Goat is the most widely consumed meat in the world according to Jacqueline Wilt, R.N., C.E.M.T. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the world's population eats goat meat. Ms. Wilt says, "
It has a good flavor and is very healthy. It is low in fat, cholesterol, calories, and saturated fat. In fact, goat meat is over 50% lower in fat than our American beef and is about 40% lower in saturated fat than chicken, even chicken cooked with the skin off! The following meat comparison (per 3 oz. roasted meat) table is from the USDA Handbook:
Calories Fat (g) Sat. Fat (g) Protein (g) Iron (g)
GOAT 122 2.58 0.79 23 3.2
Beef 245 16.0 6.8 23 2.0
Pork 310 24.0 8.7 21 2.7
Lamb 235 16.0 7.3 22 1.4
Chicken 120 3.5 1.1 21 1.5
Since goat meat is so low in fat, this makes cooking more of a challenge. Goat meat must be cooked slowly and at low temperatures, or it will dry out and become tough. The best ways to cook goat are roasting (in the oven, in a smoker, or on the grill) or braising (cooking with added liquid such as water, wine, or milk). Marinating will help retain moisture and tenderness as well. Old-fashioned smoking has, in our opinion, produced the best-tasting goat meat of all. What I have had was even better than smoked beef or pork! Of course, most of us do not have the time required to smoke our meats daily, so I am including a few less time-consuming recipes for you to try. Enjoy!"
She also offers recipes in her blog post in Grits Rural American Know How. http://www.grit.com/Life-at-Diamond-W-Ranch/Cooking-with-Goat-Meat.aspx