This stir-fry is one of the simple meals we often turn to in the summer as it's quick to make, tasty, and a good way to use up whatever fresh Ontario veggies we have on hand. The bison we use comes from Black Powder Bison in Elora, ON, a local farm that raises their animals the right way! Their animals are 100% grass-fed and finished, with no hormones or antibiotics. They're great people, and we appreciate working with farmers who care about their animals and the land as much as we do.
Bison is leaner than beef but still full of protein, iron, and good nutrients. It has a clean, mild flavour that even picky eaters usually like.
It also keeps well as leftovers! The meat stays tender and the vegetables stay fresh. You can enjoy it over rice, noodles, or even in a salad, served cold. It’s a straightforward, honest meal that works well any way you serve it.
Summer Bison Stir-Fry with Fresh Ontario Vegetables
What You'll Need
- 500g of bison stir-fry strips
- 1 tbsp of avocado oil or ghee
- ½ of a red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup of snap peas or snow peas, trimmed
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 tbsp of low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp of local honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp of fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp of sesame seeds (toasted, if preferred)
- Juice of half a lime (optional, to finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep everything first:
- Stir-fries come together fast, so have all your veggies sliced and ready to go!
- Cook the bison:
- Heat your oil or ghee in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bison strips and sear for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned. Remove everything from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté:
- In the same pan, add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds, until the smell of the mixture fills your kitchen.
- Cook the vegetables:
- Add the red onion, red pepper, mushrooms, and carrots. Stir for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add snap peas:
- Stir in the peas and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. They should stay bright and crisp!
- Finish the stir-fry:
- Return the bison to the pan. Add the tamari, vinegar, and maple syrup or honey (if using). Toss everything to coat and then heat through.
- Add final touches:
- Stir in the chopped chives, sesame seeds, and cracked black pepper. Add chili flakes for a bit of heat, if you like.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before serving for a fresh finish.
Complimentary Sides
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Simple soba or rice noodles
- Light miso soup or vegetable broth
- Fresh cucumber salad with sesame and rice vinegar
- Pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast