The True Taste of Down Under: Kangaroo Meat
Italy has pizza and pasta, Spain has tapas, and Australia has Kangaroo meat!
With any visit to a foreign land, you may be keen to try out the local delicacies and cuisines. And whilst Australia may not have many, there are certainly some foods that shouldn’t be missed!
You may be curious as to whether the Aussies actually eat their adorable national emblem. But yes! They do. And they love it.
Kangaroo meat is not only popular in Australia; after production from wild kangaroos, the meat is exported to over 60 overseas markets. It is said that more than 70% is exported, mainly to Russia. Who knew?!
For most of the 20th Century, kangaroo meat was banned from being sold for human consumption in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. However, after its legalization in South Australia in 1980, it is now a popular meat. It has become a supermarket and household staple.
What Does Kangaroo Taste Like?
Kangaroo meat is uniquely lean with a rich and robust flavor, comparable to game. Foodies love it for its bold and earthy flavors whilst still being low in fat yet high in iron and zinc. It has a stronger flavor than beef or lamb and is similar in lean-ness to chicken or rabbit.
Kangaroo can be enjoyed in many dishes, and similar to beef, the taste can vary depending on the quality of the cut. It is a great low-fat alternative to other red meats or for those looking to try something new.
Kangaroo Meat Popularity
For some, the idea of eating Skippy the bush Kangaroo can be challenging. However, for many Aussies, eating kangaroo meat is the same as eating venison; elk or beef is for others. Another appeal of eating kangaroo meat is that they aren’t farmed in Australia. This means the meat is always free of antibiotics, growth hormones, and added chemicals.
Interestingly, there has been a rise in the practice of ‘Kangatarianism’. This is a term used for people who follow a vegetarian diet except for kangaroo meat. This is due to their environmental benefits as they do not require any extra land or water and produce very little methane, unlike traditional cattle.
There isn’t a single kangaroo farm in Australia, and advocates of Kangatarianism choose the diet because Australian kangaroos eat organic food, live a natural life, and are killed humanely.
How to Cook Kangaroo Meat
Due to the low-fat content, kangaroo meat can quickly become dry if overcooked. There are a few ways that Aussies like to enjoy their kangaroo meat.
Kanga Bangas – A popular choice at a bbq. Kanga Bangas (kangaroo sausages) are much leaner than the pork alternative.
Kangaroo Steak – Cook rare and serve with potatoes and veggies or cut into chunks for a slow-cooked curry or stew.
Kangaroo Mince – Kangaroo mince can be a low-fat alternative for classic beef dishes. Try making a lasagne or burgers!
Cooking at Home
Kangaroo meat is best served medium-rare to keep it juicy and tender. It is delicious (and healthy!) pan-fried and served with a yummy salad. Take a look at this recipe for a quick and easy weekday treat!
Or, if you’re looking for a hearty and warming winter meal, give this Bush Kangaroo Stew a whirl.
