Looking for a healthy burger choice, but veggie and turkey burgers aren't cutting it? Consumer Reports says you may want to try a bison burger. Sales of bison meat topped $240 million last year, as more people are discovering this tasty alternative.
What can make bison a bit difficult to swallow is the price. It can cost twice as much as beef. Consumer Reports paid roughly $13.50 a pound. But nutritionally, it’s a solid choice.
According to the USDA, a grass-fed, 3-ounce bison patty has 152 calories and 7 grams of fat. That’s less than a broiled, 90 percent lean beef burger, which averages 184 calories and 10 grams of fat. And it’s also less than a broiled, 93 percent lean turkey burger, which averages 176 calories and 10 grams of fat.
Consumer Reports’ tasters found the bison to be very similar to lean beef. In fact, they thought it was lean beef until they tasted them side-by-side, and then they found some slight differences in flavor.
Most ground bison is at least 90 percent lean, which is great if fat is a concern. But for some people, that can make it a little too dry.
To get a juicier bison burger, Consumer Reports’ ShopSmart magazine suggests adding some onions, roasted peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms. Figure about a half-cup of add-ins for each pound of ground meat. By mixing in the veggies, you’re not only going to get a moister burger but you’re also going to make the meat go further and reduce the cost.
ShopSmart says another tasty way to keep your bison burger moist is to add in some sauerkraut—well drained, that is—along with a mustard herb rub. In fact, almost any flavorful steak rub works well with bison.
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