Gizzard Cajun Squirrel
A bold Cajun-style dish featuring tender squirrel pieces seasoned with peppers and spices, then simmered with onions and garlic for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for adventurous eaters.
Ingredients
- 2 squirrels, cut in pieces including heads ⓘ
- 1 stick butter ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic crushed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon green onion tops chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon white pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sea salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut each squirrel into eight pieces, including heads.
- Combine black pepper, red pepper, white pepper, and sea salt together.
- Season both sides of the squirrel pieces with the spice mixture.
- Melt butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and fry squirrel until browned all over and starting to stick to the pan.
- Remove the squirrel; add chopped onions and crushed garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until vegetables are soft, then add water, Worcestershire sauce, and the squirrel back into the skillet.
- Cover and let simmer until tender, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Add flour and chopped green onion tops; cook for 5 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
- Serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the squirrel pieces in the spice mixture overnight. If you can't find squirrels, game hens or chicken thighs can be a suitable substitute. Adjust the heat by using less red pepper or adding hot sauce for more spice. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Gizzard Cajun Squirrel over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the rich gravy. Pair with a refreshing salad, like Kentucky Salad, or some cornbread for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with a side of sautéed greens for added nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gizzard Cajun Squirrel contains roughly 296 calories, with 9g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1549mg per serving (67% 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, but be sure to properly thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption. Pat it dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere.
What can I serve with Gizzard Cajun Squirrel?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, as it helps absorb the flavorful sauce. Consider adding a tangy side like Cheese, Orange Congealed Salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal and balance the richness.
How do I know when the squirrel is done cooking?
The squirrel is done when it is fork-tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone, which typically takes 1 to 2 hours of simmering. Always check with a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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).