Bison Burger Recipe
Bison patty, hot pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo
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Ingredients
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Burger Patties
Cheese & Toppings
Buns & Finish
Method
Burger Patties
- 1
Mix and form patties
In a medium bowl, gently combine 1 lb ground bison, 1 tsp fine sea salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper and 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce. Mix just until uniform — do not overwork. Divide into four equal portions and form into patties about 3/4 inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce dome-shaped puffing while cooking.
- 2
Rest patties
Place formed patties on a plate, cover loosely, and refrigerate for 15 minutes while you prepare toppings and heat your cooking surface. This helps them hold together and improves texture.
- 3
Cook patties
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbs olive oil to the skillet (or brush oil on the grates). When the surface is hot and shimmering, add the patties leaving space between them. Cook about 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving to develop a sear. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes on the second side for medium-rare to medium (internal temp ~130-140°F/54-60°C). In the last 1 minute of cooking, place a hot pepper jack cheese slice on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt the cheese. Adjust time for desired doneness — bison is leaner, so avoid overcooking.
- 4
Carryover rest
Remove patties from heat and let rest on a plate for 3-4 minutes. This helps redistribute juices.
Cheese & Toppings
- 5
Prepare tomato and onion
While patties rest, slice the tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds and slice the red onion into thin rings. Arrange tomato slices on a plate and season lightly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- 6
Prep lettuce and mayo
Wash and dry 4 lettuce leaves. If desired, tear leaves to fit bun size. Spread mayonnaise evenly on the cut sides of each bun (about 1/2 cup mayo divided across 8 bun halves). You can add additional mayonnaise to taste.
Buns & Finish
- 7
- 8
Assemble burgers
On each toasted bottom bun, place a lettuce leaf, then a tomato slice, then the bison patty with melted hot pepper jack. Top with a few rings of red onion, then the mayo-spread top bun. Serve immediately while hot.