Ostrich meat is delicious, naturally low-fat and those available from Woolworths are free-range to boot – no routine antibiotics or growth hormones are administered to the animals. Here are some handy tips on how to cook ostrich fillet.

HOW TO COOK OSTRICH: TOP TIPS

Remove fillets from packaging and allow to breathe at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. There may be slight odour on opening which will not affect the quality or the flavour of the fillet.

Pat dry with kitchen paper.

It is best to season ostrich meat after grilling, as salt can cause loss of meat juices.

NB! Do not overcook ostrich, as the meat will be dry and tough.

HOW TO: PAN-FRY OSTRICH FILLET

Ensure that the product is defrosted throughout before cooking.
For best results use a heavy-based grill pan.
Brush fillets with olive oil on both sides.
Heat the pan until smoking hot and grill the meat, turning occasionally.

HOW TO: BRAAI OSTRICH FILLET

Brush the fillets with olive oil. Place on a braai grid over moderately hot coals and braai meat turning occasionally.

TIME GUIDELINES TO COOKING OSTRICH FILLET

Rare: 6 minutes
Medium: 10 minutes
Well done: 14 minutes

Discover more ostrich recipes here.