Introducing Kangaroo- an often overlooked iron rich food for babies.

Kangaroo: we don't often think of kangaroo when introducing solids, but it is a very iron rich protein that is also a pretty affordable option.

Nutrition

Did you know that kangaroo is higher in iron than beef? Beef on average has about 1.7-3.3mg per 100g where kangaroo has 4.1mg per 100g! It has up to 3 times more iron than chicken.

It is also a leaner mean (which is a great option for adults) and is a better option environmentally too as there is less methane production than with cattle.

Kangaroo also contains B vitamins, zinc and omega 3 fats and omega 6 fatty acid.

Is it an allergen?

No, it isn't a common allergen!

How to serve it?

Because it is a super lean protein, cooking kangaroo can be tricky! This is probably why many people avoid it and don't think of it a good meat for babies.

You can slow cook it- covering it in a liquid and cooking it low and slow will mean the kangaroo is soft enough to pass the squish test (squishing meat between your thumb and index finger is a good test for it before offering it to little gums). Some cuts (like steak) might still be a little stringy though, so taste test it yourself before offering. If you're not feeling confident slow cooking a steak or fillet, then a kangaroo tail is a fattier cut you can try. When slow cooked is more like an osso buco- so it is incredibly rich, tender and delicious!

The easiest option is using kangaroo mince. You can use it just like any other mince!

Serving Suggestions Based on Age:

6-8 months:

You can offer kangaroo as a puree, minced, slow cooked or as a larger piece of steak.

With any slow cooked kangaroo it is important that you offer pieces that are the right texture and size. Use the squish test to check that is it very soft and easily mashed by little gums.

If you offer a steak it should be at least 2 finger lengths wide and 1 in length. At this age they won't actually eat the meat but will chew, munch and suck on it. There is still benefit in this (mainly from a chewing and skill development perspective) but they will also get some nutrition from this too. As soon as your little one is able to bite and tear food it is no longer safe to offer steak. It is time to move away from steak, as it has become a choking hazard, until they are able to chew it properly (over 12 months of age).

8-12 months:

You can continue to offer minced kangaroo (patties, meatballs, shepherd's pie) as well as very soft slow cooked kangaroo.

12-18+ months:

As well as mince and very soft slow cooked cuts of kangaroo, at this age you can look at introducing paper thin slices of kangaroo when they are ready. This might be closer to 18 months for some children. Avoid cubes and larger pieces of kangaroo steak/meat as it can be very chewy and still poses a choking risk.

Serving ideas: 

• Kangaroo mince lasagna or bolognese
• Slow cooked kangaroo tail or steak in a curry or pie
• After 12-18 months thinly sliced kangaroo with stir fry veggies and noodles