How to Cook Snapping Turtle

Common Snapping Turtle

Snapping turtles have roamed the earth for ages. Currently known as living fossils, they are one of the few members of their genera to not be extinct. Having been around for so long, it's no wonder that people have learned to enjoy the snapping turtle as a delicacy.

Things You'll Need

• 1 Sharp Knife
• 1 Snapping Turtle
• 1 Frying Pan
• 1 Saucepan
• Cooking Oil
• 1 Chopped Onion
• 1-2 Chopped Garlic Cloves
• 2 Cans of Tomatoes
• 4 Potatoes (Sliced or Chopped)
• Salt and Pepper

Instructions

Cook Snapping Turtle

1. Cut off the snapping turtle's head. Allow blood to drain into your sink until it has slowed considerably. Make sure to do this quickly if turtle is still alive.

2. Drop the entire body (including shell, excluding head) into a pot of boiling water. Boil for 8 minutes.

3. Remove turtle from pot and allow it to cool. Use your knife to cut away the lower shell of the turtle (the plastron).

4. Remove all intestines and organs from the turtle. Cut the remainder of the meat away from the top shell. Do not forget the legs and tail, which are also edible.

5. Cut the turtle meat into any size cubes.

6. Put the cooking oil into your frying pan and begin to brown the meat along with your onion and garlic.

7. Drain oil from frying pan when the turtle meat is browned all over.

8. Remove the turtle cubes, onion, and garlic from the pan and place them in a saucepan with your tomatoes and potatoes.

9. Cover all ingredients with water and cook at a strong simmer for about 45 minutes. Serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Snapping turtle can be used in many other dishes. Try cooking it and adding to pastas.

• Make SURE to wear thick gloves if snapping turtle is still alive when cutting off its head. This turtle earned its name.