Hainanese-style Rabbit with Palamida

Ingredients

In this Hainanese adaptation, the original Croatian dish "Palamida na zeca" is transformed by incorporating Hainanese spices and flavors. The traditional Croatian dish uses fish (palamida) as the main ingredient, whereas this adaptation replaces the fish with rabbit meat. Additionally, the cooking techniques and spices are modified to align with the Hainanese culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Palamida na zeca, so you can check it out.

• 1 rabbit, cut into pieces 1 rabbit, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 pandan leaves 2 pandan leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in water 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in water
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add minced garlic, sliced ginger, lemongrass, and pandan leaves. Stir-fry until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add rabbit pieces to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, palm sugar, and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the rabbit.
5. 5.
   Cover the pan and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rabbit is tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the rabbit pieces from the pan and set aside.
7. 7.
   In a separate small saucepan, bring the remaining sauce to a boil. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened.
8. 8.
   Return the rabbit pieces to the pan and coat them with the thickened sauce.
9. 9.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Serve the Hainanese Palamida Bunny Delight with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rabbit — Ensure that the rabbit is fresh and properly cleaned before cooking. Marinating the rabbit in the Hainanese spice blend for a few hours before cooking will enhance the flavor and tenderness.

Tips & Tricks

• If rabbit meat is not available, you can substitute it with chicken or pork.
• For a spicier version, add chopped chili peppers to the dish.
• Serve the Hainanese Palamida Bunny Delight with a side of pickled vegetables to add a refreshing contrast to the flavors.
• Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the dish according to your taste preferences.
• Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or spring onions for added freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Hainanese Palamida Bunny Delight hot with steamed rice. The tender rabbit meat and flavorful Palamida sauce pair perfectly with the fluffy rice.

Presentation advice

Arrange the rabbit pieces on a serving platter and pour the Palamida sauce over them. Garnish with fresh cilantro or spring onions for a pop of color. Serve the dish alongside a bowl of steamed rice.