Oven Barbecued Rabbit
Oven barbecued rabbit offers tender meat with a tangy, smoky flavor, perfect for those who enjoy hearty, high-protein dishes with a savory zest.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the rabbits into serving pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the rabbit pieces in a well-greased baking pan in a single layer.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the rabbit pieces.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Combine the water, V-8 juice, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, diced onions, minced garlic, diced green peppers, butter, and salt in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a quick boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- At the end of 30 minutes, pour the sauce over the partially cooked rabbit pieces.
- Reduce oven temperature to 250°F and bake for an additional 3 hours, turning the pieces over a couple of times during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the rabbit pieces in the sauce overnight before cooking. If you prefer, substitute the rabbits with chicken pieces or use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian-friendly version. To enhance the dish, add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. This recipe also works well with various vegetables like carrots or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven barbecued rabbit with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a classic pairing. This dish also goes well with a light salad or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside baked beans or rice. It pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the rabbit with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake at 300°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of V-8 juice to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Barbecued Rabbit contains roughly 862 calories, with 10g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1214mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen rabbit for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rabbit, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture. It may take several hours or overnight to thaw properly.
What can I do if I can't find V-8 juice?
If V-8 juice is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mix of tomato juice and vegetable juice, or use a homemade blend of pureed tomatoes and vegetables. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to match the flavor profile.
How do I know when the rabbit is fully cooked?
The rabbit is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it's safely cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).