If you love the smoky, salty goodness of bacon but want a leaner, healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon, it’s time to try bison bacon Bison meat has a rich, beefy flavor and less fat than other types of bacon. With the right techniques, you can make irresistibly crispy and tasty bison bacon at home
In this complete guide, I’ll share my tips and tricks for cooking bison bacon to crispy, meaty perfection every time. Let’s get cooking!
What is Bison Bacon?
Bison bacon comes from cured and smoked bison meat, usually the flank or plate cuts. It has a similar taste and texture to beef bacon, with a pleasantly gamey flavor. Since bison is so lean, bison bacon contains less fat than pork bacon. It has a nice balance of smoky and salty taste.
Bison bacon can be harder to find than traditional pork bacon. Look for it at specialty meat markets, health food stores or directly from bison ranches. It’s normally sold in strips or slices like regular bacon.
Benefits of Cooking with Bison Bacon
Bison bacon offers several health advantages over pork bacon:
- Much less fat and calories: Roughly 1/3 the fat of pork bacon
- Higher in protein: 10g protein per serving versus 5g in pork
- Contains more iron and less sodium
- No added hormones, nitrates/nitrites or antibiotics
While still a treat, bison bacon provides a nutritious protein boost. The rich taste satisfies without the heavy greasiness of regular bacon.
How to Cook Crispy Bison Bacon
Crispy bison bacon requires paying close attention during cooking. Here are my top tips:
- Use thick-cut bacon strips which hold up better than thin slices
- Cook low and slow over medium-low heat
- Fry in a cast iron skillet to distribute heat evenly
- Turn the bacon frequently to prevent burning
- Cook until deep brown but not blackened
- Drain on paper towels and lightly blot to remove excess grease
Follow these steps for perfect crispy bison bacon every time:
Stovetop Skillet Method
- Arrange thick-cut bacon strips in a cold cast iron skillet without overlapping
- Set stove to medium-low heat and gradually bring to a gentle sizzle
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning bacon every 2-3 minutes
- Remove from pan once deep brown and crispy looking
- Drain on paper towels before serving
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Place bacon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet, evenly spaced
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, until browned and sizzling
- Remove pan, flip bacon strips, then bake 5 minutes more
- Drain on paper towels before serving
Both methods yield crispy, evenly cooked bison bacon without burning or undercooking.
How to Cook Chewy Bison Bacon
For pliable, chewy bison bacon:
- Use thinner sliced bacon
- Cook over medium-high heat
- Fry for less time, turning occasionally
- Remove once bacon looks browned but still flexible
- Drain on paper towels
Follow these quick steps:
- Arrange thin bacon slices in a hot skillet over medium-high heat
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned
- Remove from heat while still pliable and slightly limp
- Drain on paper towels
The high heat and shorter cooking time keeps the bacon from becoming rigid and crispy.
Step-by-Step Bison Bacon Cooking Guide
Follow this complete walkthrough for perfect bison bacon every time:
Ingredients
- Bison bacon slices or strips, about 3-5 ounces per serving
- Cast iron or nonstick skillet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Instructions
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Choose your desired texture: thick-cut bacon for crispy or thin-cut for chewy.
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Arrange bacon slices in a cold skillet for crispy bacon or hot skillet for chewy bacon, without overlapping.
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Cook over medium-low heat (crispy) or medium-high heat (chewy), turning frequently.
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Cook until bacon reaches desired doneness, from 4-15 minutes. Remove immediately to prevent overcooking.
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Transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess grease.
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Blot bacon lightly with additional paper towels to remove more grease if desired.
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Enjoy your perfectly cooked bison bacon on its own or in your favorite dishes!
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Refrigerate leftovers for 5-7 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven or microwave until hot and sizzling.
With the right timing and temperatures, you can achieve either crispy or tender bison bacon easily at home. Adjust to your personal taste preferences.
Handy Tips for Cooking Bison Bacon
- Start with very cold bacon straight from the fridge for even cooking.
- Use tongs instead of a fork to flip the bacon gently.
- Save the nutritious rendered bacon fat for cooking other foods.
- Add spices like pepper or cayenne for a flavor boost.
- Cook a few extra slices to crumble over salads or baked potatoes.
- Make a batch on weekends for quick breakfasts all week.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Bison Bacon
Crisp up some tasty bison bacon to enjoy in these fun recipes:
- Breakfast sandwiches with eggs and cheese
- Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches
- Wrapped around smoked sausage or dates
- Chopped in omelets, frittatas or quiche
- Sprinkled on baked potatoes or pizza
- Tossed in salads, pastas, soups or beans
- Included in dips, spreads and appetizers
- Crumble over meats like steaks or burgers
- Pair with brussels sprouts, asparagus or green beans
With its versatile flavor, bison bacon complements both sweet and savory foods. Get creative with new ways to savor its smoky richness.
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?
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?
If bison is overcooked, it can become tough. To cook bison correctly, follow these guidelines: Ground bison meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F and the juices should be clear, not red. This will result in delicious and tender bison.
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.
How do you cook a bison roast?
We got a Sous Vide at the end of 2020 and that has become our preferred method to cook a bison roast! Click here to see the recipe. To begin the cook let the roast rest at room temperature for about an hour. Salt and oil the roast then sear all sides till brown. This helps lock in all the juices.