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“Buttermilk Fried Rabbit”

Also try: squirrel, dove, turkey, upland game birds, or any other young game meat
Prep Time12 hours
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time12 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 young cottontail rabbit cut into serving pieces
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves diced
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon tarragon or a teaspoon each of your 3 favorite dried herbs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2-3 cups grape seed or vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Soak the rabbit overnight in the buttermilk with the onions, garlic, herbs, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  • Drain in a colander, leaving some herbs on the meat. In a large re-sealable plastic bag, or in a large bowl, mix the flour with the garlic and onion powder and cayenne, as well as a dash of salt and pepper. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet on medium high heat until a pinch of flour starts to sizzle when dropped in the hot oil (the oil should not be smoking).
  • Place the rabbit pieces in the bag with flour and shake until thoroughly coated. Do this in small batches; the rabbit pieces should not be crowded in the pan.
  • Add the rabbit to the skillet and fry on one side for about 10 minutes, until golden brown, then turn over and fry for another 10 minutes, again until golden brown. Be careful to keep the oil hot enough to fry the rabbit, but not so hot that it burns.
  • Remove the rabbit from the skillet and place on a wire rack over paper towel. Season immediately with salt and pepper, to help preserve the crispiness. The rabbit is best served immediately or cold.