
Buffalo burgers are a delicious alternative to beef burgers. They are made with ground bison, which is leaner than beef and cooks quickly, making it a great option for those watching their fat intake. Bison meat is slightly sweeter than beef but not gamey, making it perfect for those who are not adventurous eaters. Buffalo burgers go well with various toppings such as lettuce, onion, tomato, cheese, and mayo. For an extra kick, top it with BBQ sauce.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Meat | Bison/buffalo, chicken, or beef |
Meat preparation | Ground |
Meat lean ratio | 90/10 or 80/20 |
Meat weight | 1/2 lb or 1 lb |
Meat temperature | 145°F, 155°F, 160°F, or 165°F |
Meat cooking duration | 4-5 minutes per side |
Meat cooking method | Grilled or fried |
Bun | Toasted |
Toppings | Lettuce, onion, tomato, cheese, pickles, carrot, celery, avocado, mushroom, bacon, or mayo |
Sauce | BBQ, buffalo, hot sauce, or blue cheese |
What You'll Learn
Bison vs beef: what's the difference?
Bison and beef are two types of red meat that share many qualities. Lean cuts of both meats are good sources of protein and nutrients like iron and zinc. However, there are several differences between the two.
Nutritional Differences
Bison is lower in cholesterol, calories, and saturated fat than beef. It has nearly 25% fewer calories and is lower in total and saturated fat. This makes bison a healthier alternative to beef for those looking to reduce their calorie or fat intake.
Farming Methods
Bison is game meat, and the animals are typically pasture-raised and allowed to roam freely or kept in more confined conditions. They are also more likely to be grass-fed. On the other hand, beef is usually mass-produced on farms, and cattle are often grain-fed and less active.
Flavor and Appearance
Bison and beef have similar flavors, and it may be difficult to taste the difference in many recipes. However, some people claim that bison has a richer, sweeter, and smoother flavor. In its raw state, bison is a deeper shade of red than beef, and it has less fat marbling.
Preparation and Cooking
Ground bison can be tricky to grill due to its leanness, and it may be easy to overcook. It is best to cook bison for longer at a lower heat and ensure that the correct internal temperature is reached.
Environmental Impact
The effects on the environment may be one of the most significant differences between bison and beef. Bison is typically pasture-raised and has a lower environmental impact than beef, which is often produced in factory farms.
In summary, while bison and beef have similar flavors and nutritional profiles, there are several differences in their nutritional content, farming methods, flavor, preparation, and environmental impact. Both meats can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation, but bison may be a healthier and more sustainable option.
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How to grill the perfect buffalo burger
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh cracked ground pepper
- 1 egg
- Sliced cheese
- Sliced ripe tomatoes
- BBQ sauce
- Kosher salt
- Mayo
- Lettuce
- Buns
Method
First, place your bison meat on parchment paper or in a mixing bowl. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. As bison meat is very lean, add an egg to the ground meat to act as a binder.
Gently form your burger patties, aiming for about 1/4 pound each as the meat will shrink slightly when grilled. Add olive oil to a cast-iron skillet and swirl it around to coat the entire cooking surface. Place your skillet on the grill grates over medium-high heat until it starts to smoke, then put the bison patties in the skillet.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the desired temperature is reached. We recommend medium-rare (145 degrees Fahrenheit) or medium (160 degrees). While the patties rest, toast the buns for about a minute on each side either in the hot skillet or directly on the grill. You can also add a layer of mayo to the inside of the bun.
Plate the cooked bison burgers on the toasted buns and serve with BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and any other toppings of your choice.
Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Burger
- Bison meat is leaner than beef, so it cooks quickly and is less likely to dry out.
- Bison meat is also sweeter than beef and not at all gamey, making it a good option for less adventurous eaters.
- Don't press down on the burger with a spatula while cooking, as this will squeeze out the juices.
- Cook slowly over a medium/medium-high heat rather than high heat to avoid overcooking.
- Resist the urge to overhandle the meat when forming the patties, as this will toughen them.
- Before cooking, press your thumb into the center of the top of the patties to prevent the meat from puffing up.
- If you're worried about the patties falling apart, refrigerate them first and then cook them cold.
- If you're making your own beef patties at home, ensure a decent fat percentage (at least an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio) to keep the burgers juicy.
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Toppings and sauces to complement buffalo burgers
Buffalo burgers are a versatile dish that can be paired with various toppings and sauces to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas to take your buffalo burgers to the next level:
BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce is a classic condiment that pairs well with the hearty taste of buffalo burgers. Whether you opt for a store-bought variety or make your own, BBQ sauce adds a tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky flavour to the burger. It is a perfect complement to the meat, especially when paired with other toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
Blue Cheese Sauce
Blue cheese sauce is a creamy and pungent topping that goes exceptionally well with buffalo burgers. Its sharp and salty flavour balances the heat from the buffalo sauce or hot sauce in the patty. Blue cheese sauce can be drizzled over the burger or used as a spread on the bun, adding a creamy texture and a punch of flavour.
Fried Onions
Fried onions add a crunchy texture and a subtle sweetness to buffalo burgers. You can use onion strings or slices, frying them until they are golden brown and crispy. They provide a nice contrast to the juicy burger and can be paired with other toppings like pickles or avocado slices.
Pickles
Pickles are a classic burger topping, and they work exceptionally well with buffalo burgers. The crisp, sour flavour of pickles helps to cut through the richness of the meat. Chunky-cut pickles add a refreshing crunch, while pickle slices can be layered within the burger for a more subtle flavour.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Sauteed mushrooms add a savoury and earthy flavour to buffalo burgers. Their meaty texture and umami taste complement the buffalo patty beautifully. Sauteed mushrooms can be cooked in butter or oil with herbs and spices to enhance their flavour, making them a delicious and sophisticated topping.
Crispy Bacon
Crispy bacon is a decadent topping that takes your buffalo burger to the next level. The salty, crispy bacon strips add texture and flavour to the burger. Pair it with ripe tomato slices to create a flavourful bite that complements the buffalo patty.
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How to stop your buffalo burger drying out
How to stop your buffalo burger from drying out
Buffalo burgers are a delicious treat, but it can be a challenge to keep them from drying out. Here are some tips to ensure your burgers stay moist and juicy:
Choose the right meat
Selecting the right ground beef is crucial. Look for meat with a decent fat percentage; an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is recommended. The fat keeps the burger nice and juicy and adds flavour. Bison meat, for example, is very lean with a 90/10 fat ratio, so it's best to add an egg to the ground meat to act as a binder and prevent dryness.
Add butter
Butter is an excellent way to ensure your burgers stay moist and flavourful. Grate some salted or unsalted butter and work it into the beef before forming it into patties. As a rule of thumb, use four tablespoons of butter for one pound of ground beef. Alternatively, you can press a pat of butter into the centre of each burger patty before cooking.
Don't overwork the meat
When shaping your meat into patties, work quickly and be careful not to overwork it. Overworking the meat can cause it to become dry and tough. Simply shape the meat into thick patties and press a divot in the centre of each patty to prevent it from puffing up on the grill.
Cook at the right temperature
Cooking your buffalo burgers at the right temperature will help prevent them from drying out. For a charcoal or propane grill, cook the patties over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. Then, move them to indirect heat to finish cooking for about 10 minutes.
Let the burgers rest
After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the burgers moist.
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What to serve with a buffalo burger
Buffalo burgers are a delicious alternative to beef burgers or turkey burgers. They are made with ground bison, which is a leaner meat than ground beef, making it a great option for those watching their fat intake. When it comes to toppings for your buffalo burger, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Cheese (American, Swiss, feta, blue cheese, or mozzarella)
- Onion (fried onion strings or raw)
- Pickles (chunky or sliced)
- Mayo
- Butter
- Avocado
- Jalapenos
- Bacon
- Mushrooms
If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even add an egg to the ground meat to act as a binder and give your burger a little extra crunch. And don't forget the buffalo sauce! This tangy and buttery sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy bison patty. You can also serve your buffalo burger with a side of celery and carrots to balance out the spice.
Now that you know all the delicious options for what to serve with a buffalo burger, it's time to fire up the grill and get cooking!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook ground bison to an internal temperature of 160° Fahrenheit. However, you can cook it a little less if you prefer your meat that way.
You can top your buffalo burger with BBQ sauce, lettuce, onion, tomato, cheese, and mayo.
You can make a buffalo sauce by melting butter and whisking in hot sauce. This sauce goes well with buffalo burgers.