What Does Goat Meat Taste Like? Everything YOU Should Know!

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Ever thought to yourself, “What does goat meat taste like?” How does it compare to beef or lamb? Let’s learn more about this potentially healthier delicacy!

This is your sign to be more adventurous and try meats beyond chicken, pork, and beef. And if you’re unsure what exotic meat to try first, I recommend goat meat!

Goat meat is a delicacy, but it’s one of those rare meats that are not too gamey and intimidating, like elk.

Let’s take a deeper look at what goat tastes like and see for yourself if it’s worth trying.

What Is Goat Meat?

Goat meat is, well, meat from goats. It is also sometimes called chevon and cabrito, but more on that later.

Goat meat is a delicacy but a staple in dishes worldwide. It’s enjoyed in African, Asian, and Caribbean cuisines!

How is it eaten? Goat meat can be fried, barbecued, grilled, baked, or even turned into canned goods and sausages.

And with this versatility, you might be curious about what goat meat taste like. After all, if cuisines worldwide love goat meat dishes, then goat meat must be good, right?

What Does Goat Meat Taste Like?

So what does goat meat taste like? Goat meat tastes slightly gamey, but its flavor is ultimately dictated by the animal’s age, breed, and what it was fed. It’s also leaner than beef and lamb but can be juicy and tender, depending on the preparation.

You’re probably thinking, “Ugh, why would I want to try lean and gamey meat? 😖”

However, do not let this brief description deter you from trying goat meat. Knowing how to cook this red meat properly opens so many possibilities for delicious dishes.

The distinct flavor of gamey meats is usually why they’re unpopular, but goat meat actually tastes milder compared to other uncommon red meats.

Does Goat Taste Like Beef?

Goat meat has a bold flavor and grassy aroma compared to beef, but some cuts have a taste comparable to beef and pork.

Does Goat Taste Like Lamb?

The gamey, earthy flavor of goat meat is often compared to lamb, but because the taste is not as intense, beef is closer to goat meat than lamb.

I recommend reading about what lamb tastes like because there’s a reason why, despite its unique flavor, it is featured prominently in the favorite dishes of some cuisines.

Does Goat Meat Taste Like Venison?

Both goat meat and deer meat are gamey, but goat meat is closer to beef than venison. Venison or deer meat is more intense, making it an acquired taste.

Does Goat Meat Taste Good?

Goat meat tastes good, and I can even confidently suggest it’s a beginner-friendly “exotic” meat. The gamey flavor and grassy undertone are mild, and there are so many delicious recipes to make this red meat succulent.

The cabrito or capretto, which is meat from young, milk-fed goats, is also mildly-flavored and very tender, making it an awesome meat choice for first-time exotic meat eaters.

Does Goat Meat Taste Gamey?

Goat meat tastes gamey, but the flavor is less intense than other exotic meats like venison or elk. High-quality farmed goat meat has a mild flavor and is incredibly tender and juicy.

Products Made from Goat Meat

Fresh goat meat

You can purchase fresh goat meat and prepare it in a variety of dishes. Less tender cuts are best in stews and braised recipes, while tender goat meat cuts are tasty if prepared with dry cooking options.

Ready-to-eat goat meat

If you don’t want to cook goat meat, you can also purchase fully-cooked and ready-to-eat goat meat. Try seasoned and fried goat meat as a starter!

Bone-in goat cubes

Because there is a market for goat meat in the US, you can now purchase frozen cuts of meat in some groceries. For example, Walmart has bone-in goat cubes that you can use as a substitute for beef in some recipes.

Dried goat meat

Another goat meat product you can try is dried goat meat. You can even eat this tasty food straight from the bag! 😋

Frozen stewed goat meat

Instead of making a goat stew yourself, try frozen goat stew. You can always adjust the seasonings when you reheat it.

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Why You Should Try Goat Meat

• Flavorful: Goat meat tastes less intense than other exotic meats. The tender meat’s mildly gamey, grassy, and sweet flavor actually tastes delicious in curry, stew, or braised dishes.
• Healthy: Goat meat is lean red meat, making it a healthier alternative to other kinds of meat as a protein source. It’s also packed with nutrients, but more on that later.
• Versatile: Goat meat can be tender and juicy, so it’s versatile for various recipes. Try anything from stews and roasts to curries and tacos with this flavorful meat. 🤤

How Healthy Is Goat Meat?

Goat meat is relatively healthy because of its lower total fat content than beef, pork, or lamb.

It’s also a source of iron and potassium!

We all need iron for energy and immunity, while potassium helps maintain muscle and nerve cells. So next time you crave beef or pork, you should consider goat meat for more health benefits.

My only tip to keep this lean meat from getting too tough is to use a low temperature and a long cooking time when preparing it.

Where to Find Goat Meat

• Specialty butcher shops: Since goat meat is a delicacy, it will be easier to buy your goat meat from a specialty butcher shop.
• Local farms: Depending on your location, you can contact a local farmer to buy goat meat cuts directly.
• Online retailers: You can also get goat meat products from online retailers like Etsy and Walmart!

5 Best Substitutes For Goat Meat

Beef

Despite the mild grassy-sweet flavor of goat meat, it’s more comparable to beef than other meats. Also, you can never go wrong with beef stew! 🤤

Lamb

While lamb has a stronger gamey taste than goat, it’s another “exotic” meat you can try if you can’t find chevon or cabrito. This piece of meat is relatively lean and nutritious, perfect for health-conscious individuals!

Chicken

You can easily distinguish poultry meat from red meats like goat, but I think chicken is worthy of being on this list for people looking for lean proteins. Switch goat meat with chicken in recipes like tacos!

Venison

Venison definitely tastes much gamier than goat meat. However, it’s perfect as a goat substitute in dishes like stews and roasts, where it can get succulent. 😍

Seitan meat

For my vegan friends, have you ever heard of seitan meat as a goat meat substitute? It’s made from wheat gluten and has a similar texture to delicious meats!

Does Goat Meat Go Bad?

Like any meat, goat meat can go bad. So if you want to extend its shelf life, I recommend packing and freezing it properly.

According to Michigan State University Extension, goat meat can last between 3 to 4 months frozen. The USDA also mentioned that raw goat meat cuts like chops can last frozen for 6 to 9 months.

However, the distinctive flavor and quality are expected to decline the longer the tender meat is in storage.

How To Store Goat Meat

If you don’t intend to cook your goat meat after buying it, refrigerate it as soon as possible. Do not take it from its package and keep it at 40°F or below.

Goat meat chops, steaks, and roasts can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, while ground goat meat lasts 1 to 2 days. For cooked goat meat, it can be refrigerated up to 4 days.

For longer storage, here’s how to freeze goat meat.

Wrap your goat meat in freezer paper with the wax side in contact with it and secure it with freezer tape. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it inside a freezer-safe bag to protect the meat against freezer burn.

According to my research, frozen goat meat is best stored at 0°F.

Once you’re ready to cook, thaw the frozen goat meat in the fridge for 24 hours.

Recipes That Have Goat Meat In It

There are many ways to prepare goat meat, and the recipes you can try will depend on the cut you have. But instead of making common dishes, why not try African cuisine?

For example, learn how to make Nigerian Egusi soup with goat meat!

This tasty and hearty dish is very satisfying, and the flavors and textures pair well with succulent goat meat.

What To Eat Goat Meat With

Vegetables

The tender and juicy goat meat is perfect with a side of vegetables.

You can also try Nigerian dishes like Efo Riro, which is made with spinach and a blend of spices. After all, Nigerians know their goat meat, as proven by their must-try goat recipes like Nigerian pepper soup! 😋

Rice

Personally, I enjoy goat meat with rice, especially with goat meat curry and goat meat stew. The fall-off-the-bone meat that has absorbed the spices and seasonings partnered with freshly-cooked rice instantly reminds me of my childhood.

Bread

Despite being leaner than other red meats, goat meat is also perfect for sandwiches! Try pulled roasted goat meat, melted cheese, onions, and peppers between Hoagie buns.

Is Goat Meat Expensive?

Goat meat is expensive because of the high demand but low supply. It’s also worth noting that goat production is a lot of work, and some goat meats consumed in the US are imported.

What Is Goat Meat Called In The USA?

Most Americans just refer to goat meat as goat meat. That being said, I want to add that the words “chevon” and “cabrito” also refer to goat meat, where the latter is the accurate term for a young goat’s meat.

FAQ About Goat Meat

Conclusion

So what does goat meat taste like?

Goat meat has a milder gamey flavor than lamb and tastes closer to beef than other exotic meats. The animal’s age, breed, what it was fed, and how the meat is prepared will ultimately dictate the taste of goat meat.

While it’s lean, goat meat can be juicy and tender.

So if you want to expand your palate, try uncommon meats like chevon. You won’t regret it, especially with the wide variety of goat dishes from African, Asian, and Caribbean cuisines. 🤤

Are you a fan of goat meat? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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