What Does Rabbit Taste Like?

If you are looking to try some rabbit recipes for the first time but are not quite sure what it would taste like, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. 

I have compiled these notes and tips after a couple of taste tests and experiments. 

So, let’s jump right into it. 

What is Rabbit Meat? 

Although most are familiar with rabbits, most shy away from the idea of rabbit meat. This small mammal, however, is a popular source of meat much like chicken or pork. It is used in a wide variety of recipes ranging from meat pie to stews.

What Does Rabbit Taste Like? 

Rabbit meat is often compared to chicken meat. But rabbit is tougher or meatier with an earthy flavor when compared to chicken. The rabbit meat can vary in flavor depending on how it was raised. The wilder rabbits have a stronger flavor with lean meat, whereas domesticated or farm rabbits lack the same punch in flavor.

Rabbit meat is mostly white meat with less fat content and hence it can be slightly on the dry side when compared to chicken meat or other white meat.

Rabbit meat can also taste different depending on the age of the rabbit.

The younger rabbits have tender and flavorful meat than more mature ones. In the case of wild rabbits, the more mature ones give off a strong odor that can be off-putting.

Here is a great video on cooking rabbit on the grill –

Does Rabbit Taste Like Chicken? 

Yes, rabbit meat is often compared to the taste of chicken. Since both are white meat, they share a lot of similar flavors. But that being said, there are distinct flavor notes that separate the two. The rabbit is less fat-rich and can be meatier than chicken. The rabbit also has an earthy flavor (especially wild rabbits) that is unique to it. 

What Does Farm Rabbit Taste Like? 

Farm rabbit or domestic rabbit has a mild flavor and is richer in fat content. It has pinkish meat and is more tender in comparison to wild rabbit meat. The difference in the meat quality and flavor profile comes from the difference in the diet of the domestic rabbits to that of wild rabbits.

Does Wild Rabbit Taste Better Than Domestic Rabbit? 

Although the essential taste remains the same for wild and domestic rabbits, the wild rabbit is more packed with flavor and aroma than domestic ones, especially a young wild rabbit. The wild rabbit is less saturated with fat and has more flavorful meat. But the older the wild rabbit is, the more its odor can be off-putting.

Do Different Cuts of Rabbit Taste Different? 

Different cuts of the rabbit, much like any other meat, offer a different flavor to the recipe. The loin or saddle portions are the most tender and meaty parts and the hind legs work great when braised. The less meaty front legs or pelvis parts are best used in stocks or stews.

What Flavors Go Well with Rabbit? 

Rabbit meat is just as versatile as chicken. It can taste great with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper or you can incorporate more spices such as rosemary and garlic or onion and vinegar. The important thing is to keep an eye on the heat and not let the meat go saggy or tough.

Why is Rabbit Meat Not Popular? 

Despite being a meat option, the rabbit meat has not taken off in the commercial market partly since it is not easy to process and the other part being that it is often considered a pet animal, making it difficult for many to consider eating it.

Bottom Line 

I hope this article has helped you figure out the taste and flavors of rabbit meat. 

If you have any doubts or would like to share some taste profiles that you have researched, it would be lovely to hear from you. 

Feel free to share this article with your family and friends who might be into experimenting with rabbit meat.