Dec 07 , 2023
How to Cook Bison Steak on the Grill
Cooking on the grill is a quintessential summer "thing." And there are plenty of reasons to cook steak on the grill. Today, we're talking all about how to grill bison steak, one of our most popular products.
Before we get into the details of grilling, be sure to decide on which type of bison steak that you want to cook on the grill! Here are our top choices and what makes them different and delicious:
- Bison Ribeye. To grill a boneless bison ribeye steak, crank up the heat and sear, flipping often to avoid overcooking.
- Bison Tomahawk Steak. The bison tomahawk steak is simply a ribeye steak with a large rib bone left intact. Grill it as you would a ribeye — with a hard sear and then frequent flipping (or vice versa).
- Bison Strip Loin. The bison strip loin steak cut is a tender cut with minimal fat, which requires cooking fast over high heat for the best results.
- Bison Tenderloin. Grilling bison tenderloin steak requires a light touch. To keep this sweet and meaty cut tender and juicy, start with a hot grill and cook it fast.
- Bison Top Sirloin. How do you grill a bison top sirloin steak? Like other tender cuts, it has minimal marbling. Cook it fast and hot.
For bison, aim to reach an internal temperature of 145°F for medium rare.
Bison is different than beef
First thing to know is that bison steak is different than beef steak. Many home cooks and grill masters are accustomed to cooking beef steak on the grill. Cuts of bison steak generally look the same, but the meat tastes and cooks differently. After all, it's literally a different animal.
Bison meat comes from the American buffalo, which is related to domestic cattle but different than beef. Bison meat is leaner than beef, and some consumers think bison tastes sweeter than beef. Additionally, bison often looks deeper red in color. That's because bison has a lower fat content than beef and less marbling overall. When cooked correctly, bison is tender and flavorful.
Why you should cook bison steak on the grill
Why cook bison steak on the grill? For one, cooking bison steak on the grill doesn't heat up your house. With temperatures rising into the high 90s all over the world, the last thing you want to do is heat up your home by cooking in the kitchen. Cooking outside can help with that.
Another reason to cook bison on the grill is the flavor. Developing a hint of char on your grilled steak lends a wonderful smoky flavor, whether you're cooking on a charcoal grill or gas grill.
Thirdly, cooking bison on the grill is a great way to prep your entire meal. Get a grill basket and grill your summer squash and zucchini alongside your meat. Add slices of pineapple or peaches to cook on the grill for a delicious caramelized result and a sweet accompaniment to your grilled bison.
Tips for cooking bison steak on the grill
There are so many different types of bison steaks to cook on the grill. If you're wondering how to cook bison steaks on the grill, here are a few key strategies to ensure that your bison steaks turn out perfectly cooked every time.
- Don't overcook. Since bison is leaner than beef, it cooks more quickly than beef. Pay attention to timing and check temperatures frequently. For medium rare bison steaks, cook to an internal temperature of 145° F.
- Cook hot and fast. Bison meat is easy to overcook if you aren't paying attention. Since many bison steak cuts are inherently tender, it's best to grill bison steaks hot and fast rather than low and slow. Place steaks on a hot grill and sear for a few minutes on each side, rotating and flipping to get those great-looking grill marks.
- Try a marinade. Using a marinade is a great way to pump up the flavor and tenderness on just about any cut of meat, bison included. The key to a good bison steak marinade is a blend of salt, oil and aromatics like garlic and herbs.
Steps for cooking bison steak on the grill depends on the type of steak you're cooking. Generally speaking, steaks like bison tenderloin, bison rib-eye, and bison top sirloin should be cooked on a hot grill until they reach an internal temp of 145° F for medium-rare. This might take 5 to 8 minutes per side. Until you perfect your cooking time, the meat thermometer is your friend!
Ready to get started? Here's a recipe for grilled bison tomahawk steaks that's a sure-fire crowd pleaser!