The Ultimate Guide to Bison: Cuts, Best Uses & Seasonings

Introduction

Bison is a lean, nutrient-rich alternative to beef, known for its slightly sweet, deep flavor and high protein content. With less fat than beef, bison requires special cooking techniques to ensure it remains tender and juicy. Whether grilling steaks, slow-cooking short ribs, or making bison burgers, using the right seasoning, rub, or marinade makes all the difference.

Understanding Bison Cuts

Bison shares many of the same cuts as beef, but because of its lower fat content, it cooks faster and at lower temperatures to retain its tenderness.

INSERT PHOTO: Bison Primal Cuts Diagram

Best Bison Cuts & How to Cook Them

🦬 Bison Ribeye & Strip Steak

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Grilling, pan-searing.
🔥 Flavor Profile: Lean but incredibly flavorful, slightly sweeter than beef.
🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ Coffee & Black Pepper Rub – Enhances the meaty richness with a smoky, earthy crust.
✔ Montreal Steak Seasoning – A classic mix of coarse black pepper, garlic, and paprika.
✔ Whiskey Brown Sugar Glaze – Adds a caramelized crust with slight sweetness.

🦬 Bison Ground Meat (For Burgers & Chili)

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Grilling, pan-frying, braising.
🔥 Flavor Profile: Lean and slightly sweet, needs fat or moisture to avoid drying out.
🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ Chipotle-Lime Rub – Adds smoky heat and a citrusy finish.
✔ Southwest Chili Blend – Cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic for a Tex-Mex kick.
✔ Worcestershire & Onion Blend – Keeps bison burgers juicy and full of umami.

🦬 Bison Short Ribs

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Braising, smoking, slow-roasting.
🔥 Flavor Profile: Deep, beefy, full of collagen that breaks down during cooking.
🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ Smoky Mesquite BBQ Rub – Pairs perfectly with slow-smoked bison ribs.
✔ Korean Bulgogi Marinade – Sweet soy and garlic for an umami-packed experience.
✔ Stout Beer Braise – Enhances depth with malty, slightly bitter notes.

🦬 Bison Tenderloin (Filet Mignon of Bison)

🔥 Best Cooking Method: Grilling, pan-searing, sous vide.
🔥 Flavor Profile: Incredibly tender, mild, and refined.
🔥 Best Seasonings: ✔ Truffle Salt & Cracked Pepper – Elevates the luxurious texture of bison filet.
✔ Garlic Butter Baste – Adds richness while maintaining the lean profile.
✔ Balsamic Reduction Glaze – A sweet and tangy pairing that complements the meat’s natural flavor.

INSERT PHOTO: Grilled Bison Ribeye Steak with Butter & Herbs

Bison Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Bison cooks quickly – Because it's lean, cook steaks medium-rare to medium (130-140°F) to prevent dryness.

• Use lower heat – Unlike beef, bison requires lower cooking temperatures for optimal texture.

• Add moisture to ground bison – Use olive oil, butter, or bacon fat to keep burgers juicy.

• Rest bison steaks – Let 5-10 minutes pass before slicing to retain juices.

INSERT PHOTO: Bison Cooking Temperature Chart

Pairing Bison with the Right Spices, Rubs, & Marinades

• Steak Cuts (Ribeye, Strip, Tenderloin) → Pair with bold, smoky, or umami-forward rubs.

• Slow-Cooked Cuts (Short Ribs, Roasts) → Benefit from deep marinades and rich BBQ glazes.

• Ground Bison (Burgers, Meatballs, Chili) → Needs moisture and bold seasoning to enhance flavor.

🔥 Recommended Products from Our Store: ✔ Bison Steakhouse Seasoning – Enhances the rich, beefy notes of bison steaks.
✔ Coffee & Peppercorn Rub – Ideal for bison ribeye & short ribs.
✔ Southwest Chili Blend – Perfect for burgers & chili.
✔ Smoky Mesquite BBQ Rub – A must-have for slow-cooked bison dishes.

Conclusion

Bison is a flavorful, nutrient-rich alternative to beef, and the right seasoning, rub, or marinade will take your bison dishes to the next level. Whether you’re grilling a steak, slow-roasting short ribs, or making juicy bison burgers, these techniques ensure tender, flavorful results.

🔥 Shop our premium spice blends & marinades to bring bold flavors to your bison dishes! 🔥

INSERT PHOTO: Our Bison Spice Collection