If you’ve ever wondered what goat meat tastes like and whether it’s a delectable addition to your culinary repertoire, you’re in the right place. Goat meat, also known as chevon, is a lean and flavorful protein sourced from goats. In this article, we’ll provide a straightforward exploration of the flavor profile of goat meat and offer insights into how it can be cooked to perfection, helping you decide whether this unique meat is a tasty addition to your table.

What is Goat Meat?

Goat meat, often referred to as chevon, is the meat obtained from domesticated goats. It is one of the more popular red meats and a great source of protein in various parts of the world, especially in regions where goat farming is prevalent. Goat meat is a lean meat. It is tender and has a distinct flavor that sets it apart from more commonly eaten meats like beef, pork, or chicken. This meat is known for its wide application in cuisines, and it is enjoyed in a wide range of dishes, from stews and curries to grilling and roasting. Goat meat is not only prized for its taste but also for its nutritional value, as it is a good source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals.

What Does Goat Meat Look Like?

The first thing you notice about goat meat is it’s color. This meat is often a dark pink or deep red colour that turns pale pink when cooked, similar to lean beef. Also goat meat tends to have a slightly higher bone-to-meat ratio compared to cuts of beef or pork. This means that you might find smaller boneless portions compared to the size of the bone.

Nutritional Value of Goat Meat

Let’s take a look at the nutritional value of Goat meat that makes them a healthy alternative to other meat cuts.

Protein: Goat meat is a rich source of high-quality animal protein, providing approximately 27 grams of protein per 100 grams. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals looking to meet their protein needs.

Calories: Goat meat is moderately calorie-dense, with around 143 calories per 100 grams. The calorie content may vary slightly based on the cut and cooking method.

Fat: Goat meat is relatively low in fat compared to other meats, with about 2.6 grams of total fat per 100 grams. It is considered a lean meat option.

Cholesterol: It contains approximately 76 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams, which is lower than some other meats, like beef.

Vitamins: Goat meat is a good source of essential vitamins, including B vitamins such as B12, niacin, and riboflavin. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism and overall health.

Minerals: It provides essential minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. Iron is particularly abundant in goat meat and plays a vital role in oxygen transport in the body.

Fat: Goat meat contains a moderate amount of saturated fat, approximately 0.9 grams per 100 grams, which is relatively low compared to other meats.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: While not as high in omega-3 fatty acids as fatty fish, goat meat does contain small amounts of these heart-healthy fats.

Micronutrients: It also contains various essential micronutrients such as potassium and magnesium, which are important for maintaining healthy bodily functions.

The Health Benefits of Eating Goat Meat

Lean Protein Source: Goat meat is a rich source of high-quality protein. It is lean, meaning it contains less fat compared to some other meats. High protein content is essential for muscle maintenance, repair, and overall body function.

Low in Fat: Goat meat is relatively low in saturated fat, making it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake. A diet low in saturated fat can contribute to heart health and help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Abundant in Iron: Iron is crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood and supporting various bodily functions. Goat meat is an excellent source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based foods.

Zinc Content: It provides a good amount of zinc, an essential mineral that is important for the immune system, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.

Selenium: Goat meat contains selenium, a trace mineral with antioxidant properties. Selenium is necessary for thyroid function and helps protect cells from oxidative damage.

Low Cholesterol: Goat meat typically has lower cholesterol content compared to meats like beef. A diet low in cholesterol may help in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Is Goat Meat Called Mutton?

No, goat meat is not called mutton. Mutton refers to the meat of mature sheep, typically older than one year. The term “mutton” is specifically used to describe the meat from sheep, while goat meat is often referred to as “chevon.”

What Does Goat Taste Like?

Goat meat is known for its gamey flavor, which sets it apart from more common meats like beef or chicken. This gaminess is due to the presence of compounds called short-chain fatty acids, which are responsible for the characteristic taste.

Goat meat is rich in flavor, with a savory, umami quality. It has a depth of taste that some people find appealing, especially if they enjoy a stronger and more robust gamey flavour.

Does Goat Meat Taste Like Venison?

Goat meat and venison (deer meat) share some similarities in terms of flavor, as both can have a gamey and earthy taste. While there are similarities, the distinct gaminess of venison is often more intense than that of goat meat. Therefore, if you’ve had venison before, you may find that goat meat has a somewhat milder and sweeter taste in comparison.

Does Goat Taste Like Lamb?

Goat meat tends to have a slightly stronger and more pronounced gamey taste compared to lamb(or mutton). The gamey notes in lamb are typically milder. Some people describe goat meat as having a mildly sweet undertone, especially if it’s from a younger goat (kid). Lamb, on the other hand, doesn’t have the same level of sweetness.

Which Tastes Better Lamb or Goat?

So which of these two red meats taste better lamb or goat meat? Goat meat offers a unique and delightful flavor that sets it apart from lamb. While lamb is undoubtedly delicious, goat meat has a more intriguing and robust taste. Its mild gaminess, coupled with a hint of sweetness, adds a layer of complexity that makes every bite an exciting culinary adventure.

Goat meat’s lean nature makes it appealing, as it allows the true essence of the meat to shine through. It’s not overshadowed by excessive fat, making it a clean and pure canvas for the seasonings and ingredients used in various recipes.

The Different Parts of Goat Meat and Their Unique Flavours

Goat meat can be divided into various cuts, each with its unique flavor and texture. The taste of goat meat can vary depending on the specific part of the goat and how it’s prepared. Here are some different parts of goat meat and their unique flavors:

Leg or Shank: This is one of the most flavorful and tender parts of the goat. It has a rich and slightly gamey taste.

Shoulder: The shoulder is moderately tender with a meaty flavor. It’s less lean than the leg and offers a robust taste.

Loin: The loin is one of the most tender and mild parts of the goat. It has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and is lower in fat.

Ribs: The ribs have a good balance of tenderness and flavor. They offer a meaty, slightly gamey taste.

Neck: The neck of goat meat is quite flavorful, with a rich and gamey taste. It’s a bit tougher but can become tender when slow-cooked.

Chops: Goat chops are usually cut from the loin and have a mild, tender, and slightly sweet flavor.

Offal (Organs): Various organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart have distinct flavors. Goat liver is rich and earthy, while kidneys can be a bit gamey. The heart is tender and mild.

Which Part of Goat Meat is the Tastiest?

The loin is generally considered one of the most tender and mild parts of the goat. It has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and is lower in fat compared to some other cuts making it the tastiest part of goat meat.

How is Goat Meat cooked?

Cooking Goat meat has to be done while taking into consideration it’s strong gamey flavour. If done well you can make this flavorful meat with a distinctive flavor in your cuisines.

1. Roasting: Roasting is a popular method for cooking larger cuts of goat meat, such as the leg or shoulder. It’s important to marinate the meat and roast it slowly to ensure tenderness. You can use herbs, spices, and a flavorful marinade to enhance the taste.
2. Grilling: Goat chops and smaller cuts can be grilled for a delicious smoky flavor. Marinate the meat for a few hours to infuse it with seasonings, then grill to your desired level of doneness. Make sure not to overcook to maintain tenderness.
3. Stewing: Stewing is an excellent way to tenderize tougher cuts of goat meat. You can prepare hearty dishes like goat stew or curry by simmering the meat in a flavorful broth or sauce. This method allows the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors of the ingredients.
4. Braising: Braising involves searing goat meat in a hot pan to develop flavor, then slow-cooking it in a liquid like broth, wine, or tomatoes. This method is great for cuts like the shoulder or shank. Braising results in tender, succulent meat.
5. Frying: Goat meat can be cut into smaller pieces, breaded or seasoned, and fried in oil until golden brown. This method is often used for goat schnitzel or fried goat pieces in various cuisines.
6. Ground Meat: Ground goat meat can be used in a variety of dishes, such as burgers, meatballs, kebabs, and stir-fries. It’s versatile and can take on various flavors and seasonings.
7. Currying: Goat meat is commonly used in curries in many cultures. You can prepare flavorful goat curry dishes with a variety of spices and herbs.
8. Slow Cooking: Slow cooking methods, such as using a slow cooker or Dutch oven, are excellent for cuts like the neck or shank meat that is cooked slowly and properly infuses flavors of the seasoning as it cooks. Slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful.

Does Goat Meat Go Bad?

Like with any meat, goat meat can go bad especially when fresh. If you want to extend its shelf life, it is advisable to pack and freeze it properly. Frozen goat meat will last longer than fresh goat meat.

How To Store Goat Meat

If you plan to use the goat meat within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. Make sure the meat is in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it on a plate or in a shallow pan to catch any drips. Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F (4°C).

If you don’t plan to use the meat within a few days, it’s best to freeze it for longer-term storage. Here’s how to freeze goat meat properly:

First, wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Place the wrapped meat in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.

Label the container or bag with the date and type of meat to keep track of its freshness.

Store the meat in the coldest part of the freezer, ideally at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.

Recipes That Have Goat Meat In It

This famous red meat is used in many cuisines around the world. Here’s a few goat meat dishes you can try:

Curry Goat (Jamaican): A flavorful Jamaican dish where goat meat is marinated, then slow-cooked in a rich curry sauce with spices like thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and allspice.

Biryani (Indian): Goat meat is often used in biryani, a fragrant and aromatic rice dish cooked with spices, saffron, and sometimes dried fruits and nuts.

Goat Tacos (Mexican): Seasoned goat meat can be used as a filling for tacos, often served with salsa, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro.

Goat Stew (Various Cuisines): Goat meat is commonly used in stews worldwide. In different regions, it can be prepared with various seasonings and ingredients.

Suya (West African): Goat meat skewers are seasoned with a spicy peanut sauce and grilled to create a delicious and smoky street food delicacy.

Tips for Buying Goat Meat to Get the Best Quality Product

Look for meat that appears fresh. It should have a bright, pink to red color, indicating that it is not past its prime. Avoid meat with brown or grayish hues, as this may indicate aging or spoilage.

The meat should feel firm to the touch. Avoid meat that feels slimy or excessively soft, as this can be a sign of spoilage.

In some cases, marbling (intramuscular fat) can enhance tenderness and flavor. Look for a reasonable amount of marbling in cuts like the loin or rib chops.

Give the meat a sniff. It should have a clean, fresh odor. Avoid meat that has a strong or unpleasant smell, as this can indicate spoilage.

Where to Buy Goat Meat

Many ethnic or specialty grocery stores, especially those serving communities with a tradition of goat meat consumption, carry a variety of cuts and may have both fresh and frozen options. Our African Food Store sells quality Frozen Goat meat for you to purchase.

So Does Goat Meat Taste Good?

Goat meat is absolutely delicious. Its unique and robust flavor, with a slightly gamey undertone, sets it apart from more common meats like beef or chicken. This distinct taste can add an exciting and rich element to various culinary creations. Whether you enjoy it in a spicy curry, a succulent roast, or as tender kebabs, goat meat’s flavor profile offers a delightful culinary adventure for those who appreciate its distinct and savory taste. So yes, goat meat can taste exceptionally good, and it’s definitely worth trying if you enjoy diverse and flavorful food experiences.