Can you Eat Skunk? – How to Cook Skunk Meat?

We all get reminded of the stinky smell every time someone mentions a skunk. But did you ever have a wild thought of tasting it? I am guessing it is a yes. So, can you eat Skunk?

Yes you can eat skunk meat. But for that, all the poisonous parts need to be removed first. Now, if you are thinking of the taste, the meat is tasteless and blunt. However, adding up some spices might help. Moreover, knowing the right way to process meat can make it a good source of protein.

We have sorted it all out for you. We will also walk you through a 4 step method for the preparation of skunk meat.  We have also explained a few detailed recipes for your better experience.

This was just surface-level talk. To get deep into knowing your tastebuds, let’s hop into the article.

Can we Eat Skunk Meat?

Yes, skunk meat is edible just like fiddler crabs. But, it can be poisonous if bacteria spread in the meat. But knowing the right way to process and consume can make it a good source of protein.

In case you are asking yourself, skunk meat is safe to eat. But that’s only after removing the bacteria-filled bag from its anus carefully. So make sure to not cut or eat it without removing the sac.

Also, keep in mind that skunks are known for spreading rabies. Thus the wrong cut can spoil the entire meal and make it poisonous.

Once that’s done carefully, the only task remaining will be to get past the odor. After getting past all the precautions, skunk meat can be eaten.

But is it legal to kill a Skunk?

No, skunks are not raised in bulk as human food. So to preserve the ecosystem, it is illegal to kill them. So, if you persevere, you may have to kill the animal for survival.

Taste Considerations

Skunk meat is edible. Native Americans used to catch and cook skunks daily while surviving off the land. They also eat other animals like bass fish. This demonstrates that this animal was a reliable source of protein. But before you are prepared to try out some recipes with the meat, here are some factors you should know.

Taste

The meat of a skunk is tasteless and blunt. However, adding up some spices might help. But if you are in the middle of nowhere, you can go for this one as a food source. The taste of the meat can be compared to that of a rabbit.

It is considered lean or “white” meat. This is not because of the low amount of myoglobin ie the protein that gives meat its color. But it is rather because of the quantity and quality of its fat.

Colour and Structure

It is known as “white” meat that looks pale. Also, the structure is a lot bonier than a rabbit providing you with a lesser quantity of meat. But the taste can’t be differentiated without seeing closely.

Odor

Now, these animals stink and smell rotten. They even have a strong smell after being killed but you can work your way through it. Although its meat is compared to that of raccoon and rabbit, its smell is not the same. These animals smell way too moldy and are quite intolerable.

The cleaning process is very time-consuming because of the odor that comes from the meat and sac. But if the steps are done properly, you can get past the odor.

Steps to Prepare Skunk Meat:

Now once that you know it all about Skunk meat, you will need to follow a few steps to process the meat before eating it. So before we jump into the preparation process, firstly there are a few things needed.

So, let’s get into the process-

You will Need:

These are some of the things you will need to prepare the meat

Step 1 of 4  Cleaning

After trapping, the animal needs to be cleaned properly with warm water and soap. Be cautious about the anal region. Any damage in that region can make the meat toxic. After that, the animal needs to be pat dry and hung by its leg.

Step 2 of 4 Skinning

Now after all this, start removing the skin. The skinning process is the same as that of skinning a snake.

But in the case of a skunk, the more you work through it, the more smell it will release. Once done, you’re ready to start the cooking process. Avoid touching the anal glands too much as it may end up spreading the unpleasant odor.

Step 3 of 4  Cutting

Once it has been made dry, take a sharp knife and work through the animal. The gut system is tricky and needs to be handled with care. Rather than using a sharp object i.e. a knife, work with your hands and remove the reaction of connective tissue. The anal canal and pelvis have to be taken care of. If you want to skin and cut the skunk with one knife, here are the best all-rounders

Step 4 of 4  Cooking

There is no one way of cooking the meat. But cooking it in a stew is surely the right way. You’ve got a recipe in mind? Just give it a try.

How to Cook Skunk Meat?

Now that you know how to prepare the skunk you killed with your trap, you need to follow a few recipes to add some flavor to the meat. Before we jump into the recipe, let’s discuss the ingredients.

Things you Will Need:

Your meat will taste best with the following ingredients

  • Carrot
  • Rosemary
  • Flour
  • Oil

Step 1 of 3: Seasoning

Season the skunks with salt and pepper before dipping them in flour. Shake off any excess flour and save it for another time. Heat the oil in a big heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, then add the meat once the oil is heated. Remove the legs from the pan and set them aside after browning them on all sides.

Step 2 of 3: Cooking

Cook until the onion, celery, and mushrooms are tender and beginning to caramelize in the pan. 2 tablespoons of the leftover flour, plus enough wine to deglaze the pan. Fill the pot halfway with water, then add the thyme and rosemary. Make that the legs are completely submerged. You will need the least vessels to cook the meat. Here is the list of the best ones who will do the job.

Step 3 of 3: Ready to Eat

Bring to a boil, then lower to low heat, cover, and stew for 60–70 minutes on the stovetop, until the meat is cooked. Remove the cover after 30 minutes to enable the liquid to decrease. Finally, it is ready to be served. Enjoy!

Calorie Count:

Serving Size: oz (85g grams)

Calories from Fat 52. Calories 162. % Daily Value*

FAQs

Here are some of your common queries about skunk meat. Do take a look!

What do raccoons taste like?

Raccoon meat is similar to dog meat, although it is less soft. Barbecuing or roasting a raccoon with a variety of herbs and spices is the best way to eat it. It always has a musky flavor and a strong odor, so it’s best to add strong herbs to mask the taste.

Are skunks vegetarians?

Skunks are omnivores who eat both plant and animal matter, and their diets alter with the seasons. Insects, larvae, earthworms, grubs, rodents, snakes, birds, moles, and eggs are among the foods they consume.

Conclusion:

That was it from our part on can you eat skunk? Skunk meat is known as a source of a huge amount of protein but it can be harmful too. So, following the right method is inevitable. If you can trap and cook a skunk in the wild it will be a tasty source for your next meal.

That was all from us. Make sure to follow all the instructions and keep all the considerations in mind. We spread hope our detailed discussion will help you in deciding if you should give the meat a try.