COOKING TIPS

Why Bison?
Bison is the healthy red meat alternative. It is leaner than other meats, yet has more protein, iron and Vitamin
B-12. Plus, the all-natural product is produced in a more environmentally friendly manner. A recent study
conducted by the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center concluded that bison consumption results in a
reduced atherogenic risk compared to beef consumption, indicating bison will decrease the detrimental
effects on vascular function compared to beef.

Cooking Bison Meat: individual cuts of Bison are identical to beef, except for color. Because our bison are
grass-fed, fat may be a yellow color, which is normal compared with the white fat seen on grain-fed animals.
Prior to cooking, Bison is a deeper red. This is because Bison does not marble (produce internal streaks of fat)
like beef. Marbling slows down the cooking process because the fat acts as an insulator - heat must first
penetrate this insulation before the cooking process can begin. Since Bison lacks marbling, the meat has a
tendency to cook more rapidly. Caution must be taken to guarantee that you do not overcook Bison. Bison is
best cooked "low and slow".
Ground bison: Cook in a pan or over the grill (4-6” above medium coals) to an internal temperature of at least
160 degrees and the juices should be clear not red. Many of us like to sear the meat over a high heat for color
then reduce the heat to cook.
Steaks: Grill 4-6 “above medium coals, 325) or move your oven rack one notch lower than where you normally
broil beef steaks. Expect a bison steak to cook 1/3 faster than a beef steak. Bison steaks are best when cooked
rare to medium, to maintain the moisture and flavor of the meat.1” thick- rare: 6-8 minutes 1” thick-
medium 8-10 minutes
Roasts: Turn your oven temperature to around 275 F for bison. Plan on the roast being done in about the
same amount of time as a comparable size beef roast. We recommend using a meat thermometer indicatin an
internal temperature of 145 F for medium rare. Roasts do well in a crock pot with your favorite liquid and
veggie Remember low and slow