Squirrels are small-sized mammals belonging to the Sciuridae family that also includes chipmunks, marmots, mice, shrews and prairie dogs, etc. They are one of the most adorable and cute-looking animals with their bushy tails and large eyes. We can generally find them in blackish, brown, or grey colors.
Moreover, you would be surprised to know that there are over 200 different types of species which can further be divided into three major types, which are: flying squirrel, ground squirrel, and tree squirrel. Interestingly, squirrels can be found on every continent of the world apart from Antarctica and Australia.
Other than that, they also vary in sizes as well ranging from the smallest, which is 2.8 – 5 inches, weighing 1.8 kilograms, up to the largest, which is 36 inches weighing just 110 grams. Their amazing little bodies allow them to have a special ability which is to run up the trees within seconds while only exerting little effort, and they are also great runners.
Squirrel meat is the most sustainable type of protein that you can consume. It may still be a very peculiar meat to consume, but in some parts around the globe, their meat is eaten quite commonly as well. It is fine, white meat and also very delicious.
Their meat is present mainly in some unique cuisines from around the world since it is very flavorful and uncommon. Other than that, you may also cook the meat in a variety of ways according to what you prefer the most, either fried, roasted, boiled, etc.
Moreover, you can try switching to squirrel meat in dishes that you make usually with chicken, so as to try out new flavors as well. So, are you also wondering what exactly does squirrel meat tastes like? Keep reading!
What does squirrel taste like? Does squirrel taste good?
Squirrel meat is strangely a quite delicious meal when cooked and consumed. It is not too common to have squirrel meat, usually for a meal. Its taste is quite similar to that of a rabbit or a chicken which is why eating it is common in some areas of the world too. It has a milder and elusive taste which seems more like a cross between a rabbit meat and a slice of chicken meat. Squirrel meat has a sweet and nutty taste to it, mainly because of their diet, which includes eating nuts like hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, hickory nuts, and walnuts, along with a very fine texture. Most people who try and eat this meat have an opinion that it is just like chicken meat, but is a little more succulent and maybe fatty at times as well.
Squirrel meat is peculiarly scrumptious, and just like any other meat, you have to cook it well and slowly on the heat before consuming it. Moreover, it is super safe to eat and has plentiful health benefits, which makes it popular among people. It is perfect for adding in your stews, veggies, and ragus in lasagna. Squirrel meat, at times, is darker and even more tasteful than chicken too. This is why many people love eating it for special cuisines. Additionally, squirrel meat has saturated fat; its national values measures 0.9g of fats, 6g of proteins, and a total of 34 calories – isn’t it amazing, right? Do you want to taste candy corn if you are interested to check where is candy corn made and its taste to check our complete gudie.
How to cook squirrel? - What Does Squirrel Meat Taste Like
Want to try eating a new dish and thinking of how to cook a squirrel and savor it later on? Follow the steps given below:
- Firstly, clean your meat thoroughly and dice it into smaller chunks for frying purposes.
- Coat it well with salt, pepper, and flour
- Put up an oiled skillet on the pan and allow it to heat well. Then, fry them in it until they turn golden-brown in color, which indicates the meat has cooked properly.
- After that, remove squirrel meat and oil from the skillet, leaving some oil behind.
- Then, you have to add water to the skillet and bring it to a boil eventually.
- Lastly, you need to put the fried squirrel back into the boiling water and cover, to cook on low heat to roughly for another hour, and finally, you have your cooked squirrel ready to eat!
One thing that you need to be very careful about and keep in mind is that a slice of squirrel meat takes a longer time to cook than chicken, so make sure it does not stay uncooked while you try out new recipes with it.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a delicious, low-carb, and nutrition-filled meal, then squirrel meat is the perfect option for you to have. It not only has a conventional taste like that of a chicken but is also packed with a lot of benefits too. You surely would not regret trying out this uncommon and outlandish meat once in a lifetime. Try following the cooking steps provided above to make yourself a nice and healthy meal which you will surely cherish and enjoy.
