Nothing says summer like cooking burgers on the grill 🔥 Switch things up by swapping out ground beef for ground bison - it's leaner, with a slightly more game-y flavor, and delicious on it's own or stacked with toppings! Recipe curated by The Farmer & The Foodie collaborator, Lindsey McClave.
Bison Smash Burgers
Serves 4
Burgers
- 1lb bison
- 8 thin slices American cheese
- ½ white onion, sliced as thinly as possible (a mandoline works well here)
- 8 thin slices tomato
- small head bibb lettuce
- dill pickles slices
- 2tbs pork lard (or alternative, high heat cooking fat)
- 4 burger buns
- 2 tbs butter
- kosher salt
- black pepper
Special Sauce
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbs dijon mustard
- juice from ½ lime
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 2 tbs minced dill pickle
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce
- 2 tsp minced fresh parsley
- pinch kosher salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions:
Burgers
Divide the bison meat into 8, 2oz portions. Form into balls and set aside.
Slice the buns in half lengthwise and butter the cut side. Toast either in the oven or on a hot, dry griddle until golden brown. Divide the onion slices on the bottom of each bun. Slather special sauce on the cut side of the top half of the bun. Set aside.
Place a cast iron skillet on the stove and warm over medium heat for two minutes. Add 1tbs lard and heat until very hot, just beginning to smoke; you’ll want to turn your hood on for this process. Place four of the bison portions in the skillet, allowing for room around the sides as they will be smashed. Using a sturdy metal spatula (and wearing an oven mit) press down firmly on each bison patty, flattening as thinly as possible. Season liberally with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Flip the patties and place a slice of cheese on each burger. As soon as the cheese is melted, layer two patties on the bottom of each bun, on top of the onions. Garnish burgers with pickles, tomato, and lettuce and cover with top bun. Add remaining tablespoon of lard to the pan and repeat with the remaining 4 portions of bison. Serve with extra special sauce alongside.
Special Sauce
Combine all ingredients and whisk until well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if preferred. Set aside.
Enjoy!