Every now and then, you cook something that makes you pause mid-bite.
That’s exactly what happened the first time I tried buffalo from Oakley’s Farm. I went in curious — I came out completely converted.
If you’ve never tried buffalo before, the easiest way to describe it is this: it’s similar to beef, but cleaner somehow. Slightly sweeter, a little richer in flavour, but without that heavy finish you sometimes get. It tastes like proper, well-raised meat should taste — honest and full.
One of the big differences is how lean buffalo is compared to beef. It naturally contains less fat, which gives it that lighter feel while still being deeply satisfying. It’s high in protein and iron too, so you’re getting all that goodness without needing to overdo it. And because it’s leaner, it cooks a little differently — gentler heat, a bit more attention — but nothing complicated.
What I love most is that it still feels familiar. You can cook buffalo much like you would beef — burgers, steaks, slow cooks — but the flavour has its own character. It doesn’t need much fuss. Salt, pepper, good heat, and time. Let the meat speak for itself.
There’s also something reassuring about knowing where your food comes from. Oakley’s Farm puts real care into what they do, and you can taste that difference. It feels connected — not just another anonymous cut wrapped in plastic, but something with a story behind it.
If you’d like to see how I cook it and get a proper look at the meat itself, I’ve shared a full video here:
Trying something new in the kitchen doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes it’s just swapping one ingredient for another and seeing what happens. Buffalo surprised me — in the best way.
I hope you get chance to cook something that makes you smile this week.
