Ever thought about cooking squirrel? It might sound a bit wild, but trust me, it's delicious! From hearty stews to tasty tacos, squirrel meat brings a unique flavor to the table that you won't want to miss. Imagine savoring a warm Squirrel Pot Pie on a chilly evening or grilling skewers for your next outdoor hangout. Curious about how to whip up these mouthwatering dishes? Let's investigate the five best squirrel recipes that'll have everyone talking!
Squirrel Stew With Root Vegetables
Squirrel stew with root vegetables is a hearty and rustic dish that brings out the rich flavors of the meat and the earthiness of the vegetables. This comforting meal is perfect for cold evenings and is a great way to utilize locally sourced ingredients.
With tender pieces of squirrel simmered with carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, this stew isn't only delicious but also a nod to traditional cooking methods. Prepare to enjoy a unique culinary experience that showcases the flavor of wild game.
Ingredients:
- 2 squirrels, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 4 cups of water or broth
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium parsnip, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Season the squirrel pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot, browning on all sides. Once browned, pour in the water or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, parsnip, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the squirrel meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.
Adjust the seasoning as necessary and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
For best results, allow the stew to sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together; reheating it will improve the taste.
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Additionally, feel free to substitute or add other root vegetables like turnips or sweet potatoes according to your preference. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this unique dish!
Savory Squirrel Pot Pie
Savory squirrel pot pie is a delightful and hearty dish that showcases the unique flavor of squirrel meat, complemented by a medley of vegetables and a flaky crust. This comforting meal is perfect for a chilly evening and can be a unique addition to your recipe repertoire.
With tender meat simmered in a rich gravy, enveloped in a golden-brown pastry, this pot pie is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb squirrel meat, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green peas
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Add the shredded squirrel meat, green peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, mixing until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, then pour the squirrel filling into the crust.
Cover with another layer of pie crust, sealing the edges, and cut slits in the top for steam to escape. Brush the top with the beaten egg.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For a more flavorful filling, consider marinating the squirrel meat in herbs and spices before cooking it.
Additionally, you can add mushrooms or potatoes to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply substitute the squirrel with mushrooms or a medley of your favorite vegetables.
Leftover pot pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and makes for a great reheated meal!
Grilled Squirrel Skewers With Garlic and Herbs
Grilled squirrel skewers with garlic and herbs make for a unique and flavorful dish that's perfect for outdoor gatherings or a hearty family meal. Tender pieces of squirrel meat are marinated in a blend of aromatic herbs and garlic, then threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection.
This dish not only showcases the rich flavor of the meat but also allows the delightful combination of herbs to shine through, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 squirrel carcasses, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Add the squirrel pieces to the bowl, making certain they're thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated squirrel pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a nice char.
Extra Tips:
When preparing grilled squirrel skewers, make certain that the meat is properly cleaned and dressed before marinating.
For added flavor, consider soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning.
You can also experiment with different herbs or add vegetables like bell peppers or onions between the squirrel pieces on the skewers for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Keep an eye on the grill to avoid overcooking, as squirrel meat can become tough if left on too long.
Enjoy your deliciously grilled squirrel skewers!
Squirrel Tacos With Spicy Salsa
Squirrel tacos with spicy salsa are a unique and adventurous dish that brings a wild twist to your taco night. Utilizing tender squirrel meat, seasoned to perfection, these tacos are complemented by a vibrant and spicy salsa that enhances the flavors. This recipe is perfect for those looking to try something different, and it's a great way to make use of locally sourced game meat.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound squirrel meat, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the squirrel meat and season with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and fully cooked. While the squirrel is cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
Once the meat is ready, assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of squirrel meat on each tortilla, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Extra Tips:
When cooking squirrel, be sure to remove any excess fat to avoid a greasy texture. If you're not comfortable with cleaning and preparing the squirrel, many local butchers can assist you or provide pre-prepared meat.
For the spicy salsa, consider adding jalapeños or serrano peppers to the mix for an extra kick. Experiment with toppings like cheese or sour cream to customize the tacos to your taste. Enjoy the process and embrace the flavors of this rustic dish!
Slow-Cooked Squirrel and Rice Casserole
Slow-Cooked Squirrel and Rice Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the unique flavor of squirrel meat with wholesome ingredients to create a comforting meal. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the meat becomes tender and juicy. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an adventurous gathering, and it's an excellent way to try something new in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 squirrels, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and brown the squirrel pieces on all sides.
Transfer the browned squirrel to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent, then mix in the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, rice, mixed vegetables, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pour this mixture over the squirrel in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the squirrel is tender and the rice is cooked through.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the squirrel overnight in buttermilk or your favorite marinade to tenderize the meat and improve its taste.
You can also customize the casserole by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms, or by using brown rice for a heartier option; just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Finally, serve your casserole with a fresh salad or crusty bread to complement this rustic dish.