Roasted Bison with Mushroom and Herb Crust

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat the bison steaks dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing them to sit for 10 minutes to develop flavor.

   Tip: Bison is very lean, so avoid over-seasoning and don't let it sit too long before cooking.

2. 2

   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working quickly, sear the bison steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Transfer the steaks to a plate and set aside.

   Tip: Don't move the steaks while searing; this creates the best crust. Bison cooks faster than beef, so avoid overcooking.

3. 3

   In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter. Sauté the sliced shallots until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

   Tip: Lower the heat slightly to prevent the shallots from burning while the pan is still hot.

4. 4

   Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   Tip: Let the mushrooms caramelize slightly for deeper flavor—don't stir too frequently.

5. 5

   Deglaze the skillet with balsamic vinegar, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the dijon mustard until well combined.

   Tip: The browned bits (fond) add rich, concentrated flavor to your sauce.

6. 6

   Nestle the seared bison steaks back into the skillet, positioning them on top of the mushroom mixture. Sprinkle the fresh thyme evenly over the top.

   Tip: The steaks don't need to be fully submerged; the mushroom mixture provides moisture during roasting.

7. 7

   Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.

   Tip: Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a steak to check doneness accurately.

8. 8

   Remove the skillet from the oven and let the bison rest for 5 minutes before serving. The mushroom sauce should be rich and slightly reduced. Spoon the mushroom mixture and pan sauce over each steak before plating.

   Tip: Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring tenderness and juiciness.