Bison Burgers on the Griddle

"Imagine your favorite burger, then swap out the beef patty for ground bison. Ground bison is one of the least expensive ways to try this Indigenous staple..Serve bison burgers over wilted greens, alongside any of my salads, or on a fresh-baked brioche bun for a Native American-meets-modern-American classic."

- Chef Freddie Bitsoie

Grilling doesn’t need to be complicated. Or technical. And with the Made In Griddle, you can leave it in the kitchen or take it out back. Grill wherever you like and still get the W. Now let's make some bison burgers.

Learn more about cooking with kids.

If you like this recipe, try bison chili, picadillo, easy boiled crab, three sisters bean stew, bread pudding, barbecue prawns, and homemade french fries.

Jump to:

• New Native Kitchen
• An Indigenous Peoples' History of the US
• Chocolate Bison Chili
• Food from Around the World: Free Cooking Lessons
• How to Make Bison Burgers on the Griddle
• Bison Burgers on the Griddle
• Montessori Continent Boxes
• Bison Burgers on the Griddle

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New Native Kitchen

These bison burgers are inspired by a recipe from New Native Kitchen: Celebrating Modern Recipes of the American Indian by Chef Freddie Bitsoie & James O. Fraioli.

Inside, Freddie talks more about the American bison:

The American bison is ofen incorrectly referred to as a buffalo; bison are not true buffalo. According to Prehistoric Fauna, the earliest bison (about 10,000 BCE) roamed the great bison belt - a huge segment of prime grassland from Alaska to Northern Mexico. By the early eighteenth century, bison populations exceeded sixty million animals. Unfortunately, they were nearly decimated to extinction by commercial hunting after European contact, and by the late 1800s, only 541 animals were said to remain. Today, there are about thirty thousand bison, mostly in the Rocky Mountain National Park system and in smaller private bison herds raised for conservation and restoration efforts. Some of these herds are raised strictly for the sale of bison meat throughout North America.

- Freddie Bitsoie

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the US

Want to learn more about the history of Indigenous peoples and bison? An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People, adapted by Jean Mendoza and Dr. Debbie Reese, works well for the middle school years or educators who would like the additional insight and discussion notes that come with the young adult version.

If you like this burger, you'll want to try this steak with mushrooms and salsa.

Learn more about allergies and your family.

How to Make Bison Burgers on the Griddle

Ingredients

• ground bison
• salt
• black pepper
• cheese - we chose American cheese but Freddie recommends grated queso fresco for the best bison burger. If you prefer a bison hamburger that's cool too
• parsley (optional)
• hamburger buns
• condiments

Equipment

• apron
• prep bowls
• measuring spoons
• griddle
• press (optional)
• lid (optional)
• spatula
• carbon steel seasoning wax

Preheat the Griddle

Wash your hands with soap and water. Place the griddle on the stove and turn both burners to medium heat.

Combine the Ground Bison, Salt, & Pepper

Add the bison to a medium bowl. Use a measuring spoon or spice spoon to add the salt and pepper. If you have parsley and queso fresco, add those too. Mix the ingredients by hand.

Shape the Bison Burgers & Place on the Griddle

Use your hands to shape 4 quarter-pound burgers, about ¼ inch thick. Place the burgers on the griddle so they cook evenly.

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Cook the Bison Burgers for 3 to 4 Minutes Per Side

Cook the bison burgers for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, for medium-rare burgers. Adjust the time based on your preference.

For bison burgers with American cheese, add the cheese a minute before they're done.

Freddie suggests not touching or pressing the burgers during the grilling process. However, I say do it. If you're kids like their burgers thin, you're gonna want that thing.

To seal in the heat while grilling, use the griddle lid. It's available in half and full size.

Let them Rest

Turn both burners off. Transfer the burgers to a large serving dish or cooling rack.

Serve on Buns With Your Favorite Condiments

Grab your favorite buns and condiments for a bison burger you won't want to live without.

Clean the Griddle & Apply Seasoning Wax

Afterward, clean the griddle by hand. Wipe out any excess oil with a towel. Use a plastic spatula for stuck-on food or coarse salt and oil as a scrub. Dry thoroughly with a towel.

Place the griddle on the stove over low heat. Apply a light layer of the carbon steel seasoning wax to the griddle using a small towel or wipe. Turn off the stove. Store your griddle and accessories in an easily accessible location.