Grilled Colorado Bison Steak with Juniper Berry Sauce
Tender grilled bison steak served with a fragrant juniper berry and red wine reduction, highlighting Colorado's signature game meat and regional flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends crushed juniper berries, red wine, beef broth into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 steaks, about 8 oz each bison ribeye steak
- 1 tbsp, crushed juniper berries
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Rub 2 bison ribeye steaks evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 2: Grill steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until internal temperature reaches 135°F. Remove steaks and tent with foil to rest.
- Step 3: While steaks rest, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp crushed juniper berries, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup red wine and 1/2 cup beef broth, bringing to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon sauce over rested bison steaks and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Colorado Bison Steak with Juniper Berry Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Colorado Bison Steak with Juniper Berry Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Colorado Bison Steak with Juniper Berry Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Colorado Bison Steak with Juniper Berry Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Colorado Bison Steak with Juniper Berry Sauce?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
