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.

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

Do you have to boil squirrel before frying? ›

The most efficient means is to boil the squirrel for thirty minutes on high heat. This method ensures that the squirrel is not only cooked, but also cleaned without having to skin, gut, butcher, etc.

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What temperature should squirrel be cooked to? ›

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.

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How many squirrels does it take to make a meal? ›

'A large squirrel would be enough for one-and-a-half people.

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How do you make tough squirrels tender? ›

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.

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What's the best way to cook squirrel? ›

Add the quartered squirrels to a slow cooker. Cover with liquid which is half chicken broth and half water. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 4–6 hours. Once cooked, pick the meat off the bones and set aside.

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How long to boil squirrel to make it tender? ›

Pittman noted that all of the squirrels won't always become tender at the same time. Very old bushytails can take over two hours and require adding more water. Once all of the squirrels are tender, Pittman returns them to the water and puts the pot in a refrigerator to cool overnight.

Is squirrel meat healthy to eat? ›

“I use grey squirrel meat for several reasons; it's healthy, nutritious, very low in fat and actually really delicious. I've never had a negative comment from a diner who has eaten squirrel in the restaurant; it's always been given the thumbs up and people say they would definitely eat it again,” he explains.

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What time of year can you not eat squirrel? ›

Ground squirrels are not a game animal in California so there are no seasons, bag or possession limits.

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Should you soak squirrel meat? ›

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.

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What parts of a squirrel can 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.

How to pan fry a squirrel? ›

Fry the squirrel in batches, lid tightly on, for 10 to 12 minutes per side. When the pieces are browned and cooked through, remove them to a warm plate and cover with foil while you make your gravy. Start by pouring off all but three tablespoons of oil from the pan.

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How do you get hair off squirrel meat? ›

You'll often find that there's a lot of small hairs on your rabbit and squirrel meat after skinning them. You can wash this away with cold running water. If the meat is really hairy, you can burn it off with a torch or stove burner — but do try the water first.

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How long to soak squirrel meat? ›

Poke holes in the squirrels to better absorb the marinade Add raw squirrels and ensure they are completely covered by brine solution. Refrigerate for 24-48 hours. Once squirrels are brined, remove them from brine and rinse. Pat dry with paper towels.

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What spice do squirrels hate the most? ›

Scents like white pepper, black pepper, and garlic are naturally unpleasant to a squirrel. The same goes for sweet smells such as peppermint. Try spraying your plants and flowers with water and then sprinkling on pepper or peppermint oil to deter squirrels.

Is it necessary to boil meat before frying? ›

It depends on the type of meat and the recipe. Some recipes call for the meat to be boiled first, while others may call for it to be fried or grilled.

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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.