anybody ever smoke buffalo?

[firerescueman]

I have a friend who raises and slaughters his own buffalo.  I would like to try some of the meat,  but don't know what I want to try first.   Anybody ever smoke any buffalo?  what cut of meat?  I am tempted to ask for a brisket.....  maybe some ribs?  I don't know.

Just looking for suggestions.  I don't want to waste the money if it's no good,  ya know?

Thanks all....

Jeff

[La Quinta]

Gotta ask...(pardon my ignorance) is buffalo really the same as bison? I have always assumed so...but...what do I know.  :D Bison is great...like the best steak you ever bought...very lean very flavorful...if buffalo is the same...go for a steak to start (or a big cut like a rib cut)  and then... see what you think?

[westexasmoker]

I've only had ground buffalo, very lean and quite good!  I would imagine any cut, steak, roast or brisket (got my attention) would be fab!  Grab one and give it a go!

C

[firerescueman]

Gotta ask...(pardon my ignorance) is buffalo really the same as bison?

I assume so.   I have never really thought about it to tell you the truth.

My friend sells the meat for $5.00 per pound,  no matter the cut of meat.....  IF you buy at least 1/4 of the buffalo.   We are going to buy some to put in the freezer.  I just have to figure out what all I want.  He has just slaughtered another one and has almost everything available right now.

[Smokin Soon]

That's probably 16 bucks a pound in California. Buy and freeze my friend!

[La Quinta]

Yeah...no kidding SS...  :'(

[NePaSmoKer]

Buffalo
Bison
Tatonka   :D  :D

I have done lots of buffalo, Its pretty lean so i just wrap bacon around it if you do briskit, loin and such. For Ground i cut in some beef fat when i grind. I have a buddy who raises also.

Shamonee tatonka ohwache keyableealo  :D  :D

nepas

[Habanero Smoker]

I can only get the medallions, and ground meat. I agree with NePas; it is very lean, and will dry out on you fast. I've never smoked the medallions, but did make a small meatloaf out of the ground meat and smoked that. That was disappointing, I should have mixed it with some ground pork or beef.

[Smoking Duck]

I agree with Nepas and Habs.  Buffalo is very lean.  You need to wrap bacon around it or add some fat to the ground bison if smoking.  It is very good though.

Sincerely,
Dances with Smoking Duck

[Caneyscud]

Not to sound uppity or anything, but I doubt if anyone has cooked or smoked buffalo.  My great uncle (who owned a 20,000+ acre ranch around Bandera, TX) pounded this into my head as well as a prof or two.  Buffalo is the popular name often used to describe North American bison, but that just ain't correct. Buffalo are distinctly different animals from bison. Bovidae, true 'buffalo' are native only to Africa and Asia - in other words Cape Buffalo, Water Buffalo.  Horridly ugly beasts.  Now the bison is a thing of AMERICAN beauty!!

[Wildcat]

I would recommend cold smoking then cook at high temps like on a grill.  I can get Bison here also, and I like to get the steak cuts and grill with oak wood and charcoal.

[La Quinta]

Thanks for the clarification Caneyscud...I don't know where in my little pea brain I stored the info that there might be a difference! But...to re-interate...Bison is awesome...really tender...really flavorful.   :)

[deb415611]

All I have ever seen is the ground bison, which we like.  I'll have to look around & see if I can find a roast or some steaks.

[Gizmo]

Last smoke was Bison.
Here is my post:
http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=3263.msg88268#msg88268

[Smoking Duck]

Hey Jeff,

Happened to come across this and thought it might help.

http://yankeefarmersmarket.stores.yahoo.net/cotiandre.html

SD