Meat-lovers can boast that they have tasted our award-winning Sashi steak, or the melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu Beef, but can they claim the same for exotic meats that are out of the ordinary such as Zebra, Crocodile, Ostrich, and Kangaroo?
Will they make their way into your everyday meals or limit you to a single tasting? There’s only one way to find out and that’s by adding these meats to your repertoire.
Keep reading to find out what these exotic cuts taste like and the nutritional content of each type of meat.
1. Zebra
Zebra Fillet is cut from the hindquarter of the Burchell zebra breed in South Africa. It is packed with protein while being one of the leanest meats on the market.
You’ll be shocked to know that zebra meat is even leaner than chicken, containing just one tenth of the fat found in a same size beef steak.
This meat is considered sweeter than beef with a subtle game flavour so if you’re considering trying out exotic meats, this would be a great place to start.
Nutritional Content for Zebra Meat:
*Nutritional information is approximate and is to be used only as a guideline.
2. Crocodile
As a lean white meat, crocodile is comparable to chicken when it comes to nutrition. It is high in protein and low in fat while remaining tender and juicy.
If the idea of eating reptiles scares you, then this meat is sure to change your mind. Described as having the texture of chicken and the flavour of shellfish or crab, the taste should be somewhat familiar.
Nutritional Content for Crocodile Meat:
*Nutritional information is approximate and is to be used only as a guideline.
3. Ostrich
When it comes to the combination of great taste and healthy eating, ostrich is truly one of the most superior lean meats compared to other exotic meats as well as regular meats.
Despite being a bird, ostrich meat is a red meat that is even darker than beef. It has all the iron and protein that beef provides with a significantly lower fat and cholesterol content.
For this reason, care must be taken when cooking so that it doesn’t dry out.
On top of reducing your fat and cholesterol intake when eating ostrich, you’re also contributing toward the fight against global warming. Ostrich is more sustainable than other meats as it emits virtually no methane.
Bonus: Ostrich Meat is also available as a mince which you can use in pasta sauces, meat pies, chili con carne, meatballs, and other delicious recipes with a twist.
Nutritional Content for Ostrich Meat:
*Nutritional information is approximate and is to be used only as a guideline.
4. Kangaroo
While kangaroo meat is a common sight at butchers and delis in Australia, it has only recently started gaining popularity in other countries around the world.
Just like ostrich, kangaroo is an excellent substitute for lean beef however it has a stronger flavour. Similarly, it is also a more environmentally-friendly protein option since all kangaroos are caught in the wild.
It is a gamey meat with a low fat content that needs to be cooked just right for a tender and tasty result or else it runs the risk of becoming tough.
Nutritional Content for Kangaroo Meat:
*Nutritional information is approximate and is to be used only as a guideline.
Our Selection of Exotic Meats at La Boucherie
As a unique product on the market, exotic meat is a delicacy that only few have experienced and is a rare find in Malta.
La Boucherie imports the best quality exotic meats and provides them at wholesale prices so meat aficionados everywhere can enjoy them in the comfort of their home.
We suggest getting your hands on a variety of our exotic meat selection and inviting your friends and family over for an evening of taste-testing. Or perhaps impress a special someone at your next date night in?
Still not sure which cut to opt for? Our butcher is always happy to give you our suggestions for your needs. Simply use our live chat-box, which you can see at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
If you prefer to purchase your meats over the counter, visit our butcher shop in Qormi to see what we’ve got in store.
Are you ready to expand your palate and dip your toes into the world of exotic meats?