How To Cook A Squirrel: 25 Recipes - Survival Sullivan (2024)

When it comes to eating game meat, one of the all-time favorites is squirrel. These little “tree-ninjas” can be cooked up in so many different ways and varieties there is sure to be one that you will fall in love with.

Squirrel meat, is lean and resembles a mix between chicken and pork. It can be used in nearly any recipe and has a nutty and almost sweet taste. It can range from dark to white and does not have a strong “gamey’ flavor. These factors are why there are so many squirrel recipes.

Here we will look at 25 recipes for cooking up some “squawks”, and I am sure you will find a new favorite. If you have a recipe that is not listed feel free to post it in the comments.

1. Buttermilk Fried Squirrel with Southern Gravy

Fried squirrel with gravy is one of the most common and traditional methods of cooking squirrel meat. This recipe from the people at Realtree makes for a great meal. Get the recipe here.

2. Squirrel Stew with Paprika and Greens

Hearty greens and bold flavor make this stew stand out. Thick and filling with the smokey taste of paprika, this recipe is perfect for a cold, rainy day. Get the recipe.

3. Hillbilly Squirrel & Gravy over Rice

Keeping it simple is the theme of this recipe. The delicious gravy goes well with the rice and mixed with the tender squirrel meat makes a great combination. Get the recipe.

4. Smothered Fried Squirrel in Pepper Gravy Recipe

Here we have another fried squirrel with a gravy recipe, this one utilizing a pepper gravy that is fantastic. Paired with some fresh buttery biscuits this recipe perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Get recipe.

5. Squirrel Recipe: Brunswick Stew

This stew recipe is shocked full of vegetables such as onion, celery, corn, tomatoes, turnips, and peppers. With a great flavor and plenty of hearty ingredients, this is one soup that will fill your belly. Get recipe.

6. Bacon-Wrapped Squirrel

Few things in life cannot be made better by wrapping it in bacon. Bacon-wrapped squirrel is just awesome. This recipe also utilizes the grill which adds even more flavor. This is definitely one you want to try. Get recipe.

7. Squirrel and Noodles

If you are looking for a break from the “regular” squirrel recipes this Squirrel and Noodles dish is worth a try. The pasta lends itself well with the squirrel meat, making this dish a pleaser. Get recipe.

8. Slow Cooker Squirrel and Veggies

This slow cooker recipe will create fall off the bone tender squirrel with delicious vegetables. The recipe is quick and easy, but also tasty, making this an ideal dish for beginners learning to cook with squirrel meat. Get recipe.

9. Louisianna Squirrel Stew

This squirrel stew recipe comes from southern Louisiana and features some different flavors than the stews from other regions.

Rich and hearty, this stew is definitely a crowd-pleaser. It also lets you change up your flavor profile if you have been cooking the same flavors over and over. Get this recipe.

10. Squirrel Jambalaya

Here is another cajun squirrel favorite, Squirrel Jambalaya. This classic Louisanna dish works very well with squirrel meat and is filling with plenty of hearty rice. Adjust the heat to your personal liking and don’t forget to top it all with some extra hot sauce. Get the recipe.

11. Squirrel Pot Pie

Pot pie is a wonderful way to cook wild game, and squirrel is no different. This recipe creates a soft, flaky crust and a rich and flavorful filling. The stoutness of the Guinness beer contrasting with the herbs and the tender squirrel is very satisfying. Get this recipe.

12. Squirrel Confit

If you are looking for a fancier recipe than the standard fried squirrel then this Squirrel Confit is for you.

Using the sous vide cooking method and slow cooking the squirrel in duck fat means you are guaranteed a flavorful, tender, and juicy meat. Here they use it to make a sandwich, however, you could use the meat any way you wanted. Get the recipe.

13. Barbecued Smoked Squirrel Sandwiches

Here is another recipe that turns the tables on traditional. Barbecued and smoked squirrel shredded and put into sandwiches with smoked onions simmered in beer.

The squirrel is slow-cooked so it is tender and juicy with a ton of added flavor from the hickory smoke. This is a great recipe to share with a crowd. Get recipe.

14. Belgian Squirrel

Combining the rich taste of prunes and the sweet, nutty flavor of squirrel meat makes this dish work wonderfully. A bit of vinegar helps cut any gamey taste, and most folks would never know they were eating squirrel. Get recipe.

15. Old Fashioned Squirrel and Dumplings

Another traditional preparation is Squirrel and Dumplings. The squirrel, simmered in stock, is then pulled and returned to the stock.

Fresh dumplings are then added and cooked to perfection. Guaranteed to make happy people and empty bowls. Get recipe.

16. Wild Squirrel Casserole

This recipe comes from the UK and pair squirrel meat with plenty of hearty vegetables, fresh herbs, and stock. Delicious and perfect for a cold winter day meal. Get this recipe right here.

17. Braised Squirrel with Horseradish Mash

A more upscale recipe this Braised Squirrel with Horseradish Mash is a meal cooked to impress. The squirrel is braised in a rich red wine and seasoned with rosemary and thyme. Get recipes.

18. Sweet Baked Squirrel

Combining the nutty flavor of squirrel meat and the sweetness of sorghum molasses, this baked squirrel is bursting with flavor. Get recipe.

19. Braised Squirrel Aurora

With a braising liquid made with green olives and almonds, this recipe brings some new and bright flavors to your squirrel meat. Combined with the fingerling potatoes this recipe will keep your belly full. Get recipe.

20. Squirrel Cacciatore

This recipe combines browned squirrel meat, tomato sauce, and white to make a flavorful and fulfilling meal. Mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and olives round out this hearty recipe. Get this recipe here.

21. Saucy Crockpot Squirrel

Here is another slow cooker recipe that packs a ton of flavor. Using Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, brown sugar, and hot sauce- this dish is guaranteed to make your mouth water just mixing it together. The slow cooker makes for juicy and tender squirrel and the sauce is to die for. Get it here.

22. Squirrel Casserole

Another take on Squirrel Casserole this recipe using broccoli, cheese, onion, and celery. It is cheesy, flavorful, and delicious. This dish is great as an entree or can be used as a side dish at a larger dinner. Either way, it is fantastic. Get recipe.

23. Rosemary Parmesan Squirrel

If you are looking for a burst of flavor then this is the squirrel recipe for you. White wine, rosemary, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese combine to make a decadent yet clean tasting dish that is sure to get repeated. Get the recipe here.

24. Squirrel And Mushrooms in Cream Sauce

Possibly one of the best squirrel recipes I have ever tried, this squirrel and mushrooms in cream sauce is thick, hearty, and satisfying. The sauce is rich and compliments the squirrel meat perfectly. Get recipe.

25. Tasty Baked Squirrel

This baked squirrel is flavored with onion, garlic, bacon, and maple syrup. When mixed together this forms an amazing flavor profile that will satisfy anyone. The mushrooms go well with the squirrel meat, which comes out fork-tender and flavorful. Get the recipe.

How To Cook A Squirrel: 25 Recipes - Survival Sullivan (1)

Print this article

How To Cook A Squirrel: 25 Recipes - Survival Sullivan (2024)

FAQs

What's the best way to cook squirrel meat? ›

Preheat oven to 350F. Coat squirrel meat with a nice layer of olive oil, sprinkle with your rub of choice, and lay the meat in a single layer in a baking pan. Bake those bad boys for 30 minutes. Combine barbecue sauce, garlic and sesame oil and brush this on meat to taste.

How long to boil squirrel to make it tender? ›

Place the squirrel pieces in a large saucepan and cover with water. Place the saucepan on the stove and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the squirrel meat to simmer until tender, about an hour and a half.

What temperature should squirrels be cooked at? ›

Lift out a piece of meat and place it on a rack set into a baking sheet or on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat; it should be at least 160°. When all the meat is cooked, let the pieces drain.

What do you soak squirrel meat in? ›

Once you've skinned your squirrels, it's best to soak them in a water and salt based brine for a couple hours to take the gaminess out of the meat (I prefer the gamey taste but some do not) and this will actually make the meat more tender.

What is the tastiest part of a squirrel? ›

The front legs (shoulders) hind legs and saddle (which contain the loins) are the most popular cuts eaten from squirrels. If cooked properly they are just as tender as dark-meat chicken and can even be shredded off of the bone.

How to prep a squirrel for cooking? ›

If using a knife: make an incision from the bottom of the rib cage toward the back legs. This will allow you to reach your hand inside the body cavity and remove all the internal organs. Once the squirrel is eviscerated, it's ready for cooking.

Do you have to age squirrel before cooking? ›

Younger animals do not need as much aging time but it will not hurt either. Some small game like jackrabbit, rabbit and squirrels benefit from longer aging time. The rate of tenderization decreases rapidly after 40°C day grades, i.e. 80°C day grades does not mean the meat is twice as tender as 40°C day grades.

What does cooked squirrel taste like? ›

What does squirrel meat taste like? Squirrel tastes like a subtler version of rabbit, with some saying the flavour resembles a cross between rabbit and chicken – with a hint of nuts. The meat is sweet, light in colour and finely textured.

What is the best way to tenderize a squirrel? ›

One of the best ways to tenderize squirrel meat is by marinating it before cooking. You can use a mixture of acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk to help break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender.

How much meat do you get off a squirrel? ›

He pulls the meat off of each squirrel he gets and weighs it, so he knows that the average squirrel around the Fairbanks area provides about 3.5 oz. of meat. Four squirrels and you have nearly a pound of meat.

How much of a squirrel is edible? ›

If you plan to fry the squirrel, it's best to cut it up into five pieces. The meat-rich parts we're after are the front legs and shoulders, the hind legs, and the backstraps.

Is fried squirrel tough? ›

If not prepared properly, it can be chewy and downright underwhelming. The trick to perfect fried squirrel is paying attention to the details and following a few simple steps to the letter. First, marinate the squirrel in buttermilk or a lightly salted brine.

How to cook the best squirrel? ›

Preheat oven to 350F. Coat squirrel meat with a nice layer of olive oil, sprinkle with your rub of choice, and lay the meat in a single layer in a baking pan. Bake those bad boys for 30 minutes. Combine barbecue sauce, garlic and sesame oil and brush this on meat to taste.

How to get the gamey taste out of squirrel? ›

The distinct game flavor of either birds or animals will be milder after soaking the meat overnight in the refrigerator in either a salt or vinegar solution.

Should you boil squirrel before frying? ›

Now there is one issue with this recipe: fried squirrel can be pretty tough. The squirrel I cooked up for this recipe wasn't too bad, but I've have some pretty bad ones in the past. One solution to this is to parboil the squirrel before you fry it. I have read suggestions of parboiling for as long as two hours.

What does squirrel taste like to eat? ›

What does squirrel taste like? Squirrel tastes like a subtler version of rabbit, with some saying the flavour resembles a cross between rabbit and chicken – with a hint of nuts. The meat is sweet, light in colour and finely textured.

Is squirrel meat healthy to eat? ›

Squirrel meat is not considered to be bad for humans. While it may not be the most famous and most nutritious animal in the world, it can be an excellent source of nutrients and beneficial compounds. Squirrel meat is high in iron, niacin, and zinc, which help keep the body healthy.

What part of a squirrel is good to eat? ›

If you plan to fry the squirrel, it's best to cut it up into five pieces. The meat-rich parts we're after are the front legs and shoulders, the hind legs, and the backstraps. The rib cage and less-meaty parts of the back and belly are perfect for broth or stock.

How long should you age squirrel meat? ›

Wet aging is relatively new. Essentially all you do is vacuum seal your meat and leave in the fridge for 7 to 28 days.

Top Articles
50 Notable Social Workers in US History – Best MSW Programs
Redefining the Role of the Teacher: It's a Multifaceted Profession
Practical Magic 123Movies
RuneScape guide: Capsarius soul farming made easy
Tyrunt
Garrick Joker'' Hastings Sentenced
Ucf Event Calendar
Edible Arrangements Keller
Keniakoop
Diesel Mechanic Jobs Near Me Hiring
Money blog: Domino's withdraws popular dips; 'we got our dream £30k kitchen for £1,000'
50 Shades Darker Movie 123Movies
Obsidian Guard's Cutlass
[Cheryll Glotfelty, Harold Fromm] The Ecocriticism(z-lib.org)
Bekijk ons gevarieerde aanbod occasions in Oss.
Food Universe Near Me Circular
Military life insurance and survivor benefits | USAGov
Titanic Soap2Day
Air Traffic Control Coolmathgames
Where to eat: the 50 best restaurants in Freiburg im Breisgau
Rubber Ducks Akron Score
Redfin Skagit County
Hannaford Weekly Flyer Manchester Nh
Hesburgh Library Catalog
Znamy dalsze plany Magdaleny Fręch. Nie będzie nawet chwili przerwy
Spectrum Outage in Queens, New York
Combies Overlijden no. 02, Stempels: 2 teksten + 1 tag/label & Stansen: 3 tags/labels.
Srjc.book Store
Renfield Showtimes Near Marquee Cinemas - Wakefield 12
Smayperu
Netherforged Lavaproof Boots
Colorado Parks And Wildlife Reissue List
Aveda Caramel Toner Formula
Craigs List Jonesboro Ar
19 Best Seafood Restaurants in San Antonio - The Texas Tasty
Today's Gas Price At Buc-Ee's
Anya Banerjee Feet
Craigslist Ludington Michigan
Gateway Bible Passage Lookup
Www Craigslist Com Atlanta Ga
Panolian Batesville Ms Obituaries 2022
Ucla Basketball Bruinzone
Port Huron Newspaper
La Qua Brothers Funeral Home
Minecraft: Piglin Trade List (What Can You Get & How)
Join MileSplit to get access to the latest news, films, and events!
Sams La Habra Gas Price
The 5 Types of Intimacy Every Healthy Relationship Needs | All Points North
Kindlerso
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6511

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.