Goat head is often used as the main ingredient in various traditional Indonesian dishes such as gulai, soup, and tongseng. While it offers a savory flavor and a unique texture, the cleaning process requires special care. The distinctive gamey smell of goat can be quite off-putting if not cleaned properly. So, if you’re curious about how to clean a goat head to make sure it’s clean and ready to cook without any strong odor, check out the steps below! 

How to Clean a Goat Head 

Here are the steps to clean a goat head so it’s fresh, odor-free, and ready to be turned into a delicious dish: 

1. Prepare the Tools and Ingredients 

Before you begin, make sure all the necessary tools and ingredients are ready. Some of the items you’ll need include: 

• A knife 
• A wire brush or a coarse toothbrush 
• A stove or open flame to burn off the hair 
• Boiling water 
• A large bucket 
• Vinegar, lime juice, or aromatic herbs to remove the odor 

2. Removing the Hair from the Goat Head 

The first step is to remove any hair still attached to the goat head. The most common and effective method is to burn it off over an open flame. Once the hair is evenly scorched, scrub the skin using a knife or wire brush to remove any remaining hair and black soot from the burning process. Make sure the surface is thoroughly cleaned and free of hair. 

3. Eliminating the Gamey Odor 

The distinct goat smell, often referred to as gamey, can be quite strong. To remove it, soak the goat head in a mixture of water and lime juice or vinegar for 15–30 minutes. You can also add herbs such as ginger, bay leaves, and lemongrass to help neutralize the odor.  

4. Cleaning the Mouth and Nasal Cavity 

The mouth and nose are areas that are often overlooked when cleaning a goat head. However, they can harbor dirt and must be cleaned thoroughly. Use a small knife or brush to reach into the mouth, teeth, and nasal passages. If you plan to use the tongue or brain, clean them separately after briefly boiling. 

5. Boiling the Goat Head 

Once cleaned, boil the head in hot water for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size and desired tenderness. Add herbs such as bay leaves, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass to enhance the aroma and further reduce any lingering odor. This process also helps to soften the meat and makes it easier to separate parts like the cheeks, tongue, and brain if you wish to cook them separately. 

6. Ready to Cook 

After boiling, the goat head is ready to be turned into a variety of dishes. You can make a richly spiced gulai kepala kambing or fry it after seasoning. With proper cleaning, the goat head will be more hygienic and safe to consume. 

Read More: Want to Cook Meat? First, Check Out the Differences Between Beef and Goat Meat!

Make Goat Head Dishes Even Tastier with FiberCreme! 

Now that you know how to properly clean a goat head, you no longer have to hesitate to cook it at home. A clean, odor-free goat head can be turned into a variety of mouthwatering dishes, such as gulai or tongseng. 

To make it even more delicious and healthier, you can replace coconut milk with FiberCreme. This multi-purpose powder is rich in fiber, low in sugar, and contains 0mg of cholesterol. It has a savory and creamy flavor but is much friendlier for maintaining a healthy diet for the whole family. 

Curious about what else you can make with goat head? Check out more healthy and delicious recipe inspirations on Instagram @FiberCreme_TV or watch directly on the Ellenka YouTube channel!