Step 1: Get the Right Bison Steak
Start by selecting your favorite bison steak from MemphisRanch.com. Our Authentic American Bison steaks are grass-fed and free-range and will be more nutritious and flavorful. Season the steak with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any other herbs or spices that you prefer. Place the seasoned steak in a vacuum-sealed bag, ensuring no air is left inside the bag before sealing it.¹
Step 2: Fill the Water Bath
Fill a large pot or a sous vide container with water and attach your sous vide device. Set the desired temperature. For a medium-rare bison steak, set the temperature to 130°F, while for a medium steak, set the temperature to 140°F. Our preferred temperature is 132°F.
Step 3: Cook the Bison Steak
Once the water has reached the desired temperature, carefully lower the vacuum-sealed bag containing the seasoned bison steak into the water bath. Ensure the entire steak is fully submerged in the water, and allow it to cook for at least 2 hours. You may need to cook thicker steaks for 2-3 hours or more to guarantee that the meat is cooked thoroughly. You can also use a sous vide calculator² to determine the exact cooking time based on the thickness of the steak. Don't worry about cooking a steak too long. We have cooked steaks overnight, and they are even more tender and delicious!
Step 4: Sear the Bison Steak
After the steak has finished cooking, remove it from the vacuum-sealed bag and pat it dry with a paper towel. Heat a skillet or grill³ to high heat and add oil to the pan.⁴ Sear the steak⁵ for 60 to 90 seconds on each side or until a brown crust has formed on the surface of the meat. You can also use a blowtorch to sear the steak for a more even and precise sear.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the steak has been seared, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy steak. Finally, slice the steak against the grain to ensure it is easy to chew. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. For added flavor, you can also garnish the steak with chopped herbs, such as rosemary or thyme.
Sous vide cooking is an excellent technique for cooking bison steak to perfection. By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that will impress even the most discerning palate. So go ahead and give it a try today!
Notes
1-Alternatively, you may directly place the frozen steak in its original vacuum packaging in the water. Add an hour to the cooking time to allow it to thaw thoroughly.
2- Here is cooking guide from Anova: Sous Vide Time and Temperature Guide
3-When the weather allows, we prefer to use our Blackstone.
4-Make sure you use an oil with a high smoke point. We like using light olive oil or avocado oil.
5-If you started from frozen as we do (see Note 1), you will want to season now. Our preference is just sea salt.
Steak Cooking Temperatures
| Rare | 120ºF to 125ºF | Center is bright red, pinkish toward the exterior portion, and warm throughout. |
| Medium Rare | 120ºF to 125ºF | Center is very pink, slightly brown toward the exterior portion, and slightly hot. |
| Medium | 130ºF to 135ºF | Center is light pink, the outer portion is brown and hot throughout. |
| Medium Well | 150ºF to 155ºF | Please, do not do this with Bison! |
| Well Done | 160ºF and above | Don’t even think about it. |