Rabbit is not as popular as other meats, which is why a lot of people have no idea on its flavor. If you want to know what does rabbit taste like, keep on reading and learn from the insights we’ll share.
What Does Rabbit Taste Like
If you have never eaten rabbit meat, you are probably curious about its flavor. There are different factors that will affect its taste. Among others, it varies depending on the type of rabbit meat. If it is from wild rabbit, the taste tends to be stronger and meatier. Their domestic counterparts, on the other hand, tend to have a lighter flavor.
The flavor of the rabbit is also often compared to chicken, except that rabbit meat is gamier. However, the flavor is lighter when compared to red meat, regardless if it is a wild or domestic rabbit you are eating.
However, the main deciding factor on the overall flavor of rabbit meat is the way it is cooked or prepared, especially the ingredients you will add. Generally, there are two ways to cook rabbit, which will impact its flavor. It can be cooked at a low temperature for a long time, which makes it succulent. It can also be cooked in high heat, such as frying. Later, we’ll give you some tips in cooking rabbit meat to make it flavorful.
Why Eat Rabbit Meat
No doubt, rabbit meat has a distinct and mouthwatering flavor, making it a treat to the taste buds. More than being delicious, however, it is also healthy, providing another compelling reason to enjoy it in your next meal.
Among others, rabbit meat is a high source of protein, more than what you can find in chicken or beef. It is also a source of vitamins and minerals for the healthy functioning of the body, such as iron, phosphorus, and potassium. For those who are watching their weight, rabbit meat has low calories.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Rabbit
To enjoy rabbit meat and its flavor, it is important to pay attention to the way you prepare and cook the meat.
One of the most important is to determine the way you will cook rabbit – braising, roasting, slow-cooking, frying, or any other method you prefer. Buying the right meat is equally important.
As usual, it is best to use a fresh rabbit. It should be pink and plump without strong or foul odor. Avoid those with bruised flesh or dark colors. Younger meats are also better if you want the rabbit to be softer.
It is also important that you do not remove the bone of the rabbit before you cook it. The bones will help to keep the rabbit moist, which will make it more flavorful. The bones can make it tastier, so do not get rid of it.
Slow cooking the meat of the rabbit is another great way to make it delicious. Cook it in a pan slowly with wine or vinegar. Cook it for at least an hour under low heat. This is enough time to make the meat softer, especially if you are cooking wild rabbit. This also gives enough time for the meat to absorb the ingredients and become more flavorful.
Cooking rabbit meat also requires the need to frequently check the temperature. While cooking, the range should be anywhere from 70 to 80 degrees Celsius. This makes the meat softer and easier to separate from the bones. If it does not reach the required temperature, it will be hard to chew and the flavor may end up too strong for most people.
The ingredients that you use in cooking rabbit will affect its overall flavor. The best ingredients to incorporate in a rabbit dish include garlic, onion, sage, and rosemary. It is also good with pasta and greens.
Wrap Up
As discussed in this article, rabbit tastes like chicken. Wild rabbit tends to have a stringer and gamier flavor compared to its domestic counterpart. The flavor, however, is affected by the ingredients used and the process of cooking the meat. It is delicious and worth a try!