French Grilled Rabbit with Garlic and Thyme

Introduction

French cuisine is all about deep, aromatic flavors and tender, perfectly cooked meats. This French-style grilled rabbit recipe brings out the best in rabbit meat by searing it over the 1,000°F center grill grate of the Arteflame grill, locking in the juices, and finishing it to perfection on the flat cooktop. Infused with garlic and thyme, this dish is a true rustic delight that will impress your guests with both its flavor and presentation.

Ingredients

• 1 whole rabbit, cut into pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
• Firewood

Instructions

Step 1: Get the Arteflame grill ready for grilling

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them inside the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is hot and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the rabbit marinade

1. In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey.
2. Rub this mixture evenly over the rabbit pieces and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Sear the rabbit

1. Place the rabbit pieces on the center grill grate over the 1,000°F heat.
2. Sear each piece for about 2 minutes per side to create a flavorful crust.

Step 4: Cook the rabbit to perfection

1. Move the seared rabbit pieces onto the flat cooktop, closer to the center for medium heat zones.
2. Cook the rabbit until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F.

Step 5: Rest and serve

1. Remove the rabbit from the grill when the internal temperature is 135°F to allow carryover cooking.
2. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Always remove rabbit meat from the grill when it’s 15°F below the target temperature.
• Use fresh thyme for a vibrant flavor.
• Don’t overcook the rabbit, as it remains tender if cooked properly.

Variations

1. Herb Butter Rabbit: Replace thyme with a mix of rosemary and sage and baste with extra butter while cooking.
2. Spicy Cajun Rabbit: Add cayenne and smoked paprika to the marinade for a spicy kick.
3. Provençal Style Rabbit: Include chopped olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes in the marinade.
4. Citrus-Infused Rabbit: Substitute lemon juice with a blend of orange and lime for a fresh, zesty twist.
5. Mustard and Wine Rabbit: Add white wine and a little extra Dijon mustard for a deeper flavor.

Conclusion

Grilled rabbit with garlic and thyme is a true French delicacy that, when cooked properly on the Arteflame grill, delivers an unbeatable combination of juiciness, flavor, and texture. By mastering the searing and finishing process, you can transform simple ingredients into a gourmet dish that will impress your guests.

Best Pairings

• Crispy roasted potatoes cooked on the flat cooktop.
• Grilled asparagus with melted butter.
• A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.