Go Back
+ servings
Cajun Squirrel Stew recipe

CAJUN BEER BRAISED SQUIRREL AND ANDOUILLE STEW

Author: Larry White
This Cajun Beer Braised Squirrel and Andouille Stew is a hearty squirrel stew recipe made with tender squirrel meat, smoky sausage, vegetables, and herbs simmered in beer and stock until rich and flavorful. A classic Cajun comfort food, it’s perfect for family dinners, camp cooking, or freezing for later.
5 from 10 votes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Servings: 4 People

Ingredients 

  • 4 whole squirrels, skinned and cut into individual pieces (legs, shoulders, back pieces)
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour, for dredging the squirrel
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose Cajun Seasoning or Creole Seasoning (Tony Chachere's, Slap Ya Mama, Cajun Two Step)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or rendered bacon fat
  • 2 cups button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 8 ounces andouille sausage, diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced (red bell pepper work as well)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups Amber Beer
  • 3 green onions, green parts only, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for mixing with the butter
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • kosher salt
  • ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Mix the 1 cup of flour with the 1 tablespoon of Cajun Seasoning until thoroughly combined. Coat the squirrel meat on all sides with the seasoned flour.
  • Heat a large pan (that has a lid) or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cooking oil.
  • Once the oil is hot and starts to shimmer, add the squirrel pieces. Cook them on each side for around minutes or until golden brown. Remove the squirrel from the large skillet and set aside.
  • Add the sausages to the pan and cook until browned, around 3 minutes. Add the onions and bell peppers to the pan. Season them with salt and cook for around 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly tender.
  • Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes while stirring and ensuring that the garlic doesn't burn.
  • Add the beer to the pan and scrape up any bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the squirrel pieces along with the bay leaf and dried thyme to the pan. Pour the chicken stock over the squirrel. Cover the pan with a lid and bring the stew to a slow simmer.
  • Cook at a slow simmer between 1 and 2 hours or until the squirrel meat is fork tender but not falling off of the bone. Remember that the times may vary depending on the size and age of the squirrels. Keep and eye on the liquid levels and add a little chicken stock if needed.
  • Gently remove the squirrel pieces from the pan and set them aside.
  • In a small bowl mix the melted butter and flour together until you have a smooth paste. Pour the paste into the hot liquid in the pan while whisking until smooth and combined. Bring to a slow simmer and add the squirrel back to the pan. Cook at a low simmer for around 3 to 5 minutes. If the mixture is too thin, mix another batch of flour and butter together and add a little bit at a time to the pan until it has reached your desired thickness. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more chicken stock or hot water to thin it out.
  • Garnish with green onion and season with Cajun spice, kosher salt and black pepper to your liking.

NOTES

  • This hearty Cajun squirrel stew works best with gray or fox squirrels; avoid red squirrels, which can taste piney.
  • Cooking time varies by the age of the squirrel. Younger cooks quickly, while older squirrels may take longer to reach fork-tender.
  • For more spice, finish with hot sauce, cayenne, or a Cajun seasoning blend (watch the salt levels).
  • Beer adds depth, but you can substitute chicken stock or a splash of dry white wine if needed.
  • Perfect for camp cooking in a cast-iron Dutch oven over the fire.
  • Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or biscuits, and garnish with parsley, fried onions, or green onions.
  • Can be doubled for gatherings and freezes well for up to 3 months.
Make this recipe?Mention @Larry__White or tag #WildGameGourmet!