Buttermilk-Brined Fried Rabbit with Southern Tomato Gravy

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender rabbit pieces soaked in tangy buttermilk then seasoned, breaded, and fried to golden perfection, served with a rich tomato-based gravy. This southern american-inspired quick meals ready in about 310 minutes pairs rabbit pieces, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 270 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 3 lbs rabbit pieces in a large bowl and pour 3 cups buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Remove rabbit from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture to coat completely.
  4. Step 4: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the rabbit pieces in batches for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: For the tomato gravy, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped small yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Whisk in 1 cup tomato sauce and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
  7. Step 7: Simmer the gravy for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve the fried rabbit with warm tomato gravy poured over.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Fried Rabbit with Southern Tomato Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 310 minutes (270 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buttermilk-Brined Fried Rabbit with Southern Tomato Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rabbit pieces from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Brined Fried Rabbit with Southern Tomato Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buttermilk-Brined Fried Rabbit with Southern Tomato Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buttermilk-Brined Fried Rabbit with Southern Tomato Gravy?

Southern American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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