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What meat do you use for stifado?

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D

dimi_pat

Active member
I absolutely love making stifado, and my favorite meat for it is rabbit—it gives the dish such a rich and unique flavor. Unfortunately, I can’t find rabbit anywhere near me these days, so I’m looking for ideas on what other meats work well in stifado.

I’ve heard beef is a popular option, but I’m curious if anyone has tried lamb, chicken, or even pork in their stifado. Do these meats change the overall flavor profile? Do you adjust the spices or cooking times depending on the meat?

I’d love to hear your experiences and tips. It’s such a comforting dish, and I want to make sure I do it justice even without rabbit.
 
Stifado is such a versatile and comforting dish—it’s hard to go wrong with any meat you choose! While rabbit does give it that distinct gamey richness, beef is indeed a popular alternative. Opt for cuts like chuck or short ribs for tender, flavorful results.

Lamb works wonderfully too, especially if you enjoy a slightly bolder flavor. The sweetness of the onions and spices in stifado pairs beautifully with lamb. Chicken, on the other hand, creates a lighter version of the dish, ideal for a quicker cooking time. Pork is another great option; cuts like shoulder or pork belly bring a hearty, succulent texture.

For adjustments, you might tweak the cooking time (chicken cooks faster, while beef and lamb need longer to tenderize) and perhaps add a touch of cinnamon or cloves to balance the flavor depending on the meat.
 
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