bison meatballs

Bison makes fantastic meatballs, especially when you add a little extra moisture to compensate for the meat’s leanness. These meatballs are perfect with pasta, in sandwiches or as a carefully-crafted appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground bison
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp. milk
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the bison, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, parsley and seasoning. Form into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve with marinara sauce and pasta or on their own.

Bison tacos

Ground bison works wonders in tacos, absorbing the spices while keeping a rich, slightly sweet flavor. These tacos are quick to make and are a healthier alternative to traditional beef tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground bison
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
• 8 taco shells
• Toppings (shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, avocado, sour cream, etc.)

Instructions:

Cook the ground bison in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Add the taco seasoning and a bit of water, allowing the flavors to meld. Spoon the meat into taco shells and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Cooking with bison steak

Bison steak is another great option, though it’s important to handle it carefully since it’s much leaner than beef. Overcooking bison steak can lead to a tough texture, so aim for medium-rare or medium doneness.

Grilled bison steak

Grilling bison steak is a fantastic way to bring out its natural flavors, but because of its lower fat content, you’ll want to marinate the steak beforehand. This helps keep the meat tender and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 bison ribeye or sirloin steaks
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper. Marinate the bison steaks in this mixture for at least 1 hour. Preheat your grill to high heat and grill the steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pan-seared bison steak

Pan-searing bison steak is a quick and easy method that results in a deliciously crisp exterior and tender inside. This method is perfect for those nights when you don’t feel like firing up the grill.

Ingredients:

• 2 bison steaks (ribeye, sirloin or New York strip)
• 2 tbsp. butter or oil
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Add the butter and garlic to the pan, then place the steaks in the skillet. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F to finish cooking for a few more minutes until the steaks reach 135°F for medium-rare doneness!

Bison stir-fry

For a lighter, quick-cooking option, try slicing bison steak thinly and using it in a stir-fry! The meat cooks quickly, so it stays tender, and you can mix it with all your favorite veggies and sauces.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. bison steak, sliced thinly
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bison steak slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the meat and set aside. Add the bell pepper and onion to the pan, cooking until softened. Return the bison to the skillet, stir in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce, and cook for another minute or two. Serve over rice or noodles.

Bison steak salad

For a lighter meal, bison steak pairs beautifully with fresh greens and vibrant salad toppings. You can cook the steak to your liking, then slice it thin and toss it over a hearty salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 bison steak (ribeye, sirloin or filet)
• 4 cups mixed greens
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
• Balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

Grill or pan-sear the bison steak to medium-rare, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly. Arrange the mixed greens on a plate, top with tomatoes, blue cheese and walnuts, then drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette. Lay the sliced steak on top and serve immediately.

Final tips for cooking with bison

Bison’s leanness makes it a great protein option, but it’s important to adjust your cooking techniques to keep it from drying out. 

The main thing to remember is to not overcook the meat, as bison is best when it’s cooked medium-rare to medium. If you’re working with ground bison, consider adding some fat or moisture to your recipes to ensure it stays juicy! For steaks, marinating the meat beforehand or using quick cooking methods like searing or grilling are ideal. Use a meat thermometer to make sure you don’t go past 135°F for steaks and 160°F for ground bison.

Cooking with bison meat is a fantastic way to add more lean protein to your diet without sacrificing flavor, as well as supporting local Colorado ranchers and farmers. Whether you’re making burgers, chili or grilling up a bison steak, the key is to cook it gently and avoid overcooking. Once you get the hang of cooking with bison, you’ll discover just how versatile this meat can be!

Bon appetit!

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Featured photo by Kyle Mackie on Unsplash