Bison Burger with Blue Cheese

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground bison

Ground bison is minced meat from the American bison (often called buffalo), a lean red meat traditionally associated with North American Plains cuisine. It tastes similar to beef but is usually slightly sweeter and earthier with less fat and a milder aroma; because it’s lean it can dry out if overcooked. You can find it at larger supermarkets, specialty meat counters, farmers’ markets, or online; a good substitute is lean ground beef or ground venison, or mix ground beef/pork to add fat for juiciness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Panko breadcrumbs

Panko are Japanese-style breadcrumbs made from crustless white bread processed into airy, flake-like crumbs. They deliver a much lighter, crunchier coating than standard breadcrumbs and have a neutral flavor and very little aroma. Panko is sold in the Asian or breadcrumb aisle of most grocery stores; if you don’t have it, use crushed saltines, cornflakes, or regular breadcrumbs (expect less crispness).

Ingredient Spotlight

Brioche buns

Brioche buns are enriched French rolls made with eggs and butter, giving them a tender, slightly sweet crumb and a rich, buttery aroma. Originating in France, they are softer and richer than standard hamburger buns and toast beautifully. Find them at bakeries, supermarket bakery sections, or specialty stores; substitutes include potato rolls, challah rolls, or other soft egg-enriched buns brushed with melted butter.