Craving a burger that’s both incredibly flavorful and packed with nutritional benefits? Look no further than the mighty buffalo burger! Offering a leaner, often sweeter alternative to traditional beef, this recipe transforms juicy, ground bison into a culinary masterpiece, crowned with an irresistible homemade burger sauce. Forget those same-old turkey burgers; this buffalo burger is poised to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation, delivering a gourmet experience right to your kitchen table.
Discovering the Magic of Buffalo Burgers: Why They’re a Must-Try
The term “buffalo burger” often sparks curiosity, and for good reason. While commonly called buffalo, these delectable patties are actually made from ground bison meat. Bison, North America’s largest land mammal, offers a unique flavor profile and impressive health advantages that set it apart from other ground meats. This recipe celebrates all that makes bison extraordinary, providing a tender, juicy, and utterly satisfying burger experience.
What Makes Bison Burgers Exceptionally Good?
- Unrivaled Tenderness and Juiciness: Despite being incredibly lean, ground bison has a reputation for cooking up remarkably tender and juicy. Its fine texture and lower fat content mean it cooks quickly, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner when time is of the essence. You’ll be amazed at how succulent these burgers are, defying any preconceived notions about lean meats being dry.
- A Healthier, Flavorful Alternative: If you’re conscious about your fat intake or simply looking to diversify your protein sources beyond beef or turkey, ground bison is an excellent choice. It’s significantly leaner than ground beef and offers a richer nutrient profile, including higher levels of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. This makes buffalo burgers a smart and delicious option for a balanced diet.
- A Subtle Yet Distinctive Taste: For those accustomed to beef burgers, the transition to bison is delightfully smooth. Bison shares a similar savory depth with beef but often presents a slightly sweeter, cleaner flavor without any “gamey” notes. This makes it incredibly approachable, even for less adventurous palates in your family, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and exciting.
- Versatility in the Kitchen: Beyond burgers, ground bison is a culinary chameleon. You can easily substitute it in virtually any recipe that calls for ground beef, from tacos and meatballs to chili and meatloaf. Its robust flavor stands up well to various seasonings and preparations, opening up a world of healthy cooking possibilities.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Buffalo Burger
Crafting an unforgettable buffalo burger starts with quality ingredients. While the star is undoubtedly the ground bison, the right supporting cast of seasonings and toppings elevates it to gourmet status.
The Star: Premium Ground Bison
The foundation of our buffalo burger is, of course, ground bison. When selecting your bison, look for high-quality, preferably grass-fed options. You can often find ground bison at specialty butchers, health food stores, or increasingly, in the meat section of larger supermarkets. It’s often packaged in 1-pound portions, ideal for making four generous burger patties. Don’t be shy to ask your butcher about the fat content; while bison is naturally lean, some variations might be slightly fattier, offering an even juicier burger.
The Flavor Elevators: Simple Seasonings
We keep the seasoning straightforward to let the natural deliciousness of the bison shine through. A simple blend of kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper is all you need to enhance its inherent flavors without overpowering them. These common pantry staples come together to create a savory base that perfectly complements the bison’s subtle sweetness.
The Secret Weapon: The Incredible Burger Sauce
Every great burger deserves an equally great sauce, and ours is truly a game-changer. This easy-to-make sauce is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet concoction that brings all the elements of the burger together. It’s a harmonious blend of classic condiments and spices, designed to perfectly cut through the richness of the meat and add a burst of flavor. This sauce is so good, you might find yourself doubling the batch for other sandwiches and dips!
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything together. For a lighter option, consider a good quality olive oil mayo.
- Pickle Relish: Adds a delightful tang and a bit of crunch, essential for that classic burger joint flavor.
- Ketchup: Contributes a familiar sweetness and tomato depth.
- Dijon Mustard: Offers a subtle spice and complexity.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A umami booster that adds depth and savoriness.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Echoes the burger patty seasonings for a cohesive flavor profile.
- Sugar (Optional): A touch of sugar or a sugar substitute can balance the acidity and enhance the overall sweetness of the sauce. Adjust to your taste!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for perfecting the seasoning of the sauce.
Personalize Your Patty: Top It Your Way!
Since bison burgers are so akin to beef in texture and versatility, feel free to load them up with all your favorite burger toppings! The sky’s the limit when it comes to customization.
- Fresh Vegetables: Crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, crunchy pickles – these add texture, freshness, and vibrant color.
- Cheeses: A slice of sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, or even a smoky provolone melts beautifully over a hot bison patty.
- Condiments: Beyond our special sauce, consider extra mayo, mustard, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick.
- Creative Additions: Sautéed mushrooms and onions, crispy bacon, avocado slices, a fried egg, or even a dollop of guacamole can elevate your buffalo burger to new heights.
Mastering the Cook: Achieving Burger Perfection
Cooking bison burgers requires a slightly different approach than beef due to their leanness. Follow these tips to ensure a juicy, flavorful result every time.
The Ideal Internal Temperature for Bison Burgers
Just like with beef, the desired doneness of your bison burger is a matter of personal preference. However, due to its lean nature, bison can dry out more easily if overcooked. For food safety reasons, the USDA recommends cooking ground bison to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). For those who prefer a less-cooked burger:
- Medium-Rare: Aim for 135-140°F (57-60°C).
- Medium: Cook to 140-145°F (60-63°C).
- Medium-Well: Target 150-155°F (65-68°C).
It’s highly recommended to use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness. Avoid cooking bison beyond medium-well, as it risks becoming tough and dry. Remember, residual heat will continue to cook the burger slightly after it’s removed from the pan.
The Art of Resting Your Burgers
Once your buffalo burgers reach the desired internal temperature, resist the urge to immediately serve them. Allowing the patties to rest out of the pan for 5 minutes or so is a crucial step that locks in the juices. During cooking, muscle fibers contract and push moisture to the center of the patty. Resting allows these fibers to relax and redistribute those delicious juices throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and tender. If you plan to rest them, remove them from the heat when they are about 5°F below your target temperature to prevent overcooking.
Chef’s Tips for Flawless Bison Burgers
These simple techniques will help you achieve perfectly cooked, incredibly juicy buffalo burgers, even if you’re new to cooking bison.
- Hands Off, Please! It’s tempting to press down on burgers with a spatula while they cook, but this is a common mistake that squeezes out all the precious juices and flavor. Resist the urge to press; let the burgers cook undisturbed.
- Low and Slow for Lean Meat: Since bison is leaner than beef, it benefits from a slightly gentler cooking approach. Cook your patties over a medium to medium-high heat, rather than high heat. This allows the exterior to brown beautifully without overcooking the interior. While bison cooks quickly, patience with the heat level will prevent dryness. If you’re concerned about dryness, a small splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of finely grated onion can be mixed into the meat before forming patties to add moisture and flavor.
- Handle with Care: Overworking the ground meat when forming patties can lead to a tough burger. Mix the ingredients just until combined, then gently form the mixture into patties. They should be just firm enough to hold their shape. If you’re worried about them falling apart during cooking, refrigerate the formed patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Cooking them cold helps them maintain their structure better than cooking them at room temperature. Also, once the burgers are in the pan, avoid moving them around unnecessarily; let them sear to form a crust before flipping.
- The Dimple Trick: Before cooking, gently press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a shallow indentation. This small but mighty trick helps the burger maintain its shape and prevents it from puffing up into a dome while it cooks, ensuring an even cook and a perfectly flat surface for toppings.
Simple Step-by-Step Buffalo Burger Recipe
Ready to make your own delicious buffalo burgers? Follow these easy steps for a meal that will impress!
Buffalo Burger with an Easy Burger Sauce
A delicious alternative to beef or turkey burgers, made with juicy, lean ground bison and topped with an incredible homemade burger sauce. This recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
By Cheryl Malik
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground bison
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Burger Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ½ tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking & Serving
- 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil for cooking
- Your favorite burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, buns)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground bison, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed without overworking the meat. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently form them into burger patties, about ¾-inch thick. Press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a shallow dimple.
Make the Burger Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle relish, ketchup, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and optional sugar or sugar substitute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Burgers: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or neutral oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering (or oil is hot), carefully place the burger patties into the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and lead to steaming instead of searing.
Flip and Finish: Cook the burgers for approximately 4 minutes on the first side, until a nice brown crust forms. Flip the patties and cook for another 4 minutes or until your desired doneness is reached. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty to check the internal temperature (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, 160°F for well-done). If adding cheese, place it on top during the last minute or two of cooking and cover the pan to help it melt.
Rest and Serve: Remove the cooked burgers from the pan and place them on a plate. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist burger. Serve the buffalo burgers immediately on buns with a generous dollop of the homemade burger sauce and all your favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes & Variations
- Lower Fat Option: To reduce fat content, use a low-fat oil (like avocado or canola) instead of butter for cooking. For the sauce, opt for a low-fat mayonnaise or reduce the amount used. Be mindful that many low-fat products contain added sugars to compensate for flavor, which might impact carb or sugar intake.
- Dairy-Free Option: Simply use a dairy-free butter alternative or a neutral cooking oil for the patties.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat. Serve on gluten-free buns or as a lettuce wrap.
- Keto / Added Sugar-Free Option: Omit the sugar from the burger sauce entirely, or substitute with a granular keto-friendly sweetener like Swerve. Choose a low-carb, no-added-sugar ketchup, or make your own keto ketchup.
Nutritional Information (per 1 burger patty with sauce, without bun or additional toppings)
Please note that these values are general guidelines and may vary based on specific brands and types of ingredients used. For precise figures, always calculate with your specific ingredients.
- Calories: 398kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 93mg
- Sodium: 957mg
- Potassium: 408mg
- Calcium: 22mg
- Iron: 3mg
To determine the weight of one serving accurately, prepare the recipe as instructed, weigh the entire finished recipe, then divide that total weight by the desired number of servings.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
A well-crafted buffalo burger is a meal in itself, but the right accompaniments can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some ideas for delicious sides and pairings:
- Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich burger.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw offers a cool, tangy crunch.
- Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers grilled alongside the burgers make for a healthy and flavorful side.
- Onion Rings: For a more indulgent option, golden fried onion rings are a perfect match.
- Beverages: Pair your buffalo burger with a cold craft beer (lager or ale), an iced tea, or a sparkling lemonade for a refreshing complement.
Storage and Reheating Your Bison Burgers
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your buffalo burgers to enjoy them later:
- Storage: Allow cooked patties to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store any leftover burger sauce separately in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing: Cooked bison patties can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat patties gently. You can warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water (covered) until heated through, or in a microwave for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the meat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Burgers
Is bison healthier than beef?
Yes, generally speaking, bison is considered healthier than beef. It is typically leaner, with fewer calories and less fat, especially saturated fat. Bison also tends to be higher in protein, iron, and vitamin B12 compared to beef, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious diet.
Does bison meat taste gamey?
Contrary to popular belief, well-prepared bison meat typically does not taste gamey. It has a rich, slightly sweeter, and cleaner flavor than beef. Any perceived gaminess is usually due to improper cooking (e.g., overcooking, which can dry out lean meats and concentrate flavors) or the diet of the animal (grass-fed bison generally has a milder flavor).
Can I grill buffalo burgers?
Absolutely! Buffalo burgers are fantastic on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the patties directly on the grates and grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Remember to use the thumb dimple trick and avoid pressing them down.
What kind of bun is best for a buffalo burger?
A variety of buns work well. A classic brioche bun offers a rich, slightly sweet complement, while a whole wheat bun adds fiber and a nutty flavor. For a lighter option, consider lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns.
How long do buffalo burgers take to cook?
Buffalo burgers cook relatively quickly due to their leanness. On a skillet or grill, they typically take about 8-10 minutes total for medium doneness (4-5 minutes per side). Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach your desired internal temperature.
Can I use frozen ground bison?
Yes, you can use frozen ground bison. Be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before mixing and forming patties. Never cook ground meat from frozen.
Other Delicious Burger Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed this buffalo burger, we encourage you to explore other exciting burger recipes to keep your meal plans fresh and delicious:
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Keto Sloppy Joes
- Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Aioli
- Epic Black Bean Burgers
- Loaded Burger Bowls with Special Sauce
- Whole30 In-N-Out Burgers
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