Red Kangaroos can be distinguished from other species of kangaroos by the black and white patches on their cheeks and the broad white stripe that extends from the corner of the mouth to ear. Male Red Kangaroos are double the body weight of females and can weigh up to 92kg while the females can weigh up to 39kg.

Roo

red kangaroo

The red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) is the largest of all kangaroos, the largest terrestrial mammal native to Australia, and the largest extant marsupial….Red kangaroo.

All kangaroos have short hair, powerful hind legs, small forelimbs, big feet and a long tail. They also use their tail when swimming; that’s right – kangaroos are good swimmers! They swim to avoid predators, and can use their forepaws to drown pursuers. Kangaroos can’t move backwards.

Ordinarily, it is illegal to kill, buy, sell or possess a kangaroo in Australia. However, in response to the growing kangaroo population, the Australian government permits licence holders to ‘cull’ or shoot kangaroos. This has resulted in the largest slaughter of land-based wildlife on the planet.

While Kangaroo meat is legal, its supply is quite tight in the United States. You will hardly find it in local grocery stores or butcher shops. It is not even legal to sell it at farmer’s markets where you would find other exotic meats like buffalo and ostrich.

Kangaroo meat was legalised for human consumption in South Australia in 1980. In New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria it could only be sold as pet food until 1993. Kangaroo was once limited in availability, although consumption in Australia is becoming more widespread. Kangaroo meat has been exported since 1959.

It is best to serve kangaroo fillets and steaks medium rare, due to its low fat content, it can dry out if overcooked. However, kangaroo mince, sausages, burgers and meatballs must be cooked thoroughly, just like other mince/processed meat products.

Health kick “It is very lean, a good source of protein and a very good source of iron and zinc,” she says. One of the healthiest properties of kangaroo meat is its low fat content, coming in at less than 2%. As with all red meat, O’Dea says kangaroo meat should be consumed in moderation.

Kangaroo Steak

1. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.
2. Heat frying pan or barbecue to medium-high.
3. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish, or to your liking.
4. Rest for 10 minutes under foil before serving.
5. Use as a guide only as size of meat and cooking appliances may vary.