Tender wild rabbit coated in a smoky, caramelized BBQ glaze. The quick brine helps keep the lean meat juicy, while mustard and a simple BBQ seasoning add plenty of flavor without making this recipe complicated.
Grilled BBQ Rabbit
Small Game
2-4 Servings
Prep Time
15 min + 2 hours brining
Cook Time
20-30 min
Total Time
2 hours, 45 min
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
For the Rabbit
- 2–4 wild rabbits (I prefer using only the saddles and/or hind legs. Save the small front legs for a future stew or stock.)
- 1-2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼–½ teaspoon salt
- 1-2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions
-
Brine
– Whisk the water, kosher salt, and brown sugar in a large bowl until the salt dissolves. Add the garlic cloves, then submerge the rabbit pieces completely.
– Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, or up to 4 hours. -
Season
– Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl.
– Remove the rabbit from the brine, rinse briefly under cold water, and pat completely dry with paper towels.
– Lightly coat the rabbit with yellow mustard, then dust evenly with the seasoning mixture. -
Grill
– Preheat your grill for indirect cooking at 350°F.
– Place the rabbit pieces on the cool side of the grill and close the lid. Cook for 12-15 minutes. -
Sauce & Finish
– Brush the rabbit generously with BBQ sauce, flip, and sauce the second side.
– Close the lid and continue grilling for another 8-12 minutes, or until the thickest part of the meat reaches at least 160°F. -
Rest & Serve
– Remove the rabbit from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Brush with extra barbecue sauce or serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
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