What Does Bison Taste Like? (Updated 2024)

Name: 5 Best Bison Recipes
Ingredients: Tri-Tip with Chimichurri; Bison Chili; Bison Burgers; Bison Meatballs; Bison Stuffed Peppers

Updated Jan 17, 2023Recipe Marker

Are you curious about what does bison taste like? We will share some information about this animal and best describe what it tastes like. Stick around…

Die-hard meat lovers know the joy of eating a variety of meat, especially those that are novel to their tastebuds.

While many typically eat pork, beef, or even lamb, others venture out to try new things such as bison meat. For those who want to try another type of meat, this is definitely a worthy option.

After all, is it highly sought after for its organic and sustainable source, and also for its lean yet delectable flesh.

What Is a Bison?

Most people tend to confuse buffalos with bison and vice versa. However, they are two distinct animals with their own unique characteristics.

Bison are actually native to North and South America, as well as Europe. They also bear shorter horns compared to buffalos. More importantly, the presence of a fuzzy beard is a defining feature.

Bison are considered some of the most formidable land animals. They possess power and strength and grow to great heights.

Mature bison reach an average of 6.5 feet and weighs over 1,984 pounds.

Despite their massive size, these mammals are quick on their feet and can run incredibly fast.

Bison typically live in bands or small groups.

They feed on grass and herbs, as well as leaves and twigs.

In the past, these animals were a staple among the Plains Tribes, providing not only food for the people but also hide and fur for clothing and shelter.

The Popularity of Bison

There are approximately 500,000 bison in existence today, with most living on preserves and ranches designed to provide meat.

With most people living on more accessible types of protein, such as chicken, beef, pork, turkey, and the like, it comes as no surprise that many deem bison meat as exotic, lumping it alongside other delicacies such as ostrich and even crocodile meat.

However, this animal meat isn’t as rare as you’d think.

According to one report, around 7.5 million pounds of bison meat are sold yearly in the United States.

The demand for this type of meat is not without reason.

After all, not only is it considered a more sustainable alternative to beef, with the animal’s reliance on grass through grazing, it also packs in more protein and nutrients.

The nutritious elements found in this animal include iron, zinc, vitamin B12, omega 3-fats, and selenium which is a known antioxidant.

This makes bison a wise choice when it comes to eating healthy as well as fighting antioxidants.

Moreover, the meat generally has less fat and fewer calories compared to that of cows.

What Does Bison Taste Like?

Bison steaks take on a light and fresh taste, with hints of sweetness.

When cooked, they are also generally less greasy compared to beef. This can be attributed to the animal having less fat compared to cows.

Unlike lamb, the meat does not have a gamey or wild aftertaste. It does, however, have an earthy or mineral flavor due to its rich iron content.

This can also account for its exceptionally red hue. Meanwhile, the texture of the meat is much coarser than you’d imagine.

Its grain is slightly thicker, although not wholly unpleasant. In fact, it commands a heftier mouthfeel with a bit of chew, but still softer and more tender than beef.

This can also depend on the type of cut you consume. The filet mignon is the most tender part, while the ribeye has the most marbling.

It’s best to avoid overcooking, lest you want a hard and tough exterior.

The low-fat content in bison may also be one of the reasons why the meat is more tender with more even marbling.

Bison Dishes to Try

Tri-Tip with Chimichurri

To get a real taste of this meat, what better way to cook it than by grilling and seasoning it to intensify its already rich flavors?

Pair this with an herby and refreshing chimichurri sauce to cut through the steak’s richness.

Bison Chili

If you love chili, chances are you won’t even notice a difference, so go ahead and substitute your normal ground beef.

Filled with beans and all things good, this is guaranteed to provide beginners with a special introduction to the world of bison.

Bison Burgers

Last but certainly not least is bison burgers.

To pay homage to the history of bison, why not take a page out of the Great Plains Burger recipe and finish your dish with corn chips and top it with corn mayo to add freshness and brightness.