How to Cook

Bison Steaks

Grilling steaks
  • Seasoning: Bison steaks have a naturally robust flavor, so keep the seasoning simple to complement the meat rather than overpowering it. Use a combination of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any other preferred herbs or spices. You can also add a light drizzle of olive oil to help the seasonings adhere to the meat.

  • Bring to Room Temperature: Before grilling, take the bison steaks out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Allowing the steaks to warm up slightly ensures more even cooking on the grill and reduces the risk of overcooking the outer layers while the center remains cool.

  • Pat Dry: Before applying the seasoning, pat the bison steaks dry with a paper towel. This helps ensure better browning and searing during grilling.

  • High Heat Sear: Start by preheating your grill to high heat. Searing the bison steaks over high heat helps to lock in the juices and creates a delicious caramelized crust. Grill each side for a few minutes until you achieve a beautiful sear.
  • Medium-High Heat: After searing, reduce the heat to medium-high or move the steaks to a cooler part of the grill to continue cooking. Bison is leaner than beef, so it cooks more quickly. Aim for an internal temperature of around 125°F to 130°F (52°C to 54°C) for medium-rare doneness or adjust to your preferred level of doneness.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Keep a close eye on the steaks while grilling, and use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Overcooking bison steaks can lead to dryness, so it's best to remove them from the grill just before reaching your desired doneness, as they will continue to cook slightly during the resting period.

  • Resting Period: Once the bison steaks reach your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful steaks.
  • Slice Against the Grain: Before serving, slice the bison steaks against the grain. This will ensure a more tender and enjoyable eating experience.
Stove top

  • Seasoning: As with grilling, keep the seasoning simple to highlight the natural flavors of bison meat. Season the steaks with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any preferred herbs or spices. You can also add a touch of olive oil to help the seasoning adhere to the meat.
  • Room Temperature: Allow the bison steaks to come to room temperature before cooking. Take them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This step ensures more even cooking throughout the steak.
  • Dry the Steaks: Before seasoning, pat the bison steaks dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture helps achieve better browning during the stove-top cooking process.
  • Preheat the Pan: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan for even heat distribution. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat. You can test if the pan is ready by sprinkling a few drops of water onto its surface; if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, it's hot enough.
  • Sear Both Sides: Add a small amount of oil to the hot pan and swirl it around to coat the surface. Place the bison steaks in the pan and sear them for a few minutes on each side until you achieve a nice brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the steaks in batches if needed.
  • Reduce Heat for Cooking: Once the steaks are seared, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to continue cooking. Bison is leaner than beef, so it cooks quickly. Aim for an internal temperature of around 125°F to 130°F (52°C to 54°C) for medium-rare doneness or adjust to your preferred level of doneness.
  • Resting Period: After stove-top cooking, remove the bison steaks from the pan and let them rest for about 5 minutes on a cutting board. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful steaks.
  • Slice Against the Grain: Before serving, slice the bison steaks against the grain. This cutting technique helps break down the meat's fibers and ensures a more tender eating experience.
  • Optional Sauce: While not necessary, you can enhance the bison steaks' flavor by deglazing the pan with a splash of red wine or broth and creating a simple pan sauce to drizzle over the steaks before serving.
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With these tips, you'll be able to cook bison steaks to perfection, delivering a delicious and memorable meal for any occasion. Enjoy your tender and flavorful bison steaks!