Succulent Grilled Rabbit Loin: Quick and Easy Delight
Nutritional value per serving
Calories250kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat10gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Rabbit loin (fresh, boneless) - choose meat with a fresh smell and pink color400 g
- Olive oil (extra virgin) - pick one with a fruity aroma for best flavor2 tbsp
- Garlic (fresh cloves, minced) - fragrant and firm2 cloves
- Fresh rosemary (chopped) - bright green and aromatic1 tbsp
- Salt (fine sea salt or kosher salt) - to tasteto taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground) - to tasteto taste n/a
- Lemon wedges (for serving) - fresh and juicy4 pieces
This recipe guides you through grilling rabbit loin quickly and easily, resulting in a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish. Rabbit meat is lean and mild, perfect for a healthy yet indulgent meal. You'll need just a few ingredients to let the natural flavors shine. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $15 USD / 13 EUR / 11 GBP / 1200 INR. The dish contains about 250 kcal per serving, making it suitable for those watching calories. This recipe is easy in difficulty and requires about 30 minutes total.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the marinade and meat
1In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pat the rabbit loin dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Rub the marinade all over the rabbit loin and let it rest for 10 minutes at room temperature (this helps the meat absorb flavors and cook evenly).
Preheat the grill
2Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 200°C or 400°F). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Preheating ensures the meat cooks quickly and gets nice grill marks.
Grill the rabbit loin
3Place the rabbit loin on the hot grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning once. Cooking time can vary depending on loin thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Check for safe internal temperature
4Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the loin. Rabbit should reach a minimum internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) for safety. Once reached, remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes; resting retains juices and improves tenderness.
Serve and enjoy
5Slice the rabbit loin against the grain into medallions. Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish. Pair with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables or salad.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw rabbit and other foods.
2To keep rabbit moist, avoid overcooking. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfect doneness.
3If you don't have a grill, you can pan-sear the rabbit loin in a hot skillet for similar results.
4Marinating the rabbit loin for up to 30 minutes increases flavor but avoid leaving it longer to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
Equipment
- Grill (charcoal or gas)
- Meat thermometer (instant-read)
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
Shopping List
- [ ] Rabbit loin (400 g): Approximately $12. Choose fresh, clean-cut meat with no off smell.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin, small bottle): $3. Opt for quality for better flavor.
- [ ] Garlic (2 cloves): <$1. Look for firm bulbs without spots.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (small bunch): $1. Pick bright green sprigs without yellowing.
- [ ] Salt and pepper: pantry staples; ensure salt is not clumpy and pepper is fresh-ground or fresh grinder available.
- [ ] Lemon (1-2 for wedges): $1. Select firm lemons with smooth skin.
FAQ
How do I know when the rabbit loin is fully cooked?
Use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F) to ensure food safety and that the meat is tender.
Can I marinate the rabbit loin overnight?
It's best to marinate for 10-30 minutes to enhance flavor without affecting texture. Marinating overnight can make the meat mushy.
What can I serve with grilled rabbit loin?
Grilled vegetables, mixed green salad, or roasted potatoes complement the delicately flavored rabbit loin well.
Is rabbit meat healthy?
Yes, rabbit is low in fat and calories and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for many diets.