How to Cook a Squirrel in a Crock Pot
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, and if you want to try it at home, it’s even better. First, you’ll need to prep the squirrel. This is easier said than done, so you’ll want to follow some basic tips to make this meal as tasty as possible. In this article, you’ll learn the preparation steps and what to add to your crock pot.
Preparation
Squirrel meat is often considered a delicacy by some people. While the meat is rarely commercially available, it can be tracked down by hunting enthusiasts. While the meat may be tender and flavorful, older squirrels often have tough, tougher meat, so you will need to prepare it by braising. Before cooking your squirrel in a crock pot, you should first brown it in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, using flour, until it is crisp. Use the browned residue to build an aromatic sauce with blackened meat. Add enough water to cover the meat but not so much that it is overcooked. The sauce should be thick but not submerged.
After you have removed the skin, the meat is ready for frying. You can use the same method as for preparing chicken or beef. You can also cook squirrel in a pressure cooker. Nevertheless, you will need to prepare the squirrel first before cooking it. To make it easier to handle, cut the meat into small pieces, and mix it with a mixture of vegetables, sausage, and white wine. After that, add the remaining ingredients to the crock pot and cook it on low for 8 hours. Then, once the meat has become tender, you can enjoy it and the leftovers.
The preparation for cooking squirrel in a crock pot starts the night before you plan to cook it. After you prepare the peppers and onions, the meat should be soaked in red wine for at least six hours. While the meat should be cooked slowly, you should not crowd the pot. A high-quality squirrel should be tender and juicy. If you want to try cooking wild game in the crock pot, here are a few tips:
Cooking time
If you’re interested in trying squirrel in your crock pot, it can take up to 8 hours to prepare. The meat should fall off the bone after it’s been cooked in the crock pot. To begin, prepare your ingredients. You’ll need a little bit of salt and pepper, and enough water to cover the meat. Pour the ingredients over the meat and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours.
First, heat the oil to 350 degrees. You can also heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large saucepan and then pour in the oil. When it’s ready, the water should sizzle. Be careful, however, because moisture from the egg wash can seep through the breading. If this happens, toss the pieces of squirrel in flour again before cooking. After about 30 minutes, they should be golden brown on all sides.
If you plan to use a crock pot to cook squirrel, make sure to set it for 90 minutes. You may have to adjust the cooking time a bit if you plan on using the squirrel in a dish with peppers. Then, remove the leaves from the meat before adding them to the pot. Then, add the rest of the ingredients. Stir the mixture. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Ingredients
The first step in cooking your own squirrel in the crock pot is preparing the meat. Rub the meat with olive oil and lay it in a baking pan. Bake the squirrel for at least 30 minutes, or until the meat is easily pulled off the bone. Once the squirrel has finished cooking, remove it from the crock pot, brush the top with sauce, and serve. If you like, you can add more sauce to the crock pot after cooking the meat.
After preparing the meat, salt it well and flour it. Heat a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the squirrels, in batches, until brown. Remove the cooked squirrels and drain off the fat. Saute onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir in the ketchup and pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 6 to 8 hours.
After the squirrel has cooled, remove the meat and prepare the sauce. This mixture will turn into a delicious gravy. Alternatively, you can fry the meat on a griddle or skillet, which will add to the savory flavor. While waiting for the squirrel to cook, stir the marinade and make the sauce. Once it has thickened, pour the liquid into a pan and cook until the meat is cooked.
How do you cook a squirrel in a crock pot?
Answer: You cook it on low for six to eight hours.
What kind of squirrel is best to cook in a crock pot?
Answer: Any kind of squirrel will do.
Do you have to clean the squirrel before cooking it in a crock pot?
Answer: Yes you should clean it to remove any dirt and debris.
What kind of seasonings can you use on the squirrel before cooking it in a crock pot?
Answer: You can use any kind of seasonings you like.
How many squirrels can you cook in a crock pot at one time?
Answer: You can cook more than one squirrel in a crock pot but it is not recommended.
What kind of liquid do you need to cook a squirrel in a crock pot?
Answer: You need to use enough liquid to cover the squirrel.
What kind of vegetables can you cook with the squirrel in the crock pot?
Answer: You can cook any kind of vegetables you like.
Do you have to flip the squirrel during cooking?
Answer: No you do not have to flip it.
What temperature should the crock pot be set at?
Answer: The crock pot should be set to low.
How long does it take to cook a squirrel in a crock pot?
Answer: It takes six to eight hours.
Can you overcook a squirrel in a crock pot?
Answer: Yes you can overcook it if you cook it for too long.
What happens if you overcook a squirrel in a crock pot?
Answer: It will become very tough and dry.
Is it better to cook a squirrel in a crock pot or oven?
Answer: It is better to cook it in a crock pot because it is more moist.
Can you cook a frozen squirrel in a crock pot?
Answer: Yes you can cook a frozen squirrel in a crock pot.
How do you know when a squirrel is done cooking in a crock pot?
Answer: You know it is done when it is cooked through and the meat is tender.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
