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Home » In the Kitchen

Bison Burgers on the Griddle

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bison cheeseburgers on a 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

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Amazon links are not affiliate links. You can read my full affiliate disclosure.

cover of New Native Kitchen cookbook

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.

bison burgers with caramelized onions from New Native Kitchen cookbook

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
Cover and Sample Page from An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Jean Mendoza, and Debbie Reese

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.

ingredients list for making chocolate bison chili

related recipe!

Chocolate Bison Chili

Combine a hearty home-cooked chili with a sweet chocolate dessert

Get the recipe →

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

Family & Kids' Cooking Resources

Beautiful & diverse cooking resources for you!

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Covers of New Native Kitchen and The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen cookbooks
rice, olive oil, honey, cornmeal, and beans from Tocabe Indigenous Marketplace

Native-sourced staples!

Tocabe Indigenous Marketplace

Convenient, nutritious eating - the Indigenous way.

Shop Now →

Learn more about allergies and your family.

mallorcas, aloo chaat, bbq prawns, rabbit stew, cinnamon roll pound cake, picarones

Food from Around the World: Free Cooking Lessons

Learn from some of the most talented chefs around the world!

    Built with ConvertKit

    Free Cooking Course for Families

    Discover recipes for every continent! Sign up to receive free cooking lessons for the whole family. Learn from some of the most talented chefs around the world and participate in the quality practical life experiences Montessori education is known for.

    Find out more about the cooking course.

    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
    closeup of a carbon steel griddle and grill press on a kitchen stove

    Equipment

    • apron
    • prep bowls
    • measuring spoons
    • griddle
    • press (optional)
    • lid (optional)
    • spatula
    • carbon steel seasoning wax
    standing at the stove with the griddle

    Preheat the Griddle

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

    Surya Salt and a masala dabba from Diaspora Co.

    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.

    kristin is cooking bison burgers on the griddle

    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.

    using the griddle press while cooking bison burgers

    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.

    bison cheeseburgers on a griddle

    Let them Rest

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

    John is eating a bison burger

    Serve on Buns With Your Favorite Condiments

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

    made in carbon steel seasoning wax

    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.

    ingredients snippet for making bison burgers

    free recipe!

    Bison Burgers on the Griddle

    Make delicious bison burgers in the kitchen or on the grill

      Built with ConvertKit

      Grab your free printable recipe cards above. Kids can gather ingredients using the ingredient list, gather their equipment with the tools list, and prepare the meal using the step-by-step recipe cards, with assistance as needed.

      The cards are easy to use, include pictures, and encourage confidence and independence in the kitchen. They also make an excellent addition to your Montessori continent box for North America.

      Treasures From Jennifer Montessori continent boxes with Schleich animals on top of boxes for continents South America, Europe, and the supercontinent Pangea box

      Montessori Continent Boxes

      Explore every continent with these solid maple hardwood boxes.

      Shop Now →
      John is eating a bison burger

      Bison Burgers on the Griddle

      Kristin
      Grilling doesn’t need to be complicated. Or technical. With the Made In griddle, you can make delicious bison burgers in the kitchen or take them out back.
      No ratings yet
      Pin Recipe Print Recipe
      Prevent your screen from going dark
      Prep Time 10 minutes mins
      Cook Time 8 minutes mins
      Total Time 18 minutes mins
      Course Main Course
      Cuisine American, Native American
      Servings 4 people
      Calories 314 kcal

      Equipment

      • Apron
      • Prep Bowls
      • Measuring Spoons
      • Carbon Steel Griddle
      • Grill Press
      • Lid
      • Carbon Steel Seasoning Wax
      • Spatula

      Ingredients 
       

      • 1 lb ground bison
      • 2 teaspoon salt
      • 2 teaspoon fresh black pepper
      • ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
      • ¼ cup grated queso fresco or your favorite cheese
      • 4 hamburger buns
      • condiments of choice

      Instructions 

      • 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. Use the press if you like thin burgers. 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 to rest for a couple minutes.
      • 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.

      Notes

      • Cook to a minimum temperature of 160 °F (74 °C)
      • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
      • Wash hands after touching raw meat
      • Never leave cooking food unattended
      • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
      • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
      • See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
      • Full Lesson Info and Pictures at:  https://happyhomeschooladventures.com/bison-burgers

      Nutrition

      Calories: 314kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 29gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 1516mgPotassium: 489mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 699IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 133mgIron: 5mg

      Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

      Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Kristin from Happy Homeschool Adventures

      Hi, I'm Kristin!

      I'm a Montessori homeschooler of 4 living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I'm a nature lover and environmental minimalist sharing my experience in guiding kids from the back of the boat.

      More About Me ➜

      Our Land Acknowledgement

      We reside on the ancestral lands of the Kalapuya and Luckiamute Tribes as well as the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.  The land was ceded in the Ratified Indian Treaty #282 on January 22, 1855.  The languages of the Indigenous peoples of this area are Kalapuya and Chinuk Wawa.


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