If you're an adventurous foodie or an experienced hunter looking to try something new, learning how to cook squirrel in a pressure cooker will open your culinary repertoire to a whole new world of delicious possibilities. This method not only preserves the natural flavors and textures of the meat but also makes it incredibly tender and juicy. As squirrel hunting is a popular activity in many parts of the country, particularly in the South, finding recipes that elevate this wild game can be an exciting venture.

The Benefits of Cooking Squirrel in a Pressure Cooker

Cooking squirrel in a pressure cooker offers numerous benefits that other cooking methods simply can't match. First and foremost, a pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time, which is perfect for those busy days when you still want to enjoy a homemade meal. By using a pressure cooker, you can have a meal ready in under an hour instead of the several hours it might take using traditional methods.

Additionally, this method helps to retain the nutritional value of the meat. Squirrel meat is known for being rich in protein while being lean and low in fat, making it a healthy alternative to many commonly consumed meats. The pressurized environment also helps to infuse the squirrel with the flavors of the herbs, spices, and vegetables you choose to cook with, making for an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish.

What You Need to Get Started

Before diving into how to cook squirrel in a pressure cooker, you'll need to gather a few essential ingredients and tools. Here's what you'll need:

Tools Needed

To properly prepare this dish, be sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Pressure cooker
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Step-by-Step Guide on Cooking Squirrel in a Pressure Cooker

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let's dive into the detailed process of how to cook squirrel in a pressure cooker.

1. Prepare the Squirrel

Start by ensuring your squirrel is properly cleaned and dressed. Use your sharp knife to remove any remaining fur or debris. Rinse the meat under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Next, cut each squirrel into smaller pieces to ensure they will fit comfortably in your pressure cooker.

After preparing the squirrel, season the pieces generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Let the seasoned meat rest for about 15-20 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.

2. Saut the Aromatics

Set your pressure cooker to the saut function and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Saut the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and release their aromas. This step adds a depth of flavor to your dish, making it even more delicious.

3. Brown the Squirrel Pieces

After sauting the vegetables, add the squirrel pieces to the pressure cooker. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is crucial as it helps to lock in the flavors and juices of the squirrel meat. Once browned, remove the squirrel pieces and set them aside.

4. Deglaze the Pressure Cooker

With the squirrel pieces removed, pour in the chicken stock (or water) to deglaze the bottom of the pressure cooker. This step lifts all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot, further enhancing the flavor of your dish. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any stuck-on bits as the liquid heats up.

5. Pressure Cooking the Squirrel

Return the browned squirrel pieces to the pressure cooker, nestling them among the sauted vegetables. Secure the lid, ensuring it is properly sealed, and set the pressure cooker to high pressure. Cook the squirrel for 30-35 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

6. Serving Your Tender Squirrel Dish

Carefully open the pressure cooker and use tongs to remove the cooked squirrel pieces. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bones. Arrange the squirrel pieces on a serving platter and spoon the vegetables and broth over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, soaking up all the flavorful juices.

Cooking Tips and Variations

While this recipe is a fantastic starting point, there are countless ways you can customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few tips and variations:

• For added flavor, consider marinating the squirrel pieces overnight in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
• Experiment with different vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or bell peppers for a unique twist.
• Add a splash of red wine during the deglazing step for a richer, more complex flavor profile.

By varying the ingredients and spices, you can create a new and exciting dish each time you cook squirrel in your pressure cooker.

Cleaning Up

After enjoying your meal, it's time to clean up. Ensure your pressure cooker and other tools remain in excellent condition by cleaning them thoroughly. Use a high-quality cookware cleaner to remove any residues and keep your tools looking new. Additionally, regular maintenance of your cutting board with cutting board oil will keep it in prime condition for many years of use.

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