Snapping turtles are a delicious ingredient that can be prepared in many different ways. However, cooking snapping turtle does require some special considerations. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know to cook snapping turtle, including how to humanely kill and clean the turtle, the best methods for cooking, as well as some delicious snapping turtle recipe ideas.
Is it Safe to Eat Snapping Turtle?
Yes, snapping turtle meat is safe to eat when properly cleaned and cooked. Snapping turtles are not venomous or poisonous. However, it is important to take care when handling live snapping turtles as their powerful jaws can inflict serious injury. Once the turtle has been humanely killed, the risk is eliminated.
Some people may be concerned about potential contaminants in snapping turtle meat. However, farmed turtles raised specifically for consumption are safe. For wild-caught turtles, proper cleaning and thorough cooking mitigates any risk. As with any wild game, it is best to cook snapping turtle meat to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria or parasites.
How to Kill and Clean Snapping Turtle
Before a snapping turtle can be cooked, it must first be humanely killed and cleaned. Here are the steps:
Killing the Snapping Turtle
The most humane way to kill a snapping turtle is by decapitation. This causes instant death. To decapitate:
- Place the live turtle on its back or side on a sturdy cutting surface.
- Firmly hold the turtle’s tail and hind legs with one hand.
- With your other hand, use a sharp chef’s knife or cleaver to completely sever the head in one swift motion.
Some other methods like pithing or stunning are less reliable for a quick, painless death. Decapitation ensures the turtle does not suffer.
Cleaning the Snapping Turtle
Once the turtle has been killed, follow these steps to clean it:
- Place the turtle back-side up and cut off the tail with kitchen shears.
- Carefully cut away the bottom shell around the egg chamber.
- Scoop out and discard the internal organs and any eggs.
- Cut off the head if still attached and discard.
- Remove the claws from each foot.
- Cut down the side of each leg and peel the skin away.
- Turn the turtle over and cut away the top shell around the edge.
- Remove and discard the bones, leaving the meat attached to the bottom shell.
- Cut the meat and bottom shell away from the edges to remove completely.
- Remove any remaining fat or membranes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
The turtle is now ready to be cooked.
Best Cooking Methods for Snapping Turtle
Snapping turtle meat has a unique flavor and tender, moist texture when cooked properly. Here are some of the best cooking methods:
Braising
Braising is one of the most popular cooking methods for snapping turtle. The meat is browned then slowly cooked in a flavorful liquid like broth, wine or tomato sauce. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with extra flavor.
Soup or Stew
Adding snapping turtle meat to soups or stews is an easy way to prepare it. The slow simmering softens the meat. Try a Snapping Turtle and Vegetable Soup.
Frying
Frying is ideal for bite-sized pieces of snapping turtle meat. It can be breaded and fried just like chicken for delicious turtle nuggets. Pan frying also works well.
Grilling
Grilling brings out delicious savory, smoky flavors in the meat. Marinate the meat first, then grill on high heat for tender, char-grilled turtle steaks.
Roasting
For whole turtle, roasting in the oven is great. Cook low and slow until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender.
How to Cook Snapping Turtle
Now let’s go over step-by-step instructions for cooking snapping turtle two different ways:
Braised Snapping Turtle
Total Time: 3 hours
This method results in incredibly tender snapping turtle in a delicious braising liquid that makes an excellent gravy.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cleaned snapping turtle meat, cut into 3-inch chunks
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add turtle meat. Brown for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove meat from pot and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onions to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and tomatoes. Add bay leaves, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Return turtle meat to the pot along with any accumulated juices.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2.5-3 hours until very tender.
- With a slotted spoon, transfer turtle meat to a serving dish.
- Simmer braising liquid uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Pour gravy over turtle meat and garnish with more parsley if desired.
Notes:
- For best flavor, use homemade beef broth.
- Snapping turtle can also be braised in red or white wine.
- Add vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, or mushrooms during braising for extra flavor.
Fried Snapping Turtle Nuggets
Total Time: 40 minutes
These crispy turtle nuggets are a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cleaned snapping turtle meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Place turtle meat in a bowl with buttermilk. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- In one bowl, mix flour with Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper.
- In a second bowl, place breadcrumbs.
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a pot to 350°F.
- Dredge turtle meat in the flour mixture, dip in buttermilk again, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and season with more Cajun seasoning if desired.
Notes:
- Fry in a high smoke point oil like canola or peanut.
- For crunchier nuggets, double-bread by dredging in flour and breadcrumbs twice.
- Serve with ranch or Cajun remoulade sauce.
Snapping Turtle Recipe Ideas
Here are a few more recipe ideas for cooking delicious snapping turtle:
Snapping Turtle Stew
Simmer turtle meat with potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, broth and Cajun seasoning for a hearty Southern stew.
Grilled Snapping Turtle Kabobs
Thread marinated turtle meat and vegetables onto skewers then grill over hot coals for amazing kabobs.
Snapping Turtle Jambalaya
Sauté turtle with Cajun sausage, chicken, shrimp, onions, peppers and rice for a flavorful jambalaya.
Snapping Turtle Tacos
Shred slow cooked turtle and pile onto warm corn tortillas with all your favorite taco toppings for an awesome twist on Taco Tuesday.
Snapping Turtle Soup
For this classic recipe, simmer turtle meat in chicken broth with onions, carrots and sherry then finish with cream.
Snapping Turtle Etouffee
Make a Louisiana favorite by smothering fried turtle meat with a rich sauce of butter, onions, celery, peppers and spices over rice.
Conclusion
Snapping turtle is a unique ingredient that makes delicious meals when properly prepared. The key is humanely killing and cleaning the turtle, then using moist-heat cooking methods like braising, stewing and soup making to tenderize the meat. Frying also works wonderfully for bite-sized nuggets. With a variety of flavorful recipe options, from Cajun and Southern inspired to Asian curries, soups and stir fries, snapping turtle is a versatile ingredient that any adventurous cook should give a try. Just be sure to fully cook the meat to an internal temperature of 165°F. Now get cooking and enjoy snapping turtle done right!