Recipe Category: Small Game

Rabbit, Squirrel, Raccoon and more. The taste and texture of small-game animals vary greatly. Squirrel meat, for example, is mild and light-colored with a velvety texture, while raccoon is rich, dark, and coarse-fibered. The age of an animal also affects taste and texture, which in turn affect the cooking method. Young squirrels are delicious when fried; old ones would be tough and are better stewed or simmered. Rabbits, because of their short life span, are usually tender. Hares, whether young or old, are tougher and gamier, and usually are marinated or stewed to tenderize the meat and diminish the strong flavor. A young raccoon is tasty and tender when roasted, but an old one dressing out at 10 pounds or more is likely to be strong and tough, regardless of cooking method.