What Does Kangaroo Taste Like? +Recipe (2024)

Written by Nate Teague · Updated on January 24, 2023

Having lived in Australia for many years, I’ve spent a lot of time trying every conceivable local dish. Barramundi, emu, wallaby, and crocodile—it all got taste tested. So if you’re interested in knowing what kangaroo meat tastes like, then you’ve come to the right place. You’re about to learn whether Australia’s national animal is worth eating; you’ll also gain some handy cooking advice, if you’re going to prepare the meal yourself. Let’s jump in.

What Does Kangaroo Meat Taste Like?

Kangaroo has a bold, earthy flavor with a mild hint of gaminess. It isn’t as flavorsome as venison, but is stronger than lamb or beef. The dark red flesh is very lean and is comparable to chicken or rabbit.

When cooked correctly, the meat will be tender, more so than that of deer. However, kangaroo is 98% lean which must be cooked on a high heat until rare or medium rare. A slightly over cooked steak will result in an unpleasant, dry meal that’s tough as old boots. Under cook it and it’ll be chewy.

Tip: If you only like to eat meat that is cooked well done, then beef or chicken is probably a better option.

Summarizing the kangaroo’s taste:

What flavors go with kangaroo?

Kangaroo is a rich meat with gamey flavor that pairs well with sweet or bitter food. Choose seasoning and side dishes that balance the dish and cut through the savory, meaty flavor.

• sweet chutneys and jams
• rosemary and thyme
• garlic
• leafy greens
• beetroot
• red wine

Related reading:
What does duck taste like?
What does an octopus taste of?
What does lotus root taste like?

Recipe

Why eat 'roo meat?

Kangaroos aren’t farmed, instead they roam free in the wild which is more sustainable than other major industries such as beef farming. Roos are surprisingly drought-resistant and require less water than cattle or sheep. They breed like rabbits and are well known for decimating farmland if left alone. The culling of kangaroos in Australia is essential, so eating the meat means it isn’t wasted.

Nutrition

One of the benefits of eating a wild animal is that they are usually leaner. Kangaroos are an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, zinc, and omega 3. There is only one gram of saturated fat in a 5-ounce serving.

Kangaroo meat nutrition in a 5 oz serve:

The meat is also very high in iron. Check out the table below which compares iron levels in some common types of animal proteins.

Source: https://nutritionaustralia.org/fact-sheets/iron/

Frequently Asked Questions

Summing Up

People that visit Australia for the first time are often shocked to hear kangaroos are on the menu. However, the meat isn’t a huge seller in supermarkets or at restaurants. Some Australians shy away from eating it on moral grounds; but a lot won’t eat it because they’ve tried it and found it tough. This is a common complaint as the meat overcooks so easily.

Is kangaroo meat worth your money? We’d recommend you try it for a new experience, but only if you’re at a good restaurant that’s likely to cook it correctly. When given the attention it deserves, you will find that 'roo meat is flavorsome and tender, with just enough gamey flavor to keep it interesting.

If you’re confident in the kitchen you could also try cooking your own. Your two best options are to slow cook it on a very low heat all day, or briefly fry it on a very high heat, ensuring the inside is pink.

If you like taste-testing different foods, check out our reviews of fugu, balut, and sea urchin. They're three challenging foods that you won't see everyday.

What is the most exotic food you’ve ever tasted? Please let us know in the comments below.