Bison Burgers with Thousand Island Barbecue Dressing
by Bruce Aidells
Bison (buffalo) meat is a great substitute for beef—it’s just as flavorful but much leaner. Take care not to overcook it, as it can dry out quickly.
Serves 4
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbs. chili sauce, such as Heinz
4 tsp. smoky barbecue sauce
1 tsp. sweet pickle relish
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 lb. ground bison
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Oil for the grill
4 rolls or hamburger buns, split
4 leaves iceberg lettuce
1 large vine-ripened tomato, preferably heirloom, sliced
Prepare a medium-high gas or charcoal grill fire.
Mix the mayonnaise, chili sauce, 2 tsp. of the barbecue sauce, sweet pickle relish, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, use your hands to gently mix the bison with the remaining 2 tsp. barbecue sauce, 1 1/4 tsp. salt, and 3/4 tsp. pepper. Form into four 1/2- to3/4-inch-thick patties.
Lightly oil the grill grate and place the patties on the grate. Cover and grill for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the burgers, cover, and cook to desired doneness, about 5 minutes for medium (130°F to 135°F on an instant-read thermometer).
While the burgers cook, toast the rolls on the grill. Spread some of the dressing on each half of the roll and arrange a lettuce leaf and a slice or two of tomato on the top halves. When the burgers are done, put them on the bottom halves. Assemble the sandwiches, cut in half if you like, and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with
Grilled Corn on the Cob and a colorful
Summer Bean Confetti Salad with Pickled Red Onion Vinaigrette.
nutrition information (per serving):
Calories
(kcal):
570;
Fat
(g):
34;
Fat Calories
(kcal):
300;
Saturated Fat
(g):
11;
Protein
(g):
30;
Monounsaturated Fat
(g):
11;
Carbohydrates
(g):
36;
Polyunsaturated Fat
(g):
8;
Sodium
(mg):
940;
Cholesterol
(mg):
95;
Fiber
(g):
2;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 111
, pp. 23
May 5, 2011