If you think you’ve been seeing goat more often lately, on menus or even the grocery store – you’re right! There’s a lot you might not know about the meat consumed by more people around the world than any other. (Yes, that’s goat!)
One of the first things to know about goat from Australia is that it’s much milder and more tender than many expect when buying goat. That alone removes barriers and improves the likelihood of repeat purchase.
“We are seeing significant growth in Foodservice Distributors and Cash and Carry. Goat Cubes are the highest volume item sold, going to Indian, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern restaurants across the country. The demand for halal products in general has jumped significantly in the U.S. and goat is one of the main items that leads this demand." - Paul Ballak, Thomas Foods
What does it look like when goat hits the menu? Those independent ethnic restaurants are a useful guide. With Birria growing 221% over the past 4 years, some of that goat growth is happening in the Latin category. While often substituted with beef, the traditional birria is made with goat meat, as it’s served at Tamazula in Portland.
In Indian and Caribbean restaurants, it’s all about the curries. While they’re very different flavor profiles, the general concept is the same – slow-simmered goat cubes in a heady, aromatic broth that’s often spicy. For middle eastern and North African restaurants, it’s tagines and stews. You probably notice what these applications have in common – lots of braises, highly flavorful, taking advantage of the gelatin and fatty richness of the marrow of the bone-in cubes.
What might be next for goat? Some importers are producing ground goatmeat, which could open up new applications from kofte to tacos and burgers. Fine dining restaurants have gotten in on the game, too – moving goat upscale and appealing to a well-traveled and adventurous clientele. Kwame Onwuache’s Tatiana Afro-Caribbean NYC hotspot is famous for their curried goat patties.
For goat menu inspo and places to start experimenting, check out this article.