Squirrels might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when thinking of comfort foods, but this nutty-tasting game meat can be transformed into a hearty and delicious meal. In this post, we’ll show you how to create a creamy and savory dish by slow cooking squirrel with rich cream of mushroom soup in a crockpot.
If you’re new to cooking squirrel, don’t worry – we’ll cover all the basics, including how to tenderize the meat and whether or not to boil it before cooking. So, let’s dive in and discover the best way to prepare this underappreciated protein source.
Cooking Squirrel in a Crock Pot
If you are looking for an adventure in the kitchen, why not try cooking up some squirrel in your crock pot? Squirrel meat is high in protein, low in fat, and can be quite tasty. In this subsection, I’ll show you how to make a delicious cream of mushroom squirrel soup using your trusty crock pot.
Finding Squirrel Meat for Your Crock Pot
You can usually find squirrel meat at specialty butcher shops or online. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can go hunting for squirrels yourself! Just make sure you have the proper permits and follow all local hunting laws.
Preparing the Squirrel Meat
Before cooking the squirrel, you’ll want to clean and skin it. Remove any excess fat and cut the meat into small pieces. Squirrel meat can be quite tough, so it’s best to cook it for a long time at a low temperature to make it tender.
Creating the Soup
To make the soup, first, sauté some onions and garlic in a pan until softened. Then, add the chopped squirrel meat and brown on all sides. Transfer the mixture to your crock pot.
In a separate pan, melt some butter and sprinkle in some flour to make a roux. Then, slowly add some chicken broth and stir until the mixture thickens. Add the cream of mushroom soup, some diced mushrooms, and a pinch of thyme. Pour the mixture into the crock pot with the squirrel meat and stir to combine.
Cooking the Soup
Cook the mixture on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the squirrel meat is tender. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers. This recipe is sure to be a hit with adventurous eaters and those looking to try something new.
So go ahead, grab your crock pot and start cooking up some delicious cream of mushroom squirrel soup. Your taste buds (and maybe your friends and family) will thank you!
How to Cook Squirrel so It’s Tender?
If you’re going to go through the trouble of catching a squirrel or two, you want to make sure that it doesn’t turn out tough and stringy when you’re ready to eat it. Especially if you’re planning on making Crock Pot squirrel cream of mushroom, you want your meat to be tender and flavorful. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook squirrel so it’s tender and delicious.
Clean and Prepare the Squirrel
First things first: make sure that your squirrel is properly cleaned and prepped. You’ll need to remove the skin, head, feet, and any internal organs. Rinse the squirrel thoroughly with cold water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Marinate the Squirrel
One trick to getting tender, flavorful squirrel meat is to marinate it overnight. You can use any marinade you like, but we recommend something with a lot of herbs and spices to help mask any gaminess in the meat. Make sure to cover the squirrel completely in the marinade and refrigerate it overnight.
Slow Cook the Squirrel
When you’re ready to cook the squirrel, take it out of the marinade and rinse it off with cold water. Place the squirrel in your Crock Pot along with some cream of mushroom soup, diced onions, and any other seasonings you like. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once your squirrel is fully cooked, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy! We recommend serving it over rice or with some crusty bread on the side. Don’t forget to save any leftovers for later – squirrel meat makes a great addition to soups, stews, and casseroles.
And there you have it – a simple guide on how to cook squirrel so it’s tender and delicious. Happy hunting!
Do You Boil Squirrel Before Cooking?
When it comes to preparing squirrel meat, there are varying opinions on whether or not you should boil it before cooking. Some believe that boiling helps to tenderize the meat and remove any potential gaminess or unpleasant flavors. Others argue that boiling can strip the meat of its natural flavor and nutrients.
The Boiling Debate
The truth is, there is no one right answer when it comes to boiling squirrel meat. It really depends on personal preference and the specific recipe you’re using. If you’re making a hearty stew or soup where the squirrel will be cooking for an extended period of time, boiling beforehand might not be necessary. However, if you’re planning to grill or pan-sear the meat, boiling can help to ensure it cooks evenly and stays flavorful.
To Boil or Not to Boil?
If you do decide to boil your squirrel meat before cooking, here are the steps to follow:
- Clean and prepare the squirrel meat as usual.
- Place the meat in a large pot and cover it with water.
- Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Let the meat simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and tender.
- Use the boiled meat in your favorite recipe as desired.
Keep in mind that boiling squirrel meat can lead to a stronger “gamey” flavor and aroma. If you’re sensitive to these qualities, you may want to skip the boiling step altogether and simply season the meat well before cooking.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong way to prepare squirrel meat. Whether you boil it beforehand or not, the key is to cook it thoroughly and use flavorful seasonings and sauces to enhance its natural taste. So go ahead and experiment with different methods until you find the one that works best for you. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
What is the Best Way to Cook Squirrels?
Squirrels can be tricky to cook, but with the right method, they can be absolutely delicious. Here are some of the best ways to cook squirrels:
Slow Cooked Squirrels
Slow cooking is by far the most popular way to cook squirrels. One of the best tools for this method is a Crockpot. The slow and low temperature of a Crockpot helps to tenderize the tough meat of squirrels.
Squirrel Stew
Another great way to cook squirrels is to make a delicious stew. Squirrel meat, when stewed properly, is tender and flavorful. For the perfect squirrel stew, try making a roux with flour and butter and add in onions, carrots, and celery. Then, sear the squirrel meat before adding it to the pot.
Fried Squirrels
If you’re looking for a more traditional way to cook squirrels, why not try frying them? To make fried squirrels, first, soak the meat in a buttermilk bath for at least a few hours to tenderize it. Then, bread it with your favorite coating, such as cornmeal, and fry until golden brown.
Grilled Squirrels
Grilling squirrels is a great way to cook them if you want to impart a smoky flavor. The key is to marinate them first and then cook them on a hot grill until they are cooked through. You can also stuff the squirrels with herbs and spices for extra flavor.
In summary, there are many ways to cook squirrels, including slow cooking, making stew, fried squirrels, and grilled squirrels. Regardless of the method, make sure to prepare the squirrel correctly and season it properly for a delicious and satisfying meal.
