Gibnut

Name: Gibnut
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Belizean
Ingredients: 2 lbs gibnut meat cut into pieces; 2 tbsp red recado paste; 1 large onion sliced; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 bell pepper sliced; 2 tbsp vinegar; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 cup water; salt and black pepper to taste

Gibnut (GIB-nut)

Stewed Gibnut

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Hard

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 382 kcal

Tender gibnut (paca) slow-stewed with recado spices, onions, and peppers. Belize's most famous wild game dish.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 40.0g

Carbs 6.0g

Fat 22.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

heavy pot cutting board knife

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep plate

Garnishes: sliced onions

Accompaniments: rice and beans, corn tortillas

Ingredients

2 lbs gibnut meat cut into pieces
2 tbsp red recado paste
1 large onion sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 bell pepper sliced
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup water
salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Season gibnut pieces with recado paste, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2
Brown the meat in oil in a heavy pot.
3
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
4
Add water, cover, and stew on low heat for 1.5 hours until meat is very tender.

💡

Did You Know?

When Queen Elizabeth II visited Belize in 1985, she was served gibnut, leading the British press to headline 'Queen Eats Rat' — the gibnut has been called the Royal Rat ever since.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

heavy pot
cutting board
knife

Garnishing

sliced onions

Accompaniments

rice and beans, corn tortillas

The Story Behind Gibnut

The gibnut, or paca, is a large rodent native to Central American forests and has been a food source for Maya peoples for thousands of years. In Belize, gibnut hunting remains an important cultural tradition, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. The stewing method with recado reflects the blending of Maya ingredients with colonial cooking techniques.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed special occasions and hunting season 📜 Origins: Pre-colonial Maya era

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