Where Can I Get Squirrel Jerky?
If you are thinking of making squirrel jerky at home, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few tips to make squirrel meat delicious and healthy. Before you begin, you’ll need to clean and trim your squirrel, as well as a jerky gun. You can even make your own squirrel jerky using your slow cooker! Here are some tips to help you get started!
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Finding squirrel meat in your own kitchen
The excitement of cooking with squirrel has spread far beyond your kitchen. Celebrities such as Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver are fans of this unique meat, and more restaurant menus are featuring dishes featuring it. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Canteen has even included a recipe for squirrel stew. Apparently, 1.8 million people in the US hunt for squirrel, making this a very popular game meat.
Using a good quality supplier is essential. While you can buy squirrel meat in a store, you must make sure it is completely safe for consumption. Squirrel meat can be stored for up to 24 hours in the fridge or frozen for several months. While it is not safe to eat a wild squirrel, it pairs well with a variety of flavors and can be cooked quickly. A little oil and some pepper will give it a unique taste.
Preparing squirrel jerky in a slow cooker
Preparing squirrel jerky in sluggish cooker is the best option if you want to cook your favorite snack meats. Squirrel meat is very lean and is comparable to free-range chicken breast in flavor. Its light, delicate texture is closer to rabbit meat than chicken. Squirrel meat also has a distinct sweetness that comes from the squirrel’s diet. But squirrel jerky can easily be overcooked and turn rubbery, just like chicken breast.
To make your own jerky, you can purchase a jug of ground squirrel meat and place it in the crock pot. Add water to cover the meat, stir, and allow it to cook for three to four hours on low. Stir it occasionally to ensure it’s evenly coated with a thin layer of salt. It should take about 90 minutes for the meat to fall off the bone.
Finding squirrel meat in a jerky gun
If you’re curious about how to make jerky, ground squirrel meat is an excellent choice. These small animals have excellent flavor and texture, so you’ll love this delicious snack! A jerky gun uses a nozzle to slice meat into strips. To use the jerky gun, you’ll need to grind the meat before putting it into the nozzle. Make sure you stir the meat thoroughly before putting it into the nozzle.
Preserving squirrel jerky
Before making jerky, you must first prepare the squirrel. First, clean it thoroughly by cutting away the silver skin. This will free the muscles for a tenderer end product. Be careful not to remove the good meat. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Then pour the marinade over the squirrel in a zip-lock bag. Gently massage the squirrel to ensure an even distribution of the marinade. Refrigerate the squirrel for at least 4 hours before eating.
Then, prepare the meat. If you are preparing beef jerky, you can use ground beef. Roll out the meat on waxed or parchment paper, and then slice it into strips with a pizza cutter. When the meat is done, transfer it to a dehydrator. If possible, you can also vacuum seal the squirrel jerky before it is processed. If you prefer a quick jerky, you can also use a vacuum sealer to shorten the marinating process.
How do you make squirrel jerky?
First you will need to clean the squirrel by removing the entrails and brain.
Next you will need to cut the squirrel into thin strips.
Then you will need to marinate the strips in a mixture of your choice of seasonings and liquids.
After that you will need to dehydrate the strips.
Finally you will need to package and store the strips.
What is the best way to clean a squirrel?
The best way to clean a squirrel is to remove the entrails and brain.
What is the best way to cut a squirrel into thin strips?
The best way to cut a squirrel into thin strips is to use a sharp knife.
What is the best way to marinate squirrel jerky?
The best way to marinate squirrel jerky is to use a mixture of your choice of seasonings and liquids.
How do you dehydrate squirrel jerky?
You dehydrate squirrel jerky by drying it in a food dehydrator.
Can you package and store squirrel jerky without dehydrating it first?
No you cannot package and store squirrel jerky without dehydrating it first.
What is the shelf life of squirrel jerky?
The shelf life of squirrel jerky is 1-2 years.
How should you store squirrel jerky?
You should store squirrel jerky in a cool dark place.
What is the best way to cook squirrel jerky?
The best way to cook squirrel jerky is to dehydrate it.
What is the best way to season squirrel jerky?
The best way to season squirrel jerky is to use a mixture of your choice of seasonings.
What is the best way to eat squirrel jerky?
The best way to eat squirrel jerky is to chew it slowly and savor the flavor.
What are some of the benefits of eating squirrel jerky?
Some of the benefits of eating squirrel jerky include that it is a good source of protein and it is low in fat.
What are some of the drawbacks of eating squirrel jerky?
Some of the drawbacks of eating squirrel jerky include that it is high in sodium and it can be tough to chew.
Is squirrel jerky safe to eat?
Yes squirrel jerky is safe to eat as long as it has been properly prepared.
What are some of the risks of eating squirrel jerky?
Some of the risks of eating squirrel jerky include food poisoning and dental problems.
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.
