I LOVE a good bison burger recipe. Grilling season is upon us, so I can’t wait to share one of my favorite summer grill-out recipes! This recipe requires minimal ingredients but still packs a flavor punch. It is perfect for when you are hosting a crowd or just a having casual family night in!
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Ahhh… summer! It’s the perfect time to fire up your grill that has been dormant all winter long. I love enjoying food based on the season. In the winter, you’ll catch me cooking all the chili and soup that I possibly can. The moment the weather allows, you’ll catch me enjoying the flavors of summer. Once that sun comes out, I fire up that grill, eat a lot more fresh smoothie bowls, and enjoy a cool refreshing salad.
The classic burger doesn’t need much of an introduction. I mean, who doesn’t love a good burger? Whether you are cooking for a crowd or just looking for a weeknight family dinner option, this recipe is the perfect way to savor the flavors of the season.
In this post, you will learn how to make the best bison burger with minimal ingredients. You will learn the differences between bison and beef, some history of the classic American burger, what to serve with them, and storage and reheating information.
In this recipe, I use my salt-free Okie Rub spice blend from my spice company – The Spice Girl Kitchen. I’m completely biased because it is, after all, my spice recipe and the best salt-free Okie Rub seasoning on the market. But feel free to use whatever rub you have on hand!
This post is all about The Best 5 Ingredient Bison Burger Recipe.
Brief Burger History
The world’s first burger can be traced all the way back to the late 1800s – can you believe that?! There are 2 people who claim to be the inventor of the classic American staple: Louis Lassen and Fletcher Davis. Lassen owned a food cart in Connecticut where one day in the late 1800s he ran out of his regular lunch dish and started serving grilled patties on bread to get by that day. In Texas around the 1880s, Davis served his hamburger with onions and mustard.
Even though the exact inventor is unknown, one thing is for sure – the burger quickly became an American staple. It made its debut in fast-food establishments such as White Castle in the 1920s and McDonald’s by the 1940s. Today, there are countless ways to build a burger and countless restaurants that carry them.
Ground Beef vs. Ground Bison
When it comes to choosing between ground beef and ground bison, both options have their merits, but they differ significantly in flavor, nutrition, and overall cooking experience. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
1. Flavor Profile
- Ground Beef: Classic and versatile, ground beef has a rich, hearty flavor that many people associate with comfort food. Depending on the fat content, the taste can range from mild to robust.
- Ground Bison: Bison has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that is less fatty and more delicate than beef. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a leaner option with a unique taste.
2. Nutritional Value
- Ground Beef: The nutritional content varies based on the cut and fat percentage. Lean options (90% lean or higher) are lower in fat but can be less juicy.
- Ground Bison: Bison is leaner than most ground beef options and is packed with protein, iron, and B vitamins. It also tends to have fewer calories and less saturated fat, making it a heart-healthier choice.
3. Cooking Differences
- Ground Beef: Higher fat content in ground beef means it’s more forgiving during cooking. It stays juicy and flavorful even if slightly overcooked.
- Ground Bison: Because of its lower fat content, bison cooks faster and can dry out if overcooked. Aim for medium-rare to medium and keep an eye on the cooking time for the best results.
4. Environmental Impact
- Ground Beef: Traditional beef production can have a higher environmental footprint due to land, water, and resource use.
- Ground Bison: Bison is often grass-fed and raised more sustainably, which can make it a more eco-friendly protein option.
Whether you stick with the familiar flavor of ground beef or branch out with the leaner, nutrient-dense ground bison, both make excellent bases for a delicious burger.
Tips to Keep Your Bison Burgers Juicy
Bison burgers are lean, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, but their low-fat content can make them prone to drying out if not handled carefully. Follow these tips to ensure your bison burgers stay juicy and delicious:
1. Don’t Overmix the Meat
When forming your patties, handle the ground bison gently and avoid overmixing. Overworking the meat can break down the protein fibers, leading to a dense, tough burger.
2. Add Moisture
Since bison is naturally lean, mixing in moisture-rich ingredients can help keep the patties juicy. Try adding a tablespoon of olive oil, mayonnaise, mustard, or even grated onion to the mixture. These small additions make a big difference in texture and flavor.
3. Watch the Cooking Temperature
Bison cooks faster than beef, so keep the heat moderate and avoid overcooking. Grill or pan-sear the patties over medium heat and aim for an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F for medium-rare to medium. Overcooking bison leads to dryness, so a meat thermometer is your best friend.
4. Use Indirect Heat for Grilling
If you’re grilling bison burgers, start them over direct heat to create a nice sear, then move them to indirect heat (like an oven) to finish cooking. This technique helps retain juices while preventing the patties from drying out.
5. Rest the Burgers
Allow your cooked burgers to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
6. Choose the Right Bun and Toppings
Serve your bison burgers on a soft, lightly toasted bun to complement their delicate flavor. Juicy toppings like tomato slices, sautéed mushrooms, or a dollop of your favorite sauce can add extra moisture and enhance the burger experience.
With these tips, your bison burgers will turn out tender, juicy, and utterly satisfying every time. Whether you’re a seasoned bison enthusiast or trying it for the first time, mastering these techniques will elevate your burger game!
Ingredient Breakdown
Crafting the perfect bison burger starts with carefully selected ingredients, each playing a role in flavor, texture, and moisture. Here’s a breakdown of what makes these burgers shine:
Ground Bison
The star of the show! Ground bison is leaner than ground beef, offering a slightly sweet, earthy flavor that makes it a standout choice for burgers. Its high protein content and nutrient density make it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Dijon Mustard
This classic French mustard is smooth, creamy, and less tangy than traditional yellow mustard, making it an ideal addition to your burger mix. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess and depth of flavor while also contributing moisture and a hint of acidity that helps tenderize the bison meat.
Onion
Onions serve as a triple threat in your burger mix—adding sweetness, moisture, and a slight crunch. As the burgers cook, the onions release their juices, helping to keep the patties juicy and flavorful. They also bring a mild aromatic note that complements the bison beautifully.
THE SPICE GIRL KITCHEN OKIE RUB and SALT
This signature seasoning blend brings a peppery, smoky kick that elevates the natural flavor of the bison. The salt enhances all the ingredients, while the rub adds complexity and a touch of warmth. Don’t have this blend on hand? Get creative with your own seasoning mix—try smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to mimic the magic.
Worcestershire Sauce
A secret weapon for burgers, Worcestershire sauce adds a rich umami punch and slight sweetness that amplifies the flavor profile of the bison. Its complex combination of vinegar, molasses, and spices enhances both the savoriness and moisture of the patties.
Spray Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is ideal for high-heat cooking. Its neutral flavor and smoke point of up to 500°F make it perfect for grilling or pan-searing bison burgers. It helps create a golden, caramelized crust while preventing sticking without overpowering the natural flavors.
What To Serve With Your Bison Burgers
I think the real question is, what can you NOT serve with them?! If you are hosting a crowd, I am a big fan of a “burger bar” where guests can build their creations. Any good burger bar should have buns and burgers (duh!) as well as an array of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, condiments, bacon, and more!
As far as sides go, I like to throw veggie kebabs or corn on the cob next to the burgers on the grill. You could also serve assorted summer fruit, a crisp summer salad, a cheese tray, cornbread, or baked beans! Don’t forget the dips like salsa, hummus, or spinach & onion dip! Any and all of these options (plus more that I’m SURE I’m forgetting) would pair well with your bison burgers – just mix it up and have fun with it!
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Store & Reheat
Store
Fridge: Transfer the burgers to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid. Allow it to cool to room temperature before securing the lid (about 30-45 minutes; the exact time depends on the amount of meat). Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze the burgers for up to 3 months. Place the burgers in the fridge to thaw overnight for best results. Make sure the container is airtight!
Reheat
Microwave: Place burgers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 20-30 seconds at a time until heated through. This prevents overcooking and keeps the burger from drying out*
Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place burgers in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and cook for 10-15 minutes. You can also add a splash of water or beef broth to the dish to prevent the burgers from drying out*
Stovetop: Place the burgers on a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to the pan to prevent the burgers from drying out. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Repeat until heated through.*
* Total time depends on the amount you are reheating and the thickness of the burgers.
The Best 5 Ingredient Bison Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground bison
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced or grated
- 2 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Okie Rub plus The Spice Girl Kitchen Tri-Salt Blend to taste
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce, plus more to taste
- avocado oil, to grease grill
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Spray with avocado oil.
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix together until well combined. Form into 4 even patties. Make a thumbprint in the center of each patty.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the burgers) or until desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to help determine when they are done (135°F for rare, 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, 170°F for well-done).
- Allow your cooked burgers to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Set out buns, cheese, onion, lettuce, tomato, bacon, avocado, and condiments galore so your guests can customize their burgers to their liking!
Notes
Extra Tips
- You could also make this recipe into sliders. Simply take the same recipe and make 8 burger patties instead of 4. Make sure you buy the slider buns!
- See blog content for tips on keeping your bison burgers juicy!
Store & Reheat
Store
Fridge: Transfer the burgers to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid. Allow it to cool to room temperature before securing the lid (about 30-45 minutes; the exact time depends on the amount of meat). Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezer: You can also freeze the burgers for up to 3 months. Place the burgers in the fridge to thaw overnight for best results. Make sure the container is airtight!Reheat
Microwave: Place burgers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 20-30 seconds at a time until heated through. This prevents overcooking and keeps the burger from drying out* Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place burgers in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and cook for 10-15 minutes. You can also add a splash of water or beef broth to the dish to prevent the burgers from drying out* Stovetop: Place the burgers on a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to the pan to prevent the burgers from drying out. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Repeat until heated through.* * Total time depends on the amount you are reheating and the thickness of the burgers.This post was all about The Best 5 Ingredient Bison Burger Recipe!
Did you make this recipe? Make sure to tag me @thespicegirlkitchen_ on Instagram or @thespicegirlkitchen on TikTok! I love seeing your recreations! I will be your ultimate hype woman!
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