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)

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

FAQs

Is squirrel meat safe to eat? ›

Squirrel meat is excellent. It's also a great species for new hunters to learn on since the barrier to entry is low, and you get to work on many of the skills you'll use hunting bigger game, such as stealth, stalking, and accurate shooting.

How do you cook a squirrel over an open fire? ›

Place the butt end of the squirrel stick in the ground or under a large rock, then use another rock to prop the stick so that the squirrel hangs about 18 above the fire or bed of coals. As the squirrel roasts, rotate it every 10 minutes or so to cook evenly.

Do you have to soak squirrel before cooking? ›

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? ›

Quarter the squirrel:

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.

What part of a squirrel do you eat? ›

What Parts of the Squirrel are Usually Eaten? 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.

What time of year can you not eat squirrels? ›

(Highhorse L.) Answer: Tree squirrel season runs between September and January. California ground squirrels are not a game animal though, so from a legal standpoint, they have no seasons, bag or possession limits.

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.

How healthy is eating squirrel? ›

This little critter is a powerhouse of protein, with more protein in a standard serving than either beef or chicken. Although this meat is a good source of iron, niacin and vitamin B6, as well as an excellent source of vitamin B12, the downside is that it's also a high-cholesterol food source.

Do you have to age squirrel before cooking? ›

Aging is not recommended for a carcass with little or no fat covering, as the carcass may dry out during the aging process. If you choose to cook your game by braising, roasting, or stewing, then aging is not necessary since moist heat cooking also tenderizes the meat.

Does boiling squirrel make it tender? ›

As soon as the water boils, reduce the heat and simmer the squirrel, uncovered, until just tender. (Some pieces will get tender before others, so check periodically with a fork, removing those that are just tender to prevent overcooking.)

How do you clean a squirrel for cooking? ›

How to Clean a Squirrel
  1. Soak or spray the squirrel with water and pluck the hair from the base of the tail. ...
  2. Cut through the base of the tailbone being careful not to cut the hide on top of the rump. ...
  3. Place the back legs on a board, stump, or flat rock. ...
  4. Make an angled cut in front of each hind leg down toward the belly.

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 do you know when squirrel meat is done? ›

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.

How do you clean a squirrel without getting hair on the meat? ›

First, dip the squirrel in water. This keeps most of the hair off the meat while skinning. You'll need a pair of utility snippers that can be purchased at any hardware store for the next part. Clip the feet, tail, and head off the squirrel.

Do squirrels make good eating? ›

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. Our squirrels are supplied skinned and whole, unless requested in fur, and we recommend allowing one per person.

Why do you soak squirrel meat in salt water? ›

The quarters or around the top of each leg is where the meat comes from on squirrels. This meat is made tender by soaking in a salt water solution, draining and then soaking in a vinegar water solution. These steps help start to break down the proteins and other tissues around the meat to make everything more tender.

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