Ever been out in the boonies on a hunting trip, but there were no deer or elk in sight? Live outside city limits and have a pest problem? Hunting and eating squirrels may be the answer, but what do they taste like?
Squirrel is a lighter game meat and tastes similar to rabbit and chicken. Squirrel meat can replace any meat in a game-meat recipe. Squirrels are known to have a nutty taste also, due to their diet.
Where Squirrel is Eaten
We are in good company when we eat squirrels. Other animals that feed on squirrels include hawks and eagles, coyotes, and other scavengers. These types of animals hunt squirrel readily as their main food source in certain places.
Most types of squirrel are found in the United States and are frequently hunted and eaten there. Depending on the laws around the city in which one lives is what determines the legality of hunting and eating squirrels. It is usually legal to hunt squirrels by using a trap in most inhabited cities.
Squirrels can also be found in the same fields where hunters typically go to hunt large game. This can be a perfect substitute meal for the hunter that is out and about on a trip trying to take down a large deer or elk. Squirrels are easy to find, hunt, skin, and dress for eating.
Squirrel’s Unique Taste
It’s no secret, the squirrel is a small critter. To make a decent meal for multiple people, one must consider the need for a few squirrels for the dish. Once the squirrels have been hunted, trapped, dispatched, skinned, and dressed, the meat can be cooked in a variety of different ways.
Since the squirrel is so small in stature the meat tends to cling to the bones. A squirrel’s most meaty part is its hindlegs. These hind legs can be quartered out and fried, boiled, or baked and stripped with the teeth much like a chicken wing.
The consistency of the meat is what leads to its interesting mixture of flavors. Squirrel meat can be tender and have a light gamey quality to it. The only downside with using squirrel meat is the fact that squirrels are so small, even smaller than a typical rabbit.
Why Squirrel is Considered a Good Meal
Squirrel meat is nutritional in value and has a great taste when prepared and cooked properly. Squirrel can replace any meat in any recipe, however is best used in game-meat recipes. Squirrels can be readily hunted as they are considered a pest in some places, and simply too abundant in others.
How to Make a Meal with Squirrel
The meat can be fried, boiled, or baked. Squirrel meat is usually wrapped tightly to the bones due to the smaller size of the squirrel. This makes the meat good for cutting into pieces and adding to stew that can be enjoyed for dinner and also as a leftover.
Squirrel Stew
- 1 lb of squirrel meat cut into chunks, pan-sear or boil
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, quartered
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
This stew can be made in a crock pot or a regular pot. If using a regular pot do the following:
- Add 2 cups of vegetable broth to the pan and bring to a boil
- Add the cooked squirrel meat, stir, bring down to a simmer
- Add onion, potatoes, garlic and carrot to the broth
- Stir occasionally and simmer until all vegetables are soft, about an hour or so on medium heat
- Add a pinch each of salt and pepper to taste
- Serve with a side of cornbread or garlic bread
Conclusion
Squirrel meat is an excellent substitute for rabbit meat and tastes similar to a cross between rabbit and chicken. This meat can be used in any recipe that calls for game-meat, as this meat can have a gamey quality to it, albeit lighter in taste than other game meats.
Squirrel meat is readily hunted in the United States and can be used in a variety of dishes. Because squirrels are so little it takes a little bit more meat to properly create a meal. Squirrel meat can be fried, baked, or boiled.
