Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Ground Bison (preferably 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
  • 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) Dijon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) Onion Powder
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) Olive Oil (for cooking)
  • 2 Large Yellow Onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 Tablespoons (30g) Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Brown Sugar
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Mayonnaise (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 1-2 teaspoons (5-10ml) Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) Lime Juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) Garlic Powder
  • 4 Burger Buns (Brioche or your favorite)
  • Optional toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado slices, Cheese (Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Blue Cheese are good options)

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown (about 20-25 minutes). Stir in balsamic vinegar and brown sugar during the last 5 minutes. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. In a large bowl, gently combine ground bison, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
  4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking.
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (130-135°F internal temperature) or longer for desired doneness. Important: Bison is leaner than beef, so be careful not to overcook.
  6. Lightly toast the burger buns. Spread chipotle mayo on both halves of each bun. Place a bison patty on the bottom bun, top with caramelized onions, and any other desired toppings. Cover with the top bun. Serve immediately.