Bison burgers are a delicious leaner alternative to traditional beef burgers. With their rich slightly sweet flavor, bison patties make for a hearty and nutritious meal. But to get the best results when cooking bison burgers, you need the right techniques and tools. That’s where the George Foreman Grill comes in handy!
The George Foreman is a perfect way to cook up juicy, evenly cooked bison burgers right at home. With its signature sloped grilling surface and dual heating elements, this countertop appliance can help you achieve tasty grilled flavor indoors.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make incredibly delicious bison burgers on a George Foreman Grill You’ll learn
- The benefits of choosing bison meat for burgers
- How to prepare bison meat before grilling
- Seasoning tips for maximum flavor
- Step-by-step grilling instructions
- Serving suggestions and topping ideas
- Helpful tips to get tender, juicy bison burgers off the George Foreman
So let’s fire up those grills and get ready to cook some amazing bison burgers!
Why Choose Bison for Burgers?
When comparing meats for burgers, bison offers some great advantages over traditional beef:
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Lower in calories and fat: Bison is much leaner than beef, with around 25% fewer calories and less total and saturated fat.
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More protein: Ounce for ounce, bison contains more protein than beef. Great for building muscle!
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High in nutrients: Bison provides more iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B12 and omega-3s than beef.
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Environmentally friendly: Most bison are grass-fed and raised without hormones or antibiotics.
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Delicious flavor: Bison has a rich, slightly sweet and nutty taste that’s similar to beef.
With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why more people are turning to bison for a healthier, more sustainable approach to burgers!
Preparing Bison Meat for the Grill
Proper preparation is key to grilling up the best bison burgers:
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Buy high-quality ground meat: Look for 97-99% lean ground bison with visible marbling for optimal moisture and tenderness.
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Season well: Mix in spices like garlic, onion, salt, and pepper to bring out bison’s savory notes. Go easy on the salt until patties are formed to avoid dryness.
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Handle lightly: Overworking the lean meat can toughen it. Gently form four 4-ounce patties about 3 inches wide and 1⁄2 inch thick.
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Create an indent: Use your thumb to make a shallow indent in the center of each patty. This prevents puffing up as they cook.
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Chill before grilling: Formed patties should be chilled 15-30 minutes so the fat can firm up. This helps them hold their shape better on the grill.
Now you’re ready to cook those babies up!
Expert Tips for Seasoning Bison Burgers
Since bison has a milder flavor than beef, seasoning is especially important for bringing out the meaty, savory taste. Here are some tips:
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Dijon mustard: The zingy flavor cuts through the richness. Mix in a couple tablespoons per pound of meat.
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Worcestershire sauce: Provides savory umami and moisture. Use 2-3 tablespoons per pound.
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Spices: Garlic, onion, paprika, parsley and black pepper are great complements.
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Go easy on salt: Add just before grilling to avoid drying out the lean meat.
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Flavor boosters: A dash of hot sauce or splash of beer when mixing gives a subtle kick.
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Extras: Consider grated Parmesan, crumbled blue cheese or chopped mushrooms.
Experiment with spice combos and mix-ins to discover your perfect blend of flavors!
Step-By-Step: Grilling Bison Burgers on a George Foreman
Follow these simple steps for grilling tender, juicy bison burgers indoors on a George Foreman Grill:
1. Prep the grill
- Plug in grill and preheat 5 minutes on high heat ~350°F.
- Use nonstick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the patties
- Place chilled patties on the hot grill. Close lid to cook tops faster.
- Grill about 4 minutes on the first side until nicely browned.
- Flip carefully with a thin spatula. Don’t press down and release juices!
- Grill another 4 minutes with lid closed for medium doneness. (Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check 140°F internal temp.)
3. Add cheese (if using)
- Top with slices of cheese during the last 1-2 minutes so it melts nicely. Cheddar, American, Swiss and bleu cheese are tasty choices.
4. Toast the buns
- While patties grill, toast buns on the open grill to warm and lightly brown them.
5. Build your burgers and serve
- Slide finished patties onto the toasted bottom buns.
- Add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard, ketchup, etc.
- Crown with the top buns and enjoy your juicy bison burgers hot off the George Foreman!
It’s that easy to make deliciously grilled bison burgers indoors in about 10 minutes with this handy countertop appliance.
Creative Topping Ideas for Amazing Bison Burgers
While bison burgers taste great with classic toppings, feel free to get creative with fun new flavors! Here are some tasty topping combinations to try:
- BBQ bison – Cheddar, bacon, onion rings, BBQ sauce
- Southwest – Pepper jack, guacamole, roasted corn salsa
- Greek – Feta, tzatziki, tomato, red onion, spinach
- Breakfast – Fried egg, bacon, cheese, hash browns
- Tex Mex – Chili, cheddar, avocado, fried onion strings
- French Onion Bison – Caramelized onions, Swiss, arugula
- Caprese – Fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic glaze
- Truffle mushroom – Sauteed mushrooms, Swiss, truffle oil, arugula
The lean flavor of bison patties makes the ideal canvas for piling on creative ingredients. So try out fun new combo ideas for tender, juicy grilled bison burgers bursting with flavor.
Handy Tips for Tender and Juicy Bison Burgers
Since bison meat is so lean, it can easily dry out if overcooked. Here are some useful tips to keep your grilled bison burgers tender and juicy:
- Don’t press the patties with a spatula while they grill. This squeezes out the natural juices.
- Use a meat thermometer and don’t overcook. Pull off at 135°F for medium rare or 140°F for medium.
- Let patties rest for 5 minutes after grilling so juices redistribute through the meat.
- Avoid added oils or butter when cooking. The fat from the meat is sufficient.
- Try smash burgers – Smash the patties thin right on the grill for caramelization and moisture.
- Add a moist mix-in like Worcestershire sauce, cheese or sautéed mushrooms.
- Brush buns with olive oil or butter to keep them from drying out.
Follow these suggestions and your grilled bison burgers will come out perfectly tender and mouthwateringly juicy every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temp should I cook bison burgers to?
For food safety, ground bison should reach minimum 160°F internally. For best texture, cook to medium rare (135°F) or medium (140°F). Any higher can dry them out.
Can you grill frozen bison patties?
It’s best not to grill burgers directly from frozen as the abrupt heat change can toughen the texture. Thaw patties overnight in the fridge before grilling for optimum juiciness.
What’s the healthiest way to cook bison burgers?
Grilling, especially on a George Foreman, is one of the healthiest cooking methods. The direct heat helps fat drain away while infusing delicious flavor. Avoid frying as that can increase the fat content.
Should you use oil when cooking bison on a grill?
Bison is so naturally lean that it’s not necessary to add extra fat like oil or butter. Use just enough spray or brushing to prevent sticking. Any more can cause flare-ups or charring.
How can you tell when bison burgers are done grilling?
Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer, not by color. Bison has less fat so doesn’t change color the same as beef. Pull patties at 135°F for rare, 140°F for medium, and 160°F+ for well done.
Satisfy Your Craving for Juicy Bison Burgers
The sloped grilling surface of the George Foreman is ideal for draining excess fat as the patties cook. Season the meat well, avoid overworking it, and use a thermometer to nail the perfect level of doneness. Feel free to get creative with fun topping combos on these hearty grilled patties.