Squirrels are small mammals known for their bushy tails and ability to climb trees with lightning speed. In many parts of the world, squirrels are considered a delicacy and are regularly hunted for their tasty meat. If you are interested in trying squirrel meat, it’s important to know how to properly clean and cook them to ensure a delicious and safe meal.

Cleaning a squirrel:

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to properly clean the squirrel. Begin by removing the skin, which can be done by making a small incision at the base of the tail and carefully peeling it off. Be sure to remove any excess fur or feather residue that may be attached to the skin.

Pro tip: To make skin removal easier, you can scald the squirrel in hot water for a few minutes before peeling off the skin.

Next, it’s time to remove the entrails. Make an incision near the tail and carefully cut towards the ribs, being cautious not to puncture any organs. Once the incision is made, use your fingers or a spoon to remove the intestines, liver, and other organs, taking care not to rupture them.

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Cooking squirrel:

Now that the squirrel has been properly cleaned, it’s time to cook it. There are numerous ways to prepare squirrel meat, but the most popular methods include roasting, frying, or slow-cooking. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to properly season the meat to enhance its flavor.

Pro tip: Marinating squirrel meat in a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices for a few hours can help tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors.

When it comes to cooking squirrel, it’s crucial to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid any potential health risks. The internal temperature of the meat should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria or parasites that may be present. Using a meat thermometer can help you accurately determine when the squirrel is fully cooked.

Remember, cleaning and cooking squirrel can be a rewarding culinary experience, but it’s important to follow proper hygiene and safety guidelines. So go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the unique and delicious taste of squirrel meat!

Preparing Squirrel for Cooking

Before cooking squirrel, it is important to properly clean and prepare the meat to ensure it is safe and delicious to eat. Follow these steps to prepare squirrel for cooking:

1. Start by removing the hide and fur from the squirrel. Using a sharp knife or scissors, carefully cut a small hole at the base of the tail and peel the skin downwards towards the legs. Once the skin is completely removed, cut off the feet and discard them.

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2. Next, remove the squirrel’s internal organs. Make a small incision in the belly area and carefully remove the guts, taking care not to puncture the intestines or other organs. Rinse the cavity with water to remove any remaining debris.

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3. After cleaning the squirrel, it is important to soak the meat in cold water for at least an hour to remove any gamy flavor. This step is optional but recommended for a milder taste.

4. Once soaked, pat the squirrel dry with paper towels. You can then proceed to cook the squirrel using your preferred recipe.

Remember to always handle and store squirrel meat properly to prevent any foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your homemade squirrel dish!

Skinning and Gutting the Squirrel

Once you have caught a squirrel, it is important to properly skin and gut it before cooking. This process ensures that the meat is clean and ready for cooking.

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Materials Needed

  • Sharp knife
  • Gloves
  • Cutting board

Steps to Skin and Gut a Squirrel

  1. Put on gloves to protect your hands from any potential pathogens.
  2. Begin by making a small incision just below the tail of the squirrel, being careful not to cut too deep.
  3. Gently peel back the skin, using your fingers or a knife to separate it from the flesh.
  4. Continue to peel back the skin, working your way towards the head of the squirrel.
  5. Once the skin is completely removed, set it aside for later use or disposal.
  6. Next, locate the squirrel’s anus and make a small cut around it.
  7. Carefully, make an incision along the belly of the squirrel, from the anus to the ribcage.
  8. Using your fingers or a knife, gently remove the entrails, being careful not to puncture any organs.
  9. Remove the bladder and any other remaining organs.
  10. Rinse the squirrel thoroughly with cold water to remove any excess blood or remaining debris.

Once you have finished skinning and gutting the squirrel, the meat is now ready to be cooked according to your chosen recipe. Keep in mind that fresh squirrel meat should be stored properly or cooked immediately to ensure its freshness and quality.

Removing Excess Fat and Hair

Before cooking squirrel, it is essential to remove any excess fat and hair from the meat. This can be done by following these steps:

  1. Begin by rinsing the squirrel under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim away any visible fat on the squirrel. Fat can add a greasy texture to the meat, so it’s best to remove as much as possible.
  3. Next, inspect the squirrel for any remaining hair. If there are any hairs still present, use a kitchen blowtorch or a lighter to singe off the hair. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and with caution.
  4. Once the hair has been removed, rinse the squirrel again to ensure it is clean and ready for cooking.

By removing excess fat and hair, you can improve the flavor and texture of the squirrel meat, allowing it to cook more evenly and taste delicious.

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Washing and Trimming the Squirrel

Before cooking a squirrel, it is important to properly wash and trim it to ensure cleanliness and remove any excess fat or unwanted parts. Follow these steps to prepare the squirrel:

  1. Remove the Fur

    Begin by removing the fur from the squirrel. This can be done by using a sharp knife to make a shallow cut around the ankle of each leg. Carefully pull the fur towards the head, peeling it off the body. Continue this process until all the fur has been removed.

  2. Clean the Squirrel

    Next, thoroughly clean the squirrel under cold running water. Use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub away any dirt or debris, paying close attention to the legs and underbelly. This will help remove any bacteria or contaminants from the meat.

  3. Remove Excess Fat and Entrails

    Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, trim away any excess fat from the squirrel, especially around the belly area. You can also remove any entrails or organs that you do not wish to consume, such as the liver or kidneys.

  4. Pat Dry

    After cleaning and trimming the squirrel, gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel. This will help remove any excess moisture and make it easier to season and cook.

By properly washing and trimming the squirrel before cooking, you can ensure that the meat is clean, free from debris, and ready to be seasoned and prepared according to your recipe.

Cooking Squirrel

Once you have properly cleaned and prepared your squirrel, you can move on to cooking it. Here are a few popular ways to cook squirrel:

1. Fried Squirrel: Cut the squirrel into smaller pieces and soak them in a mixture of buttermilk, salt, and pepper for a few hours. Then, coat the pieces in flour and fry them in hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

2. Squirrel Stew: Cut the squirrel into larger pieces and place them in a pot with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. Add some broth or water, along with your preferred spices and herbs. Simmer the stew on low heat for a few hours until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve hot with crusty bread.

3. Grilled Squirrel: Marinate the squirrel pieces in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs and spices. Let the meat sit in the marinade for at least an hour, then grill it over medium heat until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Remember, squirrel meat can be quite lean, so be careful not to overcook it, as it can become tough and dry. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and cooking techniques to find your favorite way to prepare and enjoy squirrel!

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Marinating the Squirrel

Marinating the squirrel is an important step in the cooking process as it helps to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Here is a simple marinade recipe that you can use:

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the cleaned squirrel in a resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the marinade over the squirrel.
  4. Seal the bag and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight.
  5. Turn the bag occasionally to ensure that the squirrel is evenly coated with the marinade.
  6. After marinating, remove the squirrel from the bag and discard the marinade.
  7. Pat the squirrel dry with paper towels before cooking.

Marinating the squirrel adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. It also helps to remove any residual blood or gamey taste. Once you have marinated the squirrel, you can proceed to cook it according to your desired recipe.

Q&A

What is the best way to clean a squirrel?

The best way to clean a squirrel is to first remove its fur. Then, carefully remove its internal organs by making a small incision near its stomach. It is important to be careful not to puncture any organs while removing them. Once the internal organs are removed, rinse the squirrel thoroughly in cold water.

Can I eat the brains and other organs of a squirrel?

While it is possible to eat the brains and other organs of a squirrel, it is generally not recommended. Squirrels can carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans. It is best to stick to consuming the meat of the squirrel and discard the rest.

What is the cooking time for squirrel meat?

The cooking time for squirrel meat can vary depending on the recipe and the size of the squirrel. As a general guideline, squirrel meat should be cooked for about 30 minutes to an hour. It is important to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illnesses.

Are there any special seasonings or marinades that pair well with squirrel meat?

There are a few seasonings and marinades that pair well with squirrel meat. Some popular choices include garlic, rosemary, thyme, and cayenne pepper. It is also common to marinate squirrel meat in a mixture of vinegar and oil to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Ultimately, the choice of seasonings and marinades is a matter of personal preference.