Smoked Half Bison Ribeye
Smoking meats has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people discovering the unique flavors and textures that can be achieved through this cooking method. Whether you are using an electric smoker or a wood-fired one, the end results are always tender and juicy.
Bison meat is known for being leaner and lower in fat than beef, while also being a great source of protein and other essential nutrients. It benefits greatly from a low and slow cooking method such as smoking. When combined with the smoky flavors imparted by a smoker, bison meat becomes a delectable treat that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
The smoked bison meat is lean, rich, and slightly sweet. The smoky aroma adds depth to the meat’s natural gamey taste, while the low-fat content allows for a cleaner, more robust flavor that pairs well with a variety of spices and seasonings.
Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just starting out, making smoked bison is a fantastic way to explore new flavors and enjoy the many benefits of this unique meat.
Smoked Half Bison Ribeye
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb half bison ribeye
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons sea salt
- 4 tablespoons fresh cracked black pepper
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 4 tablespoons dried minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons dried minced onion
- hickory wood chips
Instructions
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Trim and remove any extra fat from the bison ribeye, leaving a fat cap about ¼ inch thick on the ribeye. Rinse the ribeye in cool water and pat dry.
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Coat the ribeye from top to bottom with olive oil. Rub generously with salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Rest for one hour to start bringing the meat to room temperature.
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In a small bowl, combine the paprika, dried minced onion, and dried minced garlic. Rub the spice blend evenly over the entirety of the ribeye, including the ends, bottom, and sides. Rest for another 30 minutes to an hour to let the meat rehydrate the dried toppings as it comes to room temperature.
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Begin preheating the smoker while the meat is resting. Bring the smoker to 225°F.
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Place the seasoned ribeye on a baking sheet with a rack then place into the smoker, fat cap side up. Add 1-2 cups of hickory wood chips to the smoker and close the door or lid tightly. The meat will take the most smoke during the first 30 minutes so do not open during the initial smoking period. Only open occasionally to check the internal temperature of the meat or use a meat thermometer with an instant-read screen that can stay inside the smoker while it cooks for the most accurate results.
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Smoke the meat at 225°F for 4-6 hours or until the thermometer reads 125°F for rare (135°F for medium rare) when inserted through the center of the ribeye. The meat will continue to rise in temperature after it has been removed from the smoker.
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Remove ribeye from the smoker. Rest the bison ribeye tented under foil for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for rare meat (or 155°F if removed at 135°F for medium rare).
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Slice and serve right away. More a medium-well to well-done ribeye, sear the sliced meat on both sides for 1-2 minutes. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
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