This Instant Pot Rabbit Stew is pure comfort in a bowl. Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, it's the kind of recipe you'll want to make all season long. It's simple to throw together and even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Did You Know?
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I buy rabbit for stewing?
Check specialty butcher shops, farmers markets, or order online from heritage meat suppliers. Some well-stocked grocery stores carry frozen rabbit. Ask your butcher to special order it.
2. What does rabbit taste like?
Rabbit is a lean, mild white meat similar to chicken but with a slightly gamier, more delicate flavor. It takes on the flavors of the braising liquid beautifully.
3. How long does rabbit stew take in the Instant Pot?
30-35 minutes on high pressure with natural release. This is dramatically faster than the traditional 2-3 hours of oven braising while producing equally tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
4. Should I brown the rabbit pieces first?
Yes — use the Instant Pot's saute function to brown the rabbit pieces on all sides before pressure cooking. This adds deep, caramelized flavor to the entire stew.
5. What vegetables go in rabbit stew?
Carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, and mushrooms are classic. Root vegetables hold up well under pressure and absorb the flavorful braising liquid.
6. What liquid should I braise rabbit in?
Chicken broth with white wine, fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Rabbit is delicate, so chicken broth is a better base than beef broth.
7. Is rabbit healthy to eat?
Very — rabbit is one of the leanest meats available with more protein per ounce than chicken, less fat, and fewer calories. It is also high in B12 and iron.
8. Can I substitute chicken for rabbit?
Bone-in chicken thighs are the closest substitute. Use the same recipe and cooking time. The flavor will be different but the technique works identically.
9. What should I serve rabbit stew with?
Creamy mashed potatoes, crusty bread, polenta, or egg noodles are all excellent bases for soaking up the rich, herbed braising sauce.
10. How do I store leftover rabbit stew?
Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Like most stews, the flavor improves overnight as the herbs and braising liquid meld.
Watch How to Make This
Instant Pot Rabbit Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add some olive oil. Add sugar and let it caramelize.
- Once the sugar starts to caramelize, add rabbit pieces and stir. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, remove rabbit from the Instant Pot.
- Add garlic and onions to the pot. Cook until onions are translucent. Add sofrito, oregano, adobo, and sazon. Sauté for about a minute.
- Add potatoes, carrots, and bay leaves to the pot. Squeeze in lemon juice and add tomato sauce.
- Return rabbit to the pot, add red wine and water. Close the Instant Pot and set it to Pressure Cook on High for 8 minutes.
- After pressure cooking, switch back to sauté mode and let it simmer to reduce the liquid.
- Serve the stew with rice, potatoes, or your choice of side. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
Leave a Reply