My turtle recipes are below. Turtle meat can be prepared in a variety of ways, much the same as squirrels or rabbits.The best results are obtained by parboiling the meat until it can be easily removed from the bone. Try stir-frying the meat with bacon in a very hot skillet or adding it to a stew or gumbo.
Snapping turtle meat can be delicious if the turtles are cleaned properly and making sure the meat is tenderized.
Easy Turtle Recipes
It has been said that turtle tastes like chicken, but that seems to be the answer for any type of odd meat. Even rattlesnake is said to taste like chicken, so why not just eat chicken?
Turtle actually tastes more like veal and is versatile, since it is equally good battered and fried or in thick, meaty soup. If you have never cooked turtle meat before, the easiest way to start is by frying it. Here’s a easy turtle recipe that tastes fantastic.
THE BEST DEEP FRIED TURTLE NUGGETS1-1/2 cups homemade Bisquick1/2 tsp homemade garlic powder1/2 tsp homemade onion powderturtle meat from one turtle Soak turtle meat in cold salt water 2+ hours. Drain, add fresh water to cover and add 1/2 teaspoon soda. Simmer until nearly done. I recommend pressure cooking turtle for 20 minutes at 10 pounds with salt water, not soda. Remove from juice and wash in cool water, debone it, cut into pieces and set aside.
Make a thin batter with the Bisquick, seasonings and water. Coat pieces of meat in batter and deep fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towel. Handle with tongs and meat does not come loose from batter.
TURTLE STEW RECIPE1/4 lb chopped baconmeat of two turtles, cut into bite-sized pieces1/2 c. flour 1/2 tsp salt1/4 tsp pepper
4 cups beef broth2 carrots, sliced4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed2 medium onions, chopped28 oz can diced tomatoes2 tsp thyme1 tsp marjoramsalt and pepper to taste
Cook bacon in stew pot until done, remove bacon and set aside. Pour off grease except for 3 or 4 tablespoons.
Rinse turtle pieces in cold water. Drain, dredge in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Brown turtle pieces slowly in bacon grease over medium heat.Add 4 cups beef broth and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until turtle is tender and can easily be removed from bone. Remove turtle. Allow to cool until meat can be handled.
Stir bacon, carrots, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and spices into stew pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are done. Remove meat from bones. Cut into chunks across grain. Stir into pot. Simmer additional 15 minutes. Taste stew, adjust seasonings as desired.
This is a wonderful turtle recipe. See for yourself…
TURTLE GRAVY AND RICE5-6 lb turtle meat1/2 cup flour3 yellow onions, chopped2 celery stalks, chopped2 bell peppers, chopped1/4 cup Kitchen Bouquet1 cup green onions, chopped4 cups tomatoes, stewed, crushed or whole1 cup mushrooms, sliced1/2 cup cooking oilCreole or Cajun seasoning, to taste4 cloves garlicCut turtle in small pieces and season. Brown in cooking oil. (Cook until all water is gone and turtle is brown.) Set meat aside.
To oil and drippings add flour and make roux. To roux add onions both yellow and green, celery, bell pepper (holy trinity) and garlic. Cook until wilted.Add turtle, mushrooms, Kitchen Bouquet, tomatoes and bring to low boil. Then simmer for 2-2 1/2 hours (or until turtle is tender). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You may use wild turkey, venison or chicken. Serve over rice.
This turtle recipe is served in the South. Season it up as spicy as you wish.TURTLE ETOUFFEEolive oil5 lb turtle meat, cleaned4 lg. onions, chopped well1 bell pepper, chopped1 clove garlic, finely choppedJuice of 1/2 lemon1/2 cup fresh parsleySalt and pepper1 tsp homemade Worcestershire sauceWash and drain turtle meat. Season with salt and pepper, and brown in olive oil. Put in heavy pot and add all other ingredients. Do not add water or wine. Cook on low heat from 6 to 8 hours until meat is tender. Serve with rice. Be sure to check out the links below.
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