Tender & Flavorful Slow-Cooked BBQ Goat Rack
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs5gram
Fat25gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Goat rack - choose fresh or well-thawed for tenderness1 kg
- Olive oil - use extra virgin for flavor2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves - fresh, peeled and minced4 piece
- Smoked paprika - for that smoky BBQ flavor1 tbsp
- Ground cumin - adds warmth and earthiness1 tsp
- Brown sugar - to balance spice and add caramelization2 tbsp
- Salt - ideally sea salt or kosher salt1.5 tsp
- Black pepper - freshly ground for best aroma1 tsp
- Apple cider vinegar - adds tang and tenderizes meat2 tbsp
- Water - to keep meat moist during cooking100 ml
This recipe guides you through slow cooking a tender and smoky BBQ goat rack that's perfect for a hearty meal. The slow cooking method infuses rich flavors while ensuring the meat stays juicy and tender. Ideal for home cooks with basic kitchen tools, using common ingredients. The total ingredient cost is approximately $20 / €18 / £16 / ₹1600. Each serving provides about 450 kcal, suitable for a protein-rich diet. The recipe is of medium difficulty and takes around 4 hours total.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the goat rack
1Rinse the goat rack under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This ensures a clean surface for seasoning.
Make the BBQ spice rub
2In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This rub brings rich BBQ flavors.
Apply the rub to the meat
3Rub the spice mixture generously over the goat rack, covering all sides. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Prepare the slow-cooking setup
4Preheat your oven or slow cooker to low heat (about 120°C / 250°F). If using an oven, place the rack in a roasting pan with a little water and apple cider vinegar to keep it moist.
Slow cook the goat rack
5Cook the goat rack slowly for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 70°C (158°F) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check. Slow cooking makes the meat tender and flavorful.
Rest the meat
6Remove the goat rack from the heat and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes; this helps juices redistribute for juicier meat.
Slice and serve
7Cut between the ribs into individual chops and serve with your favorite BBQ sides.
Cooking Tips
1Always use a food-safe thermometer to check the internal temperature of goat meat; 70°C (158°F) is recommended for safety and tenderness.
2Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods.
3If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add a small bowl of water with wood chips in the oven or use a smoker box if grilling.
4For an even more tender result, marinate the goat rack overnight in the spice rub and vinegar in the fridge.
5Slice the meat against the grain to maximize tenderness and enjoyment.
Equipment
- Oven or slow cooker
- Roasting pan or slow cooker pot
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil
- Basting brush (optional)
Shopping List
- [ ] Goat rack (1 kg) - approx. $15. Choose fresh and well-marbled meat.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin) - approx. $0.50 for 2 tbsp
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 pcs) - approx. $0.30
- [ ] Smoked paprika (1 tbsp) - approx. $0.60 (buy small jar, can be stored)
- [ ] Ground cumin (1 tsp) - approx. $0.20
- [ ] Brown sugar (2 tbsp) - approx. $0.10
- [ ] Salt (1.5 tsp) - nominal cost
- [ ] Black pepper (1 tsp) - approx. $0.20
- [ ] Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp) - approx. $0.30
- [ ] Water (100 ml) - from tap Total approximate cost: $17.20 Tips: Choose fresh garlic (firm bulbs) and quality spices for best flavor. Goat rack may be found fresh or frozen; thaw safely in the fridge overnight if needed.
FAQ
What temperature should the goat rack reach to be safe to eat?
The internal temperature should reach at least 70°C (158°F) to ensure it is safe to consume.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of an oven?
Yes, you can slow cook the goat rack in a slow cooker set to low for about 3 to 4 hours until it reaches the safe internal temperature.
How can I check if the goat rack is tender?
You can test tenderness by inserting a fork; the meat should easily pull away from the bone when fully cooked and tender.
Can I prepare the spice rub in advance?
Absolutely, you can prepare the rub and marinate the goat rack up to 24 hours ahead in the fridge to boost flavor.
How do I avoid drying out the meat during slow cooking?
Cooking at low temperatures slowly and adding some water or vinegar to the cooking vessel helps keep the meat moist. Resting the meat after cooking also prevents dryness.