Barbecue Rabbit Recipe Ideas for Delicious Grilled Meals

Barbecue rabbit might not be the first dish that comes to mind when you think of backyard grilling, but it’s a delightful and flavorful alternative to the usual barbecue fare. Rabbit meat is lean, tender, and has a subtle gamey flavor that pairs beautifully with smoky barbecue spices and sauces.

Whether you’re an adventurous cook or simply want to try a different protein on your grill, this barbecue rabbit recipe will impress your family and friends with its juicy texture and rich taste.

Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy dinners, this recipe combines a savory dry rub with a tangy homemade barbecue sauce to create a mouthwatering experience. Plus, rabbit is a sustainable and healthy choice, often praised for its high protein and low fat content.

Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious barbecue rabbit that will quickly become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This barbecue rabbit recipe is a wonderful blend of tender, lean meat and bold smoky flavors. The slow grilling process ensures the rabbit stays juicy and absorbs all the aromatic spices.

Barbecue enthusiasts will appreciate the balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in the homemade sauce that complements the rabbit perfectly.

Additionally, rabbit is a great alternative for those looking to reduce red meat consumption without sacrificing protein or flavor. This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress seasoned grill masters.

It’s a unique twist on barbecue that’s perfect for summer gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 whole rabbit (about 2-3 pounds), cleaned and cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• For the barbecue sauce:
• 1 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Grill tongs
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Basting brush
• Sharp knife for cutting rabbit
• Meat thermometer (recommended)
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Prepare the rabbit: Rinse the rabbit pieces under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make sure all excess moisture is removed for better seasoning adherence.
2. Make the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well.
3. Season the rabbit: Drizzle olive oil over the rabbit pieces, rubbing it in to coat evenly. Sprinkle the dry rub generously on all sides of the rabbit, massaging the spices into the meat. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator (overnight for deeper flavor).
4. Prepare the barbecue sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Adjust sweetness or acidity to your taste. Set aside.
5. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C). If using charcoal, set it up for indirect heat grilling.
6. Start grilling: Place the rabbit pieces on the grill over indirect heat. Cover and cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking.
7. Baste with sauce: During the last 10 minutes of grilling, begin basting the rabbit with the barbecue sauce every 2-3 minutes. This will create a delicious sticky glaze.
8. Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Rabbit should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safe to eat.
9. Rest the meat: Once done, remove the rabbit from the grill and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Serve and enjoy: Serve your barbecue rabbit with additional sauce on the side and your favorite barbecue sides.

Tips & Variations

“Slow and steady wins the race.” Slow grilling over indirect heat is key to tender, juicy rabbit. Avoid high heat that can dry out the lean meat.

If you prefer a smokier flavor, add wood chips like hickory or applewood to your charcoal grill. For a spicy twist, incorporate chipotle powder or cayenne into the dry rub.

Instead of grilling, you can also braise the rabbit in the barbecue sauce for 1-2 hours in a covered pan at low heat, resulting in fall-off-the-bone tender meat.

To make this recipe even more special, try marinating the rabbit overnight in a mixture of buttermilk and spices before applying the dry rub. This tenderizes the meat and adds depth.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Barbecue rabbit pairs wonderfully with classic summer sides such as grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad.

If you want to keep the barbecue theme going, consider serving with homemade cornbread or garlic bread. A chilled glass of white wine or a cold craft beer complements the smoky flavors perfectly.

For a complete meal, try pairing this dish with some of our other delicious recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy for hearty sides.

Conclusion

Barbecue rabbit is a fantastic way to explore new flavors and textures on the grill. Its lean and tender meat absorbs smoky spices and tangy barbecue sauce beautifully, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special gathering, this recipe offers a delicious alternative to traditional barbecue meats.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can easily master this recipe and impress your guests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and sauces to make it your own.

For more creative meal ideas and inspiration, check out our other recipes like the Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

Enjoy your barbecue rabbit adventure and happy grilling!

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