Bison bacon has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people discover its great taste and health benefits compared to pork bacon But cooking bison bacon can be trickier than traditional bacon if you don’t know what you’re doing In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook perfect bison bacon every time.
What is Bison Bacon?
Bison bacon comes from the lean cuts of meat from American bison. It has a deeper, richer flavor than pork bacon and is lower in fat and calories while still delivering that signature salty, smoky bacon taste.
Bison bacon is made from the strip loin or plate sections of the bison. It contains about 2 grams of fat per slice compared to pork bacon which has about 9 grams per slice. The meat has a deep red color similar to beef.
When cured and smoked properly, bison bacon develops a robust flavor profile. It has a pleasantly chewy texture rather than being overly crisp or brittle.
Buying and Storing Bison Bacon
You can find bison bacon at specialty grocery stores butcher shops, farmers markets, or order it online from bison ranches. Look for thick-cut slices around 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices can overcook too quickly.
Store bison bacon in the refrigerator just like regular bacon. It will keep for about 1 week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw frozen bison bacon overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Reputable bison bacon brands like Sleepy Bison Acres or Buck Wild Bison use minimal ingredients and no preservatives or artificial flavors. This allows the true bison flavor to shine through.
How to Cook Bison Bacon Perfectly
Cooking bison bacon on the stove or in the oven takes some finesse to achieve the perfect texture. Here are some tips:
Cook Over Medium-Low Heat
The main challenge with bison bacon is preventing it from becoming overly brown or burnt before the fat fully renders and it becomes crispy. Cook it slowly over medium-low heat between 250°F and 325°F. Higher heat cause the lean bison to burn too quickly.
Use a Skillet
Cooking bison bacon in a heavy skillet allows you to regulate the heat better. Cast iron or stainless steel skillets work well as they distribute heat evenly. Avoid non-stick pans which can react with the bacon curing agents.
Rotate the Slices
Flip each slice of bison bacon every 2-3 minutes to promote even cooking. Rotating the pieces from the center of the pan to the outer edges also helps prevent hot spots from forming.
Pour Off Excess Fat
Since bison is so lean, you don’t need all the rendered bacon fat to crisp it up. Pour off excess fat from the skillet as needed while cooking. This prevents the bacon from frying in its own grease.
Cook It 75-85% Done
Pull bison bacon out of the pan once it’s browned but still has a little chew left in the center. It will continue cooking on the plate. Cook it about 75-85% of the way done for the best texture.
Bake It in the Oven
For easy cooking in bulk, bake bison bacon slices on a foil or parchment paper lined sheet pan in a 375°F oven. Flip the slices halfway through for even browning. Bake for 12-18 minutes depending on thickness.
Add Flavor Boosters
Add a dash of maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar to the skillet when cooking bison bacon for a touch of sweetness. You can also use dry rubs, herbs, pepper, or other spices to kick up the flavor.
Make Bison Bacon Bits
Chop cooked bison bacon into small pieces to use as a smoky, salty topping for salads, baked potatoes, soups, or appetizers. The lean bits add lots of flavor without the grease.
Serving Ideas for Bison Bacon
Beyond breakfast, bison bacon works great in all sorts of dishes:
- Chop it up to add to omelets, quiches or frittatas
- Crumble it on top of baked potatoes, soups or chili
- Wrap it around scallops, shrimp or filets for appetizers
- Add it to burgers, sandwiches and BLTs
- Make candied bison bacon for a sweet & salty snack
- Use it in recipes for mac & cheese, green beans, brussels sprouts
- Mix bison bacon bits into dips and spreads
With its versatility and bold flavor, bison bacon can take your cooking to the next level. Follow these tips for crispy, perfectly cooked bison bacon every time. Let us know your favorite ways to enjoy bison bacon!
How to Cook Bison Bacon on the Cast Iron
FAQ
What is the best way to cook bison meat?
Is bison bacon good for you?
What does bison bacon taste like?
Does bison need to be fully cooked?
How to cook a bison roast in the oven?
Use a covered roasting pan with one cup added hot water. You can also place a pot of water in the oven next to the roast to keep it moist. Also you can make a gravy with the juices of the pan, mixed with wine and gravy. Pour this mixture over the bison roast and place it in the oven. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer.
What temperature should a bison be cooked at?
If you roast a piece of beef at 325 degrees F, lower the temperature to 275 degrees F for a similar cut of buffalo. For broiling, lower the broiler pan down a notch, at least 6 inches from the heat. And for grilling, use the cooler part of the grill. The bison meat will then cook for about the same length of time as a comparable cut of beef.
How do you cook a bison if it is overcooked?
Overcooked bison is tough bison. Cooking bison correctly is delicious and tender bison. Use these general guidelines when cooking bison. Ground bison meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F and the juices should be clear, not red.
How do you cook bison on a grill?
For broiling, lower the broiler pan down a notch, at least 6 inches from the heat. And for grilling, use the cooler part of the grill. The bison meat will then cook for about the same length of time as a comparable cut of beef. To be sure of the degree of doneness, an instant-read thermometer is the best tool.