Rick's Fried Rabbit

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly flavorful, Rick's Fried Rabbit is a Southern-inspired masterpiece that takes comfort food to a whole new level. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and fiery hot sauce, the rabbit becomes tender and juicy before being coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mix with hints of paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic for a bold, savory flavor. Fried to a satisfying crunch, each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the crispy, seasoned crust and the succulent meat inside. Ideal for a rustic family dinner or a unique twist on classic fried chicken, this recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or buttery biscuits. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, Rick's Fried Rabbit lets you recreate a true culinary show-stopper in your own kitchen. Perfect for game meat enthusiasts or anyone looking to try something adventurous yet approachable!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 whole rabbit
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Clean the rabbit thoroughly and cut it into smaller serving-sized pieces (legs, loins, etc.). Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the rabbit pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for best results.

Step 3

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.

Step 4

Remove the rabbit from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even and thorough coating. Set the coated pieces aside on a plate.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for consistent frying.

Step 6

Carefully place the rabbit pieces into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 7

Transfer the fried rabbit to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and stay crisp. Optionally, keep the rabbit warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while frying the remaining pieces.

Step 8

Garnish the fried rabbit with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3033.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	11162.7

Total Fat 968.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 162.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 560.4g
Cholesterol 1201.2mg	0%
Sodium 9428.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 221.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.9g	0%
Total Sugars 24.8g
Protein 448.3g	0%

Vitamin D 253.8IU	0%
Calcium 897.4mg	0%
Iron 44.5mg	0%
Potassium 5095.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 76.5%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 7.8%