Boodog (Mongolian Stone-Cooked Whole Animal)
Boodog is an ancient and dramatic Mongolian cooking method where a whole animal (traditionally a marmot or goat) is cooked from the inside out using hot stones placed within its cavity. The skin acts as the cooking vessel, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 Whole Goat or Marmot(cleaned and butchered (substitute with leg of lamb or beef))
- 20 pieces Smooth River Stones(fist-sized, able to withstand intense heat)
- 1 liter Water
- 2 Onions(chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 bunch Aromatic Herbs(optional (e.g., thyme, rosemary))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the animal: Clean and gut the animal thoroughly. If using a whole animal, carefully remove internal organs, keeping liver and kidneys if desired for reinsertion. Break legs at the knee.
💡 Tip: Ensure the cavity is clean and dry. - 2
Heat the smooth stones: Place the stones in an open fire and heat them until they are red-hot. This typically takes about an hour. Handle with extreme caution using heat-resistant gloves.
💡 Tip: Stones should be smooth and round to avoid puncturing the skin. - 3
Season the cavity: Rub the inside of the animal's cavity with salt, pepper, and chopped garlic. If using herbs, stuff them inside.
- 4
Fill the cavity: Carefully place the heated stones inside the animal's cavity, distributing them evenly. Add about 1 liter of water.
💡 Tip: Smaller stones can go into the legs, larger ones into the abdomen. - 5
Seal the animal: Close the openings of the animal's cavity. Traditionally, this is done by sewing or wiring the neck opening shut.
- 6
Cook the Boodog: Traditionally, the animal is placed directly over a fire. Alternatively, it can be cooked in a pit covered with hot stones and earth. For a more accessible method, roast in an oven at 350°F (175°C) or on a grill over indirect heat for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and the skin is browned.
💡 Tip: If cooking over an open fire, rotate the animal for even cooking. If steam builds up excessively, small vents may be needed. - 7
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the Boodog from the heat. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve the meat hot. Traditionally, the cooled, greasy stones are passed around for guests to hold and rub.
💡 Tip: The meat is often eaten with fingers. The skin, slow-cooked by the steam and stones, is also consumed.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This is a highly traditional and labor-intensive method, best attempted with experienced guidance.
- ✓Safety is paramount when handling extremely hot stones.
- ✓Substitutions for marmot or goat can be made, but the traditional method is unique.
- ✓The animal's skin acts as a natural cooking vessel.
🔄 Variations
- Use lamb or beef as a substitute for goat or marmot.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices for stuffing.
- For a less traditional approach, consider oven roasting or grilling the seasoned meat with hot stones placed around it.