Squirrel - Cajun Style
A hearty Cajun-style squirrel dish featuring bold flavors from Worcestershire, wine, and spices, perfect for rustic gatherings and game meat enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 4 squirrels, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Burgundy wine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion tops ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- crushed red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut squirrels into 8 pieces each and season with salt and pepper.
- Melt margarine in a large pot and fry squirrel pieces until brown or starting to stick to the pot.
- Add chopped onions, green bell peppers, and garlic to the pot.
- When vegetables are soft, add a small amount of cold water and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour.
- Stir well and add Burgundy wine.
- Cook until the squirrel meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the squirrel pieces in Worcestershire sauce and spices overnight. If you don't have Burgundy wine, a dry red wine can be a good substitute. You can also use vegetable oil instead of margarine. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the heat if desired. Lastly, ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid any gamey taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cajun-style squirrel over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy grits to soak up the flavorful sauce. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, such as Swedish Salad, for a balanced meal. A glass of Burgundy wine complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the squirrel in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Cover and warm gently to avoid drying out the meat. Alternatively, leftovers can be reheated in the microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Squirrel - Cajun Style contains roughly 276 calories, with 15g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (225% of the Daily Value), iron (98% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 674mg per serving (29% 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 thoroughly thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and better texture. If using frozen, allow extra time for cooking as the meat may release more moisture than fresh.
What can I substitute for the mushrooms?
If you don't have canned mushrooms, you can omit them entirely or use fresh mushrooms sautéed in a little butter. Alternatively, consider adding diced zucchini or eggplant for a different texture and flavor that complements the dish.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness of the dish largely depends on the amount of crushed red pepper you add. The recipe allows for personal preference, so start with a small amount and gradually increase it to suit your taste. If you prefer mild flavors, you can skip the crushed red pepper altogether.
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).