How do you eat squirrel?

Eating squirrel requires proper preparation to ensure safety and enhance the taste. Here's a general step-by-step guide on how to eat squirrel:

1. Hunting or Sourcing:

- Obtain squirrel meat through legal hunting or purchase it from a reputable source.

2. Skinning and Cleaning:

- Skin the squirrel by making an incision along the belly and carefully removing the pelt.

- Remove the internal organs and discard them properly.

- Rinse the squirrel thoroughly under cold water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

3. Soaking:

- Soak the squirrel meat in cold water for several hours or overnight. This helps draw out any remaining blood and impurities, resulting in a cleaner taste.

4. Marinating (Optional):

- Marinate the squirrel meat in a mixture of herbs, spices, and liquids (such as buttermilk or wine) to enhance the flavor. Marinating can be done for several hours or overnight.

5. Cooking:

- Choose your preferred cooking method, such as roasting, baking, frying, or stewing.

- Cook the squirrel meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

6. Seasoning:

- Season the squirrel meat with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices to your taste.

7. Serving:

- Serve the cooked squirrel with accompaniments such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, or rice.

8. Enjoy:

- Enjoy the squirrel meat, being mindful of any bones that may be present.

Tips:

- Wear appropriate protective gear when handling and preparing the squirrel to avoid direct contact with its body fluids.

- Consider double-checking with local regulations and guidelines for hunting and consuming squirrel meat.

- Cooking times may vary depending on the cooking method and the size of the squirrel. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).