17+ Thanksgiving Squirrel Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 12, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives. It's also a time for indulging in delicious food, and what better way to celebrate than with a unique and tasty addition to your traditional Thanksgiving spread – squirrel. Yes, you read that right, squirrel. This small game animal may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning your Thanksgiving menu, but trust us, this thanksgiving squirrel recipe will have your taste buds thanking you.
Main Ingredients: Squirrel, Potatoes, Carrots, Green Bell Pepper, Onions
If you're looking to switch up your usual chicken recipe, why not try using squirrel? Slow cooked squirrel is a delicious and unique dish that will impress your family and friends. The meat becomes tender and flavorful, perfect for a fall or winter meal. Serve it with some roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Thanksgiving Cider Sangria
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Sugar, Clove, Cinnamon Sticks, Allspice
While beer can chicken is a classic and delicious way to cook a whole chicken, why not switch things up with a Thanksgiving twist? This cider sangria is the perfect drink to sip on while your beer can chicken is cooking. Made with apple cider, white wine, and a variety of fall spices, this sangria is the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving feast.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Loaf, Cornbread, Butter, Large Onion, Celery
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without stuffing, and this beer can chicken recipe will certainly not disappoint. Made with a combination of bread, herbs, and spices, this stuffing is the perfect accompaniment to the tender and juicy chicken. Plus, with the added flavor from the beer can, it takes this classic dish to a whole new level.
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Squirrel Stew with Paprika and Greens
Main Ingredients: Squirrels, Salt, Flour, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making a squirrel stew? This dish is popular in many cultures and is a great way to use up leftover squirrel meat. Cooked with paprika, greens, and other flavorful ingredients, this stew is a hearty and comforting meal that will warm you up on a cold day.
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Braised Squirrel Aurora
Main Ingredients: Squirrels, Garlic, Almonds, Green Olives, Olive Oil
Braised squirrel is a popular way to cook this gamey meat, and this recipe takes it to the next level with a delicious Aurora sauce. Made with a combination of cream, tomato, and spices, this sauce adds a rich and tangy flavor to the tender squirrel meat. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Hmong Squirrel Stew
Main Ingredients: Squirrels, Vegetable Oil, Garlic, Lemongrass, Red
For a taste of Hmong cuisine, try making this squirrel stew. Made with a variety of herbs and spices, this stew is full of flavor and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The squirrel meat becomes tender and falls off the bone, making this a delicious and easy meal to prepare.
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Squirrel Agnolotti with Brown Butter and Sage
Main Ingredients: Squirrels, Olive Oil, Carrot, Celery Stalks, Onion, Bay
For a more sophisticated take on squirrel, try making this agnolotti dish. Agnolotti is a type of stuffed pasta, and in this recipe, the filling is made with squirrel meat, parmesan cheese, and herbs. Served with a simple brown butter and sage sauce, this dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home.
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Slow Cooker Squirrel and Veggies
Main Ingredients: Onion, Baby Carrots, Potatoes, Green Bell Pepper
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal, try making this slow cooker squirrel and veggies dish. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it cook for a few hours. The result is a flavorful and tender dish that is full of vegetables and protein.
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Buttermilk Fried Squirrel with Southern Gravy
Main Ingredients: Squirrels, Buttermilk, All Purpose Flour, Salt, Black
For a true taste of the South, try making this buttermilk fried squirrel with southern gravy. The squirrel meat is marinated in buttermilk and then coated in a flavorful breading before being fried to crispy perfection. Serve it with a creamy and savory gravy for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Squirrel Stew
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Squirrels, Cajun Seasoning Blend, Diced
Another classic way to cook squirrel is in a stew. This recipe is simple and straightforward, allowing the natural flavor of the squirrel meat to shine. With a combination of vegetables and herbs, this stew is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Kentucky Burgoo
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Squirrels, Venison, Pheasant, Green
Burgoo is a popular stew in Kentucky, and this recipe puts a unique twist on it by using squirrel as the main protein. With a variety of vegetables, beans, and spices, this stew is full of flavor and will keep you warm on a chilly day. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
While beer can chicken is a delicious and convenient way to cook a whole chicken, it's not the only bird that can benefit from this cooking method. Try using a beer can to cook your Thanksgiving turkey for a juicy and flavorful main dish that will impress your guests. Plus, it frees up valuable oven space for all your other Thanksgiving dishes.
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Thanksgiving Sides
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground
Speaking of Thanksgiving dishes, don't forget about the sides! While your beer can chicken is cooking, why not prepare some delicious Thanksgiving sides to go with it? From mashed potatoes to green bean casserole to sweet potato casserole, there are endless options to choose from to complete your Thanksgiving feast.
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Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without cranberry sauce, and this recipe takes it to the next level with the addition of beer. The beer adds a depth of flavor to the sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
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Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
For a classic and traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipe, look no further. This recipe uses a combination of bread, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying side dish. It's the perfect complement to your beer can chicken and other Thanksgiving dishes.
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without mashed potatoes, and this recipe claims to be the best. With the addition of cream cheese and garlic, these mashed potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Plus, they're easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
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OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking
For a fun and festive Thanksgiving dessert, try making these OREO cookie balls shaped like turkeys. Made with crushed OREO cookies, cream cheese, and chocolate, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they're easy to make and can be decorated in a variety of ways.
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Thanksgiving Punch
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Caramel Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon
While you're enjoying your beer can chicken and other Thanksgiving dishes, why not have a festive drink to go with it? This Thanksgiving punch is made with apple cider, cranberry juice, and ginger ale for a refreshing and delicious beverage. You can even add a splash of rum or vodka for a boozy twist.
For a lighter side dish option, try making this Thanksgiving slaw. It's made with a variety of fresh vegetables and tossed in a flavorful dressing made with apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. It's the perfect complement to your beer can chicken and other Thanksgiving dishes.
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Thanksgiving Sangria
Main Ingredients: Honey, Water, Apple Pie Spice, Pinot Grigio, Apple
If you prefer a drink that's a little more sophisticated, try making this Thanksgiving sangria. Made with red wine, brandy, and a variety of fall fruits, this sangria is bursting with flavor and is perfect for sipping while you wait for your beer can chicken to cook. It's also a great option for entertaining guests.
Why Squirrel?
The Benefits of Eating Squirrel
Squirrel may not be a common protein source in modern diets, but it has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. This small game animal is not only delicious, but it also has many health benefits. Squirrel meat is lean and high in protein, making it a great choice for those looking to incorporate more lean meats into their diet. It is also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy option. Squirrel is also a sustainable and environmentally-friendly choice as it is a wild animal that is abundant in many regions.
Preparing the Squirrel
How to Properly Clean and Prepare Squirrel Meat
Before cooking with squirrel, it's important to properly clean and prepare the meat. Start by skinning the squirrel and removing any fur or feathers. Then, remove the head, feet, and tail. Cut the squirrel into smaller pieces, removing any excess fat. Soak the squirrel meat in salted water for at least an hour to remove any remaining gamey taste. Once soaked, rinse the meat and pat dry with paper towels.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
4 cleaned and prepared squirrels
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Coat the squirrel pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the squirrel pieces to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
Remove the squirrel from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the squirrel to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Serve hot and enjoy your thanksgiving squirrel dish!
In Conclusion
While it may seem unconventional, incorporating squirrel into your Thanksgiving feast can add a unique and flavorful twist to your meal. With its many health benefits and delicious taste, this thanksgiving squirrel recipe is sure to become a new holiday favorite. So why not give it a try this Thanksgiving and surprise your family and friends with a dish they won't soon forget.