Bison on the BBQ: Summer Grilling Tips & Recipes from True Grit Buffalo Ranch

June 2025
Health, Recipes

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill, gather your friends, and enjoy some bold, mouth watering flavours. If you haven’t tried bison on the BBQ, you’re missing out on one of the leanest, most flavourful meats available.

At True Grit Buffalo Ranch, we raise our bison naturally and humanely, producing premium cuts that are perfect for the grill. Whether you’re a backyard BBQ veteran or just getting started, here’s how to get the most out of your bison this summer.

Why Grill Bison?

Bison is naturally lean, high in protein, and rich in essential nutrients like iron and omega-3s. Compared to beef, it has:

Less fat and cholesterol
More intense, slightly sweet flavour
Fewer calories per serving

This means you get big flavour without the heaviness—perfect for hot summer evenings.

Top Bison Cuts for the Grill

Here are our favourite BBQ-ready cuts from the ranch:

1. Ribeye

Tender, juicy, and packed with flavour. Ideal for a special summer dinner.
Tip: Cook to medium-rare for best results—bison cooks faster than beef!

2. Ground Bison

Perfect for lean, flavourful burgers with a slightly sweet, beefy taste.
Tip: Add a bit of olive oil or an egg to keep burgers moist, and avoid overcooking.

3. Short Ribs

Rich and indulgent. These shine when slow-grilled or smoked.
Tip: Marinate overnight and cook low and slow for fall-off-the-bone texture.

4. Sirloin Steak

A leaner option that still delivers great taste. Great for slicing over salad or tacos.
Tip: Let it rest after grilling and slice thin against the grain.

Simple Bison Burger Recipe

Here’s an easy summer favourite you can make with True Grit ground bison:

Ingredients:

1 lb ground bison
1 egg (optional, for moisture)
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Your favourite burger toppings

Instructions:

Gently mix the ground bison, egg, and seasonings. Don’t overwork it.
Form into 3–4 patties.
Grill over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Let rest a few min

Grilling Tips for Bison

Lower heat is better – Because bison is leaner than beef, it can dry out quickly over high heat. Medium or indirect heat is ideal.
Use a meat thermometer – Aim for 130–135°F for medium-rare. Overcooked bison loses tenderness.
Let it rest – Always rest grilled bison for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in.

Shop Local. Grill Better.

If you’re ready to level up your summer grilling, visit us online or at our ranch in Sherwood Park. We offer a full selection of BBQ-friendly bison cuts, all raised naturally and ethically.

Whether you’re prepping for a weekend cookout or just want to eat better this summer, we’ve got you covered with high-quality, local bison meat you can feel good about.

How to Cook Bison Without Drying It Out

One of the biggest myths about cooking bison is that it’s difficult.

The truth is, it’s actually very easy to cook—you just have to treat it a little differently than beef.

Because bison is naturally leaner, it cooks faster and doesn’t need as much time on the grill or in the pan. Once you understand a few simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy tender, juicy bison every time.

Here at True Grit Buffalo Ranch, we’ve helped countless customers discover just how delicious bison can be. If you’re trying it for the first time, these tips will help you get the most out of every cut.

The Best Bison Short Rib Recipe for a Rich, Tender Alberta Meal

When you’re looking for a meal that’s comforting, impressive, and packed with flavour, it’s hard to beat slow-cooked bison short ribs. At True Grit Buffalo Ranch, our premium bison short ribs are one of our favourite cuts because they transform into incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection with just a little patience.

Whether you’re planning a Sunday family dinner, hosting friends, or simply looking to try something different from traditional beef, this bison short rib recipe is guaranteed to become a favourite.

Why Bison from True Grit Is the Perfect Choice for Your Summer BBQ

Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to stay on track with nutrition, save time during the week, and reduce stress around cooking. Choosing the right protein plays a major role in making that process easier—and more enjoyable.

Bison has become an increasingly popular choice for those looking for a lean, nutrient-dense, and versatile protein, and True Grit Buffalo Ranch makes it even more practical for everyday meal planning.
To make the most of your investment, proper storage is key. Here’s how to keep your bison fresh, flavourful, and ready to cook whenever you need it.

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