So, they slaughtered me a WHOLE GOAT. What to do?
Due to a somewhat long and strange story, I'm about to come into a LOT of goat meat. While I've eaten quite a bit of lamb, I've never had mutton, let alone goat meat. I really have no idea how to cook it or what to expect. A little help?
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16 Comments:
Specifically, what are you getting?
seannh at 1:59PM on 08/03/09
The meat processing plant called and asked how I'd like my goat, and I said "Don't kill it!" and they said "Too late, we already have. How would you like it?" And I told them to process it however they usually process a goat, and they said OK. So I have no idea.
lo82070 at 2:06PM on 08/03/09
No kidding?
Couldn't resist.
Lorenzo at 3:15PM on 08/03/09
It would have been much stranger if you said they slaughtered half a goat. In any case, as with any critter of this sort, a younger one will be more tender and less gamy than an old goat.
The cuts are going to be similar to any other four-footed beast, as well. When I get my lambs, I can specify things like whether I want shoulder roasts or chops, or if I want the legs half, whole or boneless, and whether I want stew meat or ground. If it's not specified, they have a standard procedure, which I guess would vary depending on the processor. But the pieces should look familar when you see them. Since you're getting the whole animal, there may be some cuts that are a little different, but when in doubt you can always opt for a braise or stew of some kind.
If you're a little concerned about the taste, go for more spicy ethnic recipes rather than more subtle ones. Marinades are a good idea too.
Also, you're not going to get nearly as much meat as you think you are. When I buy a lamb, I usually pay for live weight, so I know where it starts. The first year, I weighed the bag of meat I came home with, and it was a little over 1/3 the live weight. If that's close to the yield for a goat, a 60-pound goat will only get you 20 pounds of meat.
dbcurrie at 3:22PM on 08/03/09
What were you going to do with a single live goat?
ProfessorChaos at 3:41PM on 08/03/09
I think there are many Pakistani and Indian dishes that use goat.
I don't know what kind of African dishes there are but my friend whose parents are from Mali says she misses goat (her mom used to kill a goat in NYC or something).
Also, I've read about goat tacos on Saveur but they don't have that recipe online...
hmw0029 at 3:47PM on 08/03/09
sorry maybe not goat that her mom killed, but chickens for sure.
hmw0029 at 3:49PM on 08/03/09
I was going to give it to my aunt and uncle. They have goats at their house. I do live in Wyoming, so owning goats isn't that uncommon here lol. I had also heard that curried goat is good, so that is an option.
lo82070 at 5:51PM on 08/03/09
Indian goat curry is my favorite Indian curry -- I wish I knew what it was called exactly to look the recipe up for you...unless there's only one preparation that northern Indians use.
Cassaendra at 6:04PM on 08/03/09
Carnitas. We have a great local place that serves goat carnitas and it's become my favorite.
GregWA at 7:50PM on 08/03/09
Tacos! Curry! Braised!
gabrol at 7:53PM on 08/03/09
i'd be pretty pissed if they killed my goat.... but i guess it happens.
pooch at 7:57PM on 08/03/09
I realize it is a little late for this. I have learned to cut up all kinds of game. It does get a little different for larger animals.
Next time you get a goat. Just do it yourself. Especially if you have access to a bandsaw. Otherwise just rent one.
Quarter the thing. You can do that with a pocket knife.Think of a dry roasted or slow smoked leg of goat. Done to medium rare with lots of herbs. That is a meal fit for a King.
In the rib section, just cut the ribs laterally halfway down the rib towards the belly. That basically leaves the head and spine/rib section. Leave the backstrap and tenderloin intact. I like cutting thick double chops/rib steak sections across the spine. Those chops/rib steaks are perfect for the grill. The head and kneck would make a great head soup or some kind of terrine prep. Lots of gelatin in the head.
I am curious what the hoof weight was and what you end up with. Make sure they give you the offal. At least the heart and liver.
climbhighak at 3:19AM on 08/04/09
I have a great recipe for a single live goat and a pair of wellingtons...... perhaps that may be saved for a different website.
Seriously... Carnitas, Chili, Curry, Tacos, roasted, grilled, rolled, stuffed... Goat is Delicious! All the above recipes, I second them.
Pavlov at 8:42AM on 08/04/09
Thanks for all of the ideas!
lo82070 at 12:50PM on 08/04/09
Google up recipes for Achari Gosht. It's an Indian curry that uses spices typically found in pickled items. You can substitute goat for the lamb used in the recipe.
Amandarama at 4:37PM on 08/04/09