How to Cook a Squirrel: A No-Nonsense Guide from Forest to Feast

“You’re cooking what?” My dinner guests always ask this question. Yes, squirrel. And trust me, this overlooked meat might surprise you. I’ve spent years perfecting these recipes, and I’m here to share every juicy detail.

The Truth About Squirrel Meat

Let’s bust some myths. Squirrel meat packs more flavor than your average chicken dinner. Gray squirrels give you the best bang for your buck – they’re bigger and meatier than their red cousins. The meat tastes sweet and nutty (pun intended!), with a wild game kick that’s milder than rabbit.

(For more on the best air rifle for squirrels, see this post)

Getting Started: The Basics

First things first – you need clean meat. Here’s my straight-to-the-point guide:

1. Clean it fast after hunting
2. Wear rubber gloves
3. Split it into five pieces:
   • Two front legs
   • Two back legs
   • The back piece

Pro tip: Rinse that meat well! Nobody wants to bite into squirrel fur. Trust me, I learned this one the hard way.

The “Shirt and Pants” Method

Sounds funny, right? This trick makes skinning a breeze:

1. Cut the tail base
2. Pin the tail under your boot
3. Pull up on the back legs
4. Watch the hide peel off like a tiny sweater
5. Remove the “pants” (hide on back legs)

Let’s Get Cooking: My Top Methods

1. Southern Fried Squirrel

Think of this as the gateway recipe to squirrel cooking.

You’ll Need:

• Squirrel pieces
• Buttermilk
• 2 cups flour
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Oil for frying

The Magic Steps:

1. Soak meat in buttermilk (1 hour minimum)
2. Simmer until tender (90 minutes)
3. Roll in seasoned flour
4. Fry until golden (10-12 minutes per side)

Hot tip: Don’t rush the simmering. Tough squirrel meat ruins dinner faster than my aunt’s politics talk at Thanksgiving.

2. Lazy Sunday Slow-Cooker Squirrel

Perfect for those “set it and forget it” days.

Grab These:

• Quartered squirrel
• Carrots, potatoes, onions
• Chicken broth
• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• Flour

The Easy Way:

1. Dump veggies in first
2. Add meat on top
3. Pour in broth
4. Cook low and slow (6-8 hours)
5. Thicken gravy at the end

3. Fancy-Pants Squirrel Rillettes

Want to impress your foodie friends? This recipe turns squirrel into a fancy French-style spread.

Shopping List:

• Squirrel meat
• Bacon (everything’s better with bacon)
• Onions, carrots, garlic
• Dry cider
• Juniper berries
• Fresh herbs
• Salt and pepper

Get Fancy:

1. Crisp up the bacon
2. Cook your veggies
3. Brown the meat
4. Add cider
5. Pressure cook (30 minutes)
6. Shred and mix
7. Spread on toast

Smart Tips for Better Results

Age Matters

• Young squirrels: Quick cooking works fine
• Old squirrels: Low and slow saves the day

Make it Tender

Try these tricks:

1. Buttermilk bath (1-8 hours)
2. Salt water soak (overnight)
3. Pre-cook before frying
4. Slow cook until tender

Seasoning Magic

• Basic: Salt, pepper, garlic
• Southern style: Add some kick with Cajun spices
• European flair: Juniper berries and herbs
• Italian twist: Garlic, herbs, white wine

More Recipe Ideas

Grandma’s-Style Pot Pie

Nothing beats a bubbling pot pie on a cold day. The flaky crust hides tender meat and rich gravy underneath.

Squirrel Gets Fancy (Alfredo Style)

My Italian grandmother would roll in her grave, but this twist on classic Alfredo sauce works surprisingly well.

Backyard BBQ Squirrel

Slather it with your favorite sauce and cook it slow. Makes amazing sandwiches!

Stay Safe Out There

Important stuff:

1. Only cook legally hunted squirrels
2. Clean and cook right away
3. Watch for tiny bones
4. Keep everything cool and clean
5. Cook it through

What Goes Well With Squirrel?

Old School Sides:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Fresh-baked cornbread
• Collard greens
• Roasted root vegetables
• Fresh herbs on top

Drink Pairings:

• Light reds
• Rich whites
• Local cider

Common Goofs to Skip

1. Racing through young meat cooking
2. Rushing older meat
3. Skipping the soaking step
4. Leaving fur behind
5. Cooking too hot

Real Talk: Why Cook Squirrel?

Squirrel meat connects us to old-school cooking. It’s sustainable, tasty, and teaches patience in the kitchen. Plus, it makes for great dinner conversation!

From My Kitchen Disasters to Your Success

I’ll never forget my first squirrel cooking adventure. The meat was tough as leather, and my girlfriend (now wife) still teases me about it. But practice makes perfect. Start with the simple fried recipe, then work your way up to the fancy stuff.

The Final Bite

Cooking squirrel might raise eyebrows, but it rewards the adventurous cook. Each recipe tells a story – of hunters, home cooks, and hungry families making the most of what nature provides.

Don’t let its small size fool you. Squirrel meat packs flavor into every bite. Master these techniques, and you’ll add something special to your cooking skills.

Remember:

• Clean it well
• Cook it right
• Share it proudly

The next time someone asks “You’re cooking what?” you’ll have quite a story to tell. And more importantly, a delicious meal to share.