How to Cook Bison Steak

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methods

Ingredients

1 Grilled Bison Steak

2 Pan-Seared Bison Steak

3 Bison Tenderloin with Herb Butter

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Expert Q&A

Things You'll Need

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13 Recipe Ratings

Co-authored by Liz Riffle and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: February 8, 2024

Bison steaks are a great alternative to beef steaks. These flavorful cuts are lean and cook faster, so adjust your cooking times. Toss lightly marinated bison steaks on a grill to get a smoky flavor. For fast steaks, pan-fry them in a quick vinegar and wine sauce. You can also sear the bison steaks in a skillet before finishing them in the oven. Top the bison steaks with a flavorful herb butter.

Ingredients

Grilled Bison Steak

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 12-ounce (340 g) bison strip or ribeye steaks
• Salt and pepper to taste

Makes 2 to 4 servings

Pan-Seared Bison Steaks

• 2 bison filet mignon steaks
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry red wine

Makes 2 servings

Bison Tenderloin with Herb Butter

• 6 tablespoons (84 g) softened butter
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon (1 g) chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 teaspoon (1 g) chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon (1 g) chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons (10 g) fine sea salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon (2 g) citric acid
• 4 8-ounce (226 g) bison tenderloin filets
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) canola oil

Makes 4 servings

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Grilled Bison Steak

1. 
   1
   Season the steaks with garlic oil. Mix together 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) of extra-virgin olive oil. Brush the garlic oil over 2 12-ounce (340 g) bison strip or ribeye steaks. Let the steaks sit out at room temperature while you prepare the grill.

   • The steaks should be about 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) thick. If the steaks are thicker, you may need to add 2 to 4 minutes to the grilling time. If the steaks are thinner, reduce the grilling time by 1 to 2 minutes.
2. 
   2
   Heat a grill to medium-high heat. Turn on a gas grill to medium-high or heat a chimney full of charcoal briquettes. Dump the hot coals in the center of the grill grate.
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3. 
   3
   Season the steaks and lay them on the grill. Sprinkle the steaks with salt and pepper according to your taste. Arrange them on the hot grill directly over the coals and cover the grill.
4. 
   4
   Grill the bison steaks for 4 to 5 minutes. Cook the steaks for 4 minutes if you want rare steaks or 5 minutes for medium-rare steaks.

   • The bottom of the steaks should be browned once they're ready to flip. Avoid cooking the steaks for more than 4 to 5 minutes or the steaks will become tough and chewy.
5. 
   5
   Flip and grill the steaks for 4 to 5 more minutes. Remove the grill lid and use tongs or a spatula to flip the steaks over. Cover the grill and cook the steaks for 4 to 5 minutes for rare to medium-rare steaks.
6. 
   6
   Remove and rest the steaks for 5 minutes. Transfer the grilled steaks to a cutting board or serving plates. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5 minutes.
7. 
   7
   Serve the grilled bison steaks. Serve the hot steaks with your favorite grilled vegetables, rolls, or a green salad. Consider topping the steaks with your favorite steak sauce.

   • Store the leftover grilled steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Pan-Seared Bison Steak

1. 
   1
   Heat a skillet over medium-high and season the bison steaks. Place a cast-iron skillet on the stove and turn the burner to medium-high. Get out 2 bison filet mignon steaks that are between 1 inch (2.5 cm) and 2 inches (5.1 cm) thick. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper according to your taste.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Liz Riffle

   Meat Producer

   Liz Riffle is a Regenerative Farming & Agriculture Specialist and the Owner of Riffle Farm in West Virginia. With over six years of experience, Liz specializes in holistic bison farming and employing humane agricultural practices in her business. Riffle Farm is the first commercial bison operation in the state of West Virginia and is part of the movement to facilitate the large-scale regeneration of the world’s grasslands. Liz is a Savory Accredited Professional and teaches Holistic Management across the country. She received her Masters in Nursing Education from Excelsior University and was part of the US Navy Nurse Corps Commission at Northwestern University.

   

   Liz Riffle
   Meat Producer

   The best way to cook bison is to keep things simple. High-quality bison just needs a little salt, pepper, and garlic. Since the meat is lean, I'd recommend pan-frying instead of grilling. Cook bison for 5-6 minutes per side to keep it tender and flavorful. This method lets the natural taste of the meat come through without covering it up.
2. 
   2
   Sear the steaks for 1 minute. Lay the seasoned steaks in the hot skillet and cook them for 1 minute without moving them. They should quickly brown on the bottom.
3. 
   3
   Flip and sear the steaks for 1 more minute. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the bison steaks over. Cook them on the other side so they brown on the bottom. Avoid moving them while they're searing.
4. 
   4
   Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the vinegar and wine. Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) of balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup (60 ml) of dry red wine to the skillet with the steaks. Turn the heat down to medium-low.

   • The liquid will quickly bubble up when you pour it in the pan.
5. 
   5
   Cover and pan-fry the steaks for 4 to 6 minutes. Put a lid on the skillet and cook the steaks for 4 minutes, if you want rare steaks. For medium-rare steaks, cook them for up to 6 minutes.

   • Since bison cooks up faster and it's leaner than beef, avoid cooking it until it's medium or well-done.
6. 
   6
   Flip and cook the steaks for 4 to 6 more minutes. Remove the lid and use tongs or a spatula to flip the steaks over. Put the lid back on and cook them for another 4 to 6 minutes depending on how well done you want the steaks.
7. 
   7
   Rest the steaks for 5 minutes. Turn off the burner and transfer the steaks to serving plates or a cutting board. Loosely cover the steaks with aluminum foil and rest them for 5 minutes.
8. 
   8
   Serve the bison filet mignon steaks. Slice the steaks, if desired, or serve them whole on plates. Spoon the sauce from the pan over the steaks. Consider serving the steaks with crispy potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rolls.

   • Refrigerate the leftover bison steaks in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Bison Tenderloin with Herb Butter

1. 
   1
   Combine the butter with the herb seasonings. Place 6 tablespoons (84 g) of softened butter into a bowl and add 1 minced garlic clove along with 1 teaspoon (1 g) of chopped fresh tarragon, 1 teaspoon (1 g) of chopped fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon (1 g) chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the butter with the seasonings until they're combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it.

   • Keep the herb butter chilled while you prepare the bison steaks.
   • You can make the butter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 1 week.
2. 
   2
   Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and combine the steak seasonings. Measure 2 teaspoons (10 g) of fine sea salt, 1⁄2 teaspoon (2 g) of citric acid, and ground pepper, according to your taste, into a small bowl. Stir the seasonings.

   • Citric acid will tenderize the steaks without adding liquid. If you don't have citric acid, you could squirt a little lemon juice over the steaks once they've finished cooking. Keep in mind that they may not be as tender.
3. 
   3
   Sprinkle the seasoning over 4 bison steaks. Get out 4 8-ounce (226 g) bison tenderloin filets that are 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) thick. Season both sides of each steak with the seasoning and set them aside while you heat a skillet.
4. 
   4
   Sear the bison steaks for 2 minutes over high heat. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of canola oil into a cast-iron skillet and turn the burner to high. Once the oil shimmers and is hot, lay the bison steaks in the skillet. Cook the steaks for 2 minutes without turning them. They should brown on the bottom.
5. 
   5
   Flip and sear the steaks for 2 more minutes. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the steaks over. Cook them on the other side so they brown. Turn off the burner.

   • If you'd like medium-rare steaks, cook them for 1 extra minute. Avoid cooking the steaks longer than this or they can become tough or chewy.
6. 
   6
   Cook the steaks in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes. Wear an oven mitt to transfer the cast-iron skillet with the steaks to the preheated oven. If you want the steaks to be rare, cook them for 6 minutes. For medium-rare steaks, cook them for 8 minutes.

   • Avoid cooking the bison for more than 8 minutes because it can easily dry out and become tough.
7. 
   7
   Rest the steak for 5 minutes before serving it. Remove the skillet from the oven and cover the steaks loosely with aluminum foil. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before you transfer them to serving plates. Top each steak with a spoonful of the chilled herb butter and serve them with roasted vegetables, rolls, or mashed potatoes.

   • Store the leftover bison steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
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Expert Q&A

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Add New Question

• Question

  What causes the gamey taste in a bison, and how do I reduce the gamey taste of the bison?

  

  Liz Riffle
  Meat Producer

  Liz Riffle is a Regenerative Farming & Agriculture Specialist and the Owner of Riffle Farm in West Virginia. With over six years of experience, Liz specializes in holistic bison farming and employing humane agricultural practices in her business. Riffle Farm is the first commercial bison operation in the state of West Virginia and is part of the movement to facilitate the large-scale regeneration of the world’s grasslands. Liz is a Savory Accredited Professional and teaches Holistic Management across the country. She received her Masters in Nursing Education from Excelsior University and was part of the US Navy Nurse Corps Commission at Northwestern University.

  

  Liz Riffle

  Meat Producer

  Expert Answer

  To mitigate the gamey taste of bison, prioritizing the acquisition of high-quality meat is crucial. So only buy from trusted and reputable sources. Typically, this gaminess is linked to the animal's diet and the processing method, particularly how it was slaughtered or harvested. Ensuring a nutritious diet for the bison, compatible with their complex digestive system, is essential to minimizing the undesirable flavor. Additionally, reducing stress during the harvesting process, whether in a slaughter facility or during hunting, is essential, as stress hormones released during such times can impact the meat's taste. A healthy diet is also imperative to maintain the digestive system's equilibrium and prevent the release of stress-related chemicals that can affect the meat's flavor.

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Things You'll Need

Grilled Bison Steak

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Gas or charcoal grill with briquettes
• Tongs or spatula
• Small bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush or spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Pan-Seared Bison Steaks

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cast-iron skillet with lid
• Tongs or spatula
• Serving plates
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon
• Aluminum foil

Bison Tenderloin with Herb Butter

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Plastic wrap
• Tongs or spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Cast-iron skillet
• Oven mitts
• Knife and cutting board