Rabbit Ragù
- Average
- 1 h 20 min
- Kcal 236
Herb fried rabbit really brings out the rustic charm of Central Italy. You get these tender pieces of rabbit just soaking up all the flavors from fresh sage, rosemary, and a splash of lemon juice. Amazing stuff. The marinade smells incredible—no question—and gives the meat this nice, aromatic kick. It’s a classic way Italians use simple, homey ingredients—like breadcrumbs and a bit of flour—to make a fried rabbit recipe that’s both easy and really really tasty. Seriously good.
The outside gets super crispy, thanks to how the breading sticks to the meat after marinating. Folks in the countryside know this kind of food works great for laid-back dinners with friends. For sure. Especially when you want something a bit different from your usual fried chicken or pork chops. And listen, in some areas of Central Italy, there are little tweaks on this herb fried rabbit. Things like swapping in different herbs or adding a splash of white wine to the marinade. Pretty simple.
The main thing is, every bite stays juicy and full of flavor from the fresh herbs. And you know what? This dish often becomes the centerpiece at informal gatherings. Like standing dinners or relaxed parties where everyone grabs a plate and digs in. It’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among wild game fans. Rabbit meat has this natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sharp, herby marinade. Try it with different sauces—some folks enjoy a lemon aioli, while others go for a simple pan sauce. No matter how you eat it, this crispy fried rabbit stands out from other rabbit recipes. Compared to buttermilk or southern fried rabbit, the Italian version is way way better with those herbs and that golden, crunchy coating.
Whether you are into wild game recipes or rabbit dishes, this one brings the simple joys of the Italian countryside right to your table. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter, as everyone loves to share their own tweaks and favorite pairings! And here's the thing, you really can't go wrong with that.
To prepare the aromatic fried rabbit, start by chopping the rosemary and sage 1. Add the chop into the bowl with the rabbit pieces and also add the oregano 2, then season with salt 3.
Squeeze the lemons 4 and pour the juice over the rabbit 5. Stir to flavor and cover with plastic wrap 6; refrigerate for a couple of hours.
Crack the eggs into a large bowl and beat them with a fork. Salt 7. In another bowl, pour breadcrumbs and flour 8, then mix the powders 9.
Take the rabbit pieces and dip them in the eggs, drained from the marinade 10. Coat each piece of rabbit in the mixture of breadcrumbs and flour (11-12).
Heat plenty of oil in a large pan and fry the rabbit pieces until golden on all sides (14-15). Drain them and place them on a plate with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil 15. Serve the rabbit pieces with herbs while still hot, accompanied by lemon slices or sauces of your choice!