There’s something deeply satisfying about slow-cooked game, and this BBQ Pulled Rabbit recipe is proof that rabbit deserves a place on every barbecue lover’s table. Gently simmered until meltingly tender, then shredded and coated in a smoky, sweet and tangy sauce, it delivers all the comfort of classic pulled meat dishes with a lighter, richer flavour that’s uniquely its own.
Rabbit is wonderfully lean, which makes it perfect for slow cooking - soaking up bold spices, tomato, smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce while staying beautifully succulent. Whether piled high into burgers, stuffed into wraps or served alongside slaw and crispy potatoes, this dish is a brilliant way to try wild game in a familiar, crowd-pleasing format.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
- 2 oven ready rabbit chopped into 4 pieces
- 3 ltr chicken stock
- 2 onion chopped
- 6 cloves garlic crushed
- 4 sticks celery chopped
- 4 bay leaves
- 10 sprigs thyme
- 8 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 fresh red chilli chopped
- 140 ml red wine vinegar
- 12 tsp soft brown sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 2 tin chopped tomatoes
- 40 ml Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp Chinese five spice
- salt and pepper
Method
1. Into a large saucepan or slow cooker place all the ingredients and ensure that they are well mixed together and the rabbit is covered with the liquid.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer or the low setting on the slow cooker and cook for 1-2 hours until the rabbit is very tender. Remove the rabbit and leave to cool.
3. Meanwhile strain the sauce through a fine sieve and place on a medium heat and reduce until a thickness of ketchup is achieved, leave to cool.
4. Pick all the rabbit flesh off the carcass and shred Add the rabbit to the cool sauce and stir well, season to taste. Use as a great topping for burgers or as a different wrap filling.
Serving & Tips:
- Serve in a Brioche bun with fresh salad or slaw.
- Cook low and slow: Rabbit is naturally lean, so gentle cooking helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Let the meat sit for a few minutes before shredding so it stays moist and flavourful.
- Use every bit of sauce: Once shredded, mix the rabbit thoroughly back through the cooking sauce so every bite is packed with smoky BBQ flavour.
Recipe: Eat Game