Baked Squirrel
A hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender squirrel baked in a savory sauce with bacon drippings, sour cream, and lemon juice, perfect for rustic, outdoor-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the squirrel by cleaning and cutting into serving-sized pieces.
- In a skillet, heat bacon drippings over medium heat and brown the squirrel pieces.
- Sprinkle flour over the browned squirrel to thicken the sauce.
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the sauce.
- Place the squirrel in a baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and add water.
- Cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until tender.
- Serve hot, ensuring each serving includes at least half a squirrel.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the squirrel in the sour cream mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have bacon drippings, you can substitute with butter or olive oil. For a thicker sauce, increase the flour slightly or add a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water. This dish pairs well with hearty sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked squirrel hot, ensuring each plate contains a generous portion of the meat and sauce. This dish pairs well with sides like roasted root vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with mashed potatoes, which soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. You can also browse more American recipes for additional side ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked squirrel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squirrel in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but be cautious not to dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Squirrel contains roughly 36 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 506mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen squirrel for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen squirrel. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before preparing the dish. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption from the sauce.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt or a mix of cream cheese and milk. Both options will provide a similar creamy texture and a slight tang that complements the dish.
How do I know when the squirrel is cooked properly?
The squirrel is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the pieces.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).