Seared Rabbit with Finnish Herbs on Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Experience the rich flavors of Finnish-style seared rabbit fillets, perfectly grilled on the Arteflame grill for a tender, juicy bite. Using winter thyme and rosemary, we enhance the natural taste of rabbit, locking in its juices with a high-temperature sear. This recipe teaches you the reverse searing method—searing first on the center grill grate at 1,000°F, then finishing to perfection on the flat cooktop. Simple, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time!

Ingredients

• 4 rabbit fillets
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp fresh winter thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 lemon, zest and juice

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins inside the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the rabbit fillets

1. Pat the rabbit fillets dry with a paper towel.
2. Rub them with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic.
3. Sprinkle the fresh winter thyme and rosemary over the fillets.
4. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and set them aside to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Sear the rabbit fillets on the center grill grate

1. Place the rabbit fillets on the center grill grate over 1,000°F heat.
2. Grill for 1-2 minutes per side to lock in juices and create a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Finish cooking on the flat top griddle

1. Move the fillets to the Arteflame flat cooktop, positioning them closer to the center for higher heat or near the edges for gentler cooking.
2. Add butter on the griddle and let it melt.
3. Cook the fillets for another 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F.
4. Remove them from the grill at 125°F as they’ll continue cooking after being removed.

Step 5: Rest and serve

1. Let the fillets rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
2. Garnish with lemon zest and additional thyme.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

• Always use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
• For even cooking, let the rabbit fillets come to room temperature before grilling.
• The Arteflame grill provides different heat zones—use them to your advantage.
• Pair with charred vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations

• Spiced Finnish Rabbit: Add a touch of ground cumin and coriander for a warm, earthy flavor.
• Garlic Butter Rabbit: Baste the fillets in a garlic butter mixture while grilling for extra richness.
• Herb-Crusted Rabbit: Coat the fillets in a mix of crushed fennel and parsley for an aromatic touch.
• Citrus-Glazed Rabbit: Brush with an orange and honey glaze before the final grilling stage.
• Smoky BBQ Rabbit: Use a Finnish-style mustard BBQ rub and let the rabbit absorb the smoky flavors.

Best pairings

• Grilled root vegetables like carrots and parsnips
• Finnish rye bread with herb butter
• A glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
• Warm potato salad with mustard dressing

Conclusion

Grilling rabbit on the Arteflame grill brings out its deep flavors while keeping it juicy and tender. Using the reverse searing method ensures the perfect texture, and the heat zones on the flat cooktop give you ultimate control over the cooking process. Try this dish with different variations and pairings to find your favorite way to enjoy Finnish-style seared rabbit!