Processed goat meat is one of the favorite menus of Indonesian people, especially on the Eid al-Adha holiday. In addition to its delicious taste, goat meat also contains high nutrients that are beneficial for the body. To know how to prepare goat meat healthily, check out the following review.

The nutritional content of goat meat

Goat meat is commonly found in Asian, Middle Eastern, and African cuisines. Typically, goat meat is prepared as stew, curry, or roasted. Goat meat tends to be low in fat, so it is often cooked over low heat to preserve its tenderness and juiciness.

Among various options of red meat, goat meat is considered one of the recommended choices for daily diet menus. However, this should be consumed in moderation and prepared healthily. Goat meat is known to be rich in protein, iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and potassium.

Some nutritional contents in 100 grams of goat meat include:

• Calories: 1243 kcal
• Protein: 27 grams
• Fat: 3 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.9 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Sugar: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Zinc: 4.9 mg
• Iron: 3.7 mg
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.23 mg
• Vitamin B12: 1.2 µg
• Potassium: 405 mg

Read more: Is It Possible To Consumpt Goat Meat While Pregnant?

Tips for choosing goat meat

When selecting goat meat, you can either trust the butcher or choose it yourself at the market. When choosing, try to select meat that has a bright red color. A pinkish-red color indicates that the meat is still fresh and hasn't been stored for long. Fresh meat tends to have a more delicious taste and higher nutrition when consumed.

If you obtain a large quantity of goat meat that hasn't been cut yet, it's best to avoid washing the meat before cooking or storing it in the refrigerator. This is to prevent the spread of bacteria from the meat to kitchen utensils or other food items.

Choose goat meat that doesn't have a gamey smell. A gamey (unpleasant) odor indicates that the meat has been stored for a long time and isn't fresh. Besides its aroma, you can also select meat based on its texture; fresh meat has a resilient but firm texture when touched and isn't watery.

When cutting the goat meat, use a sharp knife and cut across or perpendicular to the muscle fibers for easier cutting and to produce tender meat. Cut the meat into small portions as needed to make it easier for you to prepare the meat when cooking.

Read more: Getting To Know Flexitarian Diet, A Vegetarian-like Diet But Can Eat Meat

Tips for processing goat meat

Goat meat can be prepared into various dishes. Some popular goat meat dishes in Indonesia include goat curry, goat stew, goat satay, goat soup, spicy goat, tongseng (spicy curry), and roasted goat.

To make the meat tender and eliminate the gamey smell, you can marinate the goat meat with mashed papaya leaves for 2-3 hours until the meat fibers become tender. Alternatively, you can soak the meat in a marinade of lemon juice and pepper.

According to Healthline, some healthy ways to cook goat meat include boiling or grilling. Frying goat meat is not recommended as it can make the meat tough and high in fat.

The cooking method also depends on the type of cut. Ribs and tenderloin are usually better suited for quick cooking. Meanwhile, other cuts are better cooked slowly to help break down tough connective tissues and make the meat tender and flavorful.

You can also cook goat meat by simmering it for 3 hours at low heat. To enhance the flavor, add garlic, shallots, or ginger as needed.

It's important to remember that moderation is key. While goat meat does offer benefits, consuming it excessively can be detrimental. Adjust your intake of meat according to your health condition and nutritional needs.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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