Succulent Garlic Grilled Rabbit Loin
Nutritional value per serving
Calories220kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat9gram
Protein28gram
Ingredients
- Rabbit loin (fresh, preferably organic if possible)500 g
- Garlic cloves (fresh, finely minced)4 piece
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)3 tbsp
- Fresh rosemary (optional, finely chopped)1 tbsp
- Fresh thyme (optional)1 tbsp
- Salt (preferably sea salt or kosher salt)1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper0.5 tsp
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)1 tbsp
This recipe guides you through grilling tender rabbit loin infused with savory garlic, perfect for a delicious and healthy meal. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 (13€ / £11 / ₹1200). Each serving contains about 220 kcal, making it a great choice for a protein-rich diet. The recipe complexity is easy and takes about 35 minutes total, including marinating, grilling, and resting. Food safety is paramount: cook rabbit loin to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it is safely ready to eat.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the rabbit loin and marinade
1Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling raw meat. Pat dry the rabbit loin with paper towels to remove any moisture. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the marinade. Place the rabbit loin in a shallow dish, coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow flavors to infuse.
Preheat the grill
2Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 200°C (400°F). Ensure the grill grate is clean to prevent sticking and cross-contamination. Oil the grate lightly with a brush or paper towel dipped in oil.
Grill the rabbit loin
3Remove the rabbit loin from the marinade and let excess drip off. Place the loin on the hot grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving to develop grill marks and for even cooking. Flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes on the other side. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; rabbit loin should reach 74°C (165°F) to be safe to eat. Avoid undercooking, as rabbit is a lean game meat.
Rest the grilled rabbit loin
4Remove the rabbit loin from the grill and place it on a clean plate. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender meat.
Serve
5Slice the rabbit loin against the grain into medallions. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Cooking Tips
1If you don't have fresh herbs, dried rosemary and thyme can be used but reduce quantities to 1 teaspoon each.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked rabbit.
3Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure the rabbit is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl for marinade
- Knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil
- Brush or paper towel for oiling grill
Shopping List
- [ ] Rabbit loin (approx. 500g): Around $10 - choose fresh, firm loins with a mild scent
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces): Approximately $0.50 - pick firm, plump bulbs without blemishes
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin, small bottle): Around $3 - select high-quality for better flavor
- [ ] Fresh rosemary and thyme (small bunches): Approx. $1.50 total - look for bright green, fragrant sprigs
- [ ] Lemon (1 piece): Around $0.50 - pick firm lemons with a bright yellow skin
- [ ] Sea salt and black pepper (pantry staples or buy small packs if needed)
FAQ
Can I substitute rabbit loin with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute with chicken breast or pork tenderloin, but adjust the cooking time and temperatures accordingly.
How do I know when rabbit loin is cooked safely?
Use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), which is recommended for safety.
Can I marinate the rabbit loin longer?
Yes, marinating up to 2 hours is ideal for flavor. Avoid marinating much longer to prevent texture changes.