Crispy and Savory: How to Make Perfect Southern Fried Rabbit at Home

Introduction:

Rabbit meat is a tasty and versatile alternative to chicken or fish. Many people avoid cooking rabbit because they think it is hard to find or prepare. However, with a few tips and tricks, cooking rabbit is just as easy as cooking chicken. In this article, we’ll share a delicious fried rabbit recipe that is perfect for any meal of the day.

I. Why Cook with Rabbit Meat?

- Rabbit meat is lean, low in fat, and high in protein

- It has a mild flavor that can be easily flavored with herbs and spices

- Rabbit meat is versatile and can be cooked in various ways such as stewing, frying, or grilling.

- It is an environmentally friendly source of protein since rabbits are relatively easy to raise and have a small carbon footprint compared to other animals.

II. Where to Buy Rabbit Meat

- Specialty grocery stores or local butchers often carry rabbit meat

- Rabbit can sometimes be ordered online and can be found in individual serving pieces

- Find rabbit farmers near you and buy in bulk to save money

III. How to Prepare Rabbit Meat

- Rabbit meat can be prepared similarly to chicken

- It is essential not to overcook it to prevent the meat from becoming tough and dry

- Brining the rabbit in buttermilk and spices adds flavor and prevents it from drying out

- Dredging the rabbit in flour and letting it rest before frying helps to keep the breading intact.

IV. Recipe: Fried Rabbit

Ingredients:

• - 3 cups buttermilk
• - 2 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• - 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• - 1/2 tsp paprika
• - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• - 1/4 tsp onion powder
• - 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• - One 3-pound rabbit, broken down into 2 front legs, 2 hind quarters, and 1 saddle cut in half crosswise
• - 2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1 tbsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• - 4 cups neutral oil such as vegetable, for frying
• Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together buttermilk, salt, mustard powder, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.

2. Add rabbit pieces and toss to fully coat. Transfer to a 1-gallon zipper-lock freezer bag and refrigerate for 8-12 hours, flipping occasionally to distribute the contents evenly.

3. Preheat your oven to 200F and set a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet.

4. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Remove rabbit from the marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing with your hands to make sure the flour adheres to the meat.

5. Transfer dredged rabbit to the wire rack and let rest for 15 minutes.

6. In a large skillet or wok, heat up oil to 350F. Fry half of the rabbit pieces for 8-10 minutes until golden brown on the first side, then flip and fry until golden brown all over. Transfer to a wire rack, season with salt, and place in oven to keep warm.

7. Repeat with remaining rabbit pieces, skimming off any browned bits from the oil.

8. Let the fried rabbit rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

V. Conclusion

Rabbit meat is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional meats like chicken and beef. With this simple fried rabbit recipe, you can enjoy this savory dish for any meal of the day. Whether you buy your rabbit meat from a specialty store, butcher, or farmer, cooking it is easy and straightforward. So next time you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, give this fried rabbit recipe a try and impress your guests with your culinary skills.