There are several types of tenderizers available, including those that are made of natural enzymes, acids, or chemicals. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meats flavor will be enhanced by the seasoning you slap on it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's safe to leave the meat in the fridge for up to 2 hours for a bolder flavor. Next, layer the gator with bacon covering all parts with bacon except for the head. Photo: Flickr/ Valerie Hinojosa. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options . The alligator "wings" at Kingfish are baked in fat to tenderize them, then drained well, refrigerated and chilled. "They probably live in the same environment and eat the same stuff, so it's really similar to that taste," Sonnier said. This is what stores are for. You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. Eating alligator meat is not typically seen as being healthy, but there are some benefits to consideration if you decide to do so. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. Remove the pan when the steaks reach the desired tenderness. Alligator meat is typically slightly salty and has a distinctive flavor. Fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Then we have the white meat from the gators legs and body. If its not, then its likely still in its first stage of cooking. If you want to guarantee your alligator will be the best, try this recipe. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, spices, kosher salt, mayonnaise and 9 more. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. Coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. Mm-mm! 2) Use an oven thermometer. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. There are a few ways to tell when alligator is done. The meat should have soaked up the rest of the liquid. Believe it or not, gators have red meat too. If you have leftover fried alligator, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. Add one cup of ice water to the mixture. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. 2. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. The legs are available online, along with several other cuts and processed alligator (patties, nuggets, pistolettes) and several brands of sausage. Alligators are commonly known for their delicious and tender flesh, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that your alligator is cooked through. By using our site, you agree to our. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 3. Hello, Louisiana: How do you cook and eat alligator? By Ace Champion | [1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2tQ5Ka_p5Y The answer to this question lies in the alligators diet. There are several ways to tenderize alligator meat, but the most common is to marinate it in a mixture of acidic ingredients such as lime juice, vinegar, or citrus fruits. Cover dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 50 minutes to one hour, until potatoes are tender. When the coal is white-hot, place the Alligator gar fillets on the oiled grill. Fried Gator. Category: dinner. Finally, alligator meat can be cooked slowly over low heat. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. Features: Pull up a seat at the table. First, you need to clean the alligator. Braise the alligator steaks in the oven for 1 hour and turn them over. tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Additionally, alligator meat is low in mercury and other harmful toxins. Richard Johnson landed the previous state record alligator gar on August 13, 2009. 4. If you want to make your own dipping sauces for a gourmet meal, you can mix a simply spicy mayo or. Place a small section of aluminum foil on the pellet smoker's grill grates and spray with pan coating to prevent sticking. Microwave half a cup of butter for 30 seconds. Curious? can Rotel tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; Instructions . Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. We might be known for being your go-to resource during crawfish season, but that doesnt mean that we dont know a little something about gators, too. The figure is even higher for beef, with 71% of all cattle being used to produce beef. In fact,], many studies have shown that the health of cows and other meat-. Shake to coat. The tenderloin is the part of alligator that people compare to chicken. When the oil is ready, add the alligator pieces to the skillet in batches, shaking off any excess flour before adding them to the oil and being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. COPYRIGHT 2023, WOMG. Its been found that people tend to like to eat the fat and skin in these portions. I tried to convince him to eat alligator fillet. 2. Today, milk processors have made it easier to process milk, so there is no need to soak alligators in milk. Stryjewski said the restaurant uses peanut oil for frying, but "lard works just as well.". Their diet consists mostly of fish, but they will also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. "You can use it in jambalaya, gumbo, or any kind of stew, any place you would use smoked sausage, such as red beans and rice.". Start by placing the alligator meat in a bowl. An entire stick of butter fried in a pan with some garlic is all you need to coat the gator tail in flavoring before you add some salt and pepper and onions, and then take it to the grill for the . . Cover the Dutch oven or pan. I hope youll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you! Fruita, Colorado. In 2013, I wrote about Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position during Lent. Cooking alligator can be tricky, so it is important to pay close attention to the color and texture of the alligator to make sure it is cooked all the way through. Pour lemon juice over filets. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. This will ensure that you are getting the best cuts of alligator. You can make alligator meat into a variety of dishes. This is the section that earns folks say tastes like chicken, meaning it's mild and white. Alligator red meat, including the legs and other tougher parts of muscle, are better if braised in a sauce, Pearce said, such as alligator sauce picante or another long-cooked dish. You can also cook alligator steaks on the grill. Alligator fillets are a type of fish and are typically cooked in a similar manner to other fish dishes. Alligator Tenderloins are a great addition to a traditional gumbo recipe as well! Heat a few tablespoons of oil or a combination of oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. For example, youll need to be careful about how you cook alligator fillets, so that they dont dry out too much and their texture remains moist. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for increased flavor. Now cut your meat in to generous cube chunks and drop them in to the mixture making sure they receive a good coating. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. If desired, sprinkle top with shredded cheese after baking. The alligator is a real American legend, and almost every state has its own alligator restaurant. It is a type of meat that is considered to be a delicacy in some parts of the world. Helpful. Back then, there were no milk processors, so people would soak alligators in milk to preserve them. Sign up for daily stories delivered to your inbox. Finally, ensure that your food choices are organic whenever possible. Dredge each piece in the Breading/Batter Mix and add to the oil. "You can stew it, or take the center cut of tail and grill it up like chicken, or definitely fry it.". We use cookies to make wikiHow great. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); use plenty of salt and pepper to season the meat as needed. packs of alligator tail meat tenderized and ready to go! You have permission to edit this article. Donald Barkemeyer's alligator sausage, brand name Louisiana Cajun Grill Sausage, $6.99 a pound, is sold inWinn-Dixie stores in the New Orleans region and Gulf South. Remove alligator filets from the skillet and transfer to a baking dish. Set up the grill to cook indirectly, and grill the steaks for about 30 minutes per inch of thickness, turning every few minutes. The alligator fillets are best served at room temperature. If you let it sit for longer than 2 hours, the consistency of the meat might begin to change. Alligator Sausage. Grilled Alligator Ribs. Although braising is the preferred method of cooking, our Boneless Short Ribs can be cooking using a variety of methods. If you have extra kabobs, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. Then I put a tray on the grill. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Flip the filets and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired doneness. Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2021. 3. 3. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. I cover the tray in a lot of olive oil. Youll just want to be choosy about which recipes you use for the different cuts. Most people will choose to cook the whole alligator. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 . It takes about 3 to 4 minutes of cooking on each side to sear alligator meat and develop a golden-brown crust. Alligator is a large fish that is about four inches long and has a crispy skin. Alligator meat is a popular dish in many cultures, and one of the reasons why is because it is low in calories and has a high quality protein content. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! Want to see how its done? Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. If it's your first time purchasing alligator meat, look for cuts from the tail. Some Cajun cooks like to keep it simple, and just pop it in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes with a little garlic butter and a smidge of lemon to let the taste and textures speak for themselves. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. Stir or whisk to distribute the pepper. based animals is poor compared to other forms of animal consumption. Andrews received formal training at Le Cordon Bleu. Alligators have a lot of tough connective tissue, so it can take some time for the meat to become tender. Mix the alligator meat, salt, pepper, and vinegar in a medium-sized bowl. But the most important thing to remember is that all the techniques you can use to cook are basically the same. 6. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. It's not cheap: Each bag was $14.99. Transfer the alligator steaks to a plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Alligator meat is often seen as healthier than beef, due to its high quality proteins and low levels of cholesterol. cornstarch, egg whites, alligator fillets, salt and 2 more. For extra crispy nuggets, dip them back into the buttermilk and then dredge in breadcrumbs again. Add skewers, and cook until alligator is nicely browned on all sides and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 160, 5 to 10 . He shared the recipe for his favorite way to cook his alligator sausage indoors, which can be a main or side dish, for brunch or dinner or pot lucks. Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. This requires a bit of work, but the results are worth it. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes. Leave in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours . Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,580 times. Mix the flour, breadcrumbs, and Cajun seasoning. Quick view. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved, alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. parsley; 1 cup water; 1- 10 oz. Directions. Step up your party spread this year with alligator dishes, sure to satisfy the bellies of Cajun Country! Alligator fillet is quite similar to chicken fillet in taste and appearance. Although most commonly served fried as gator "nuggets", alligator is said to have a veal-like quality and can be easily substituted for any dish containing seafood, chicken, or pork. This makes the alligator fillet tender, and the process of marinating makes the alligator fillet savory and flavorsome. Report abuse. One of the alligators favorite prey items is the American beaver. Cajun Fried Alligator. In another shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, spices, salt and pepper. Catfish is low in calories is filled with many healthy nutrients such as omega-3 . This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. It looks like a dunce cap, long and skinny. In this video we go to New Orleans to meet a man who makes alligator fillets. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meat's . * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. In a small bowl combine olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper. It's processed and naturally hickory-smoked in wood-burning ovens at Crescent City Meat Company in Metairie. The meat can be put into bowls and refrigerated until it is ready to eat. The alligator tail tastes very mild. Don't drop any of the pieces of meat into the oil. Portioned into steaks or fillets, alligator tails are definitely considered a delicacy, and can be . See recipe, cuts, tips and tricks, sauce picante for our "In Judy's Kitchen" video, Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position, How to wrestle alligator meat into beef, pork, chicken, turtle recipes, 3-course interview: cooking alligator with Chef Nathan Richard, How to butcher an alligator: Kingfish chef demonstrates, 1/4 cup packed chopped mint and Italian parsley leaves, 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced, 1 tablespoon Heavenly Chef brand chili garlic sauce. Continue to mix. Farm-raised alligators are smaller and less fatty than wild ones, Pearce said, adding, "Wild is still great. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. The skin should be removed first and discarded. 26 Vibrant Cocktail Recipes Made For Spring Yahoo Life, Lentil soup, the recipe you need to prepare a delicious dish Gastrolab | passion for cooking, Yes you can: how to make beer-can chicken recipe The Guardian, Legume flour: 6 tips to learn how to make it and a simple recipe Gastrolab | passion for cooking. Alligators are gregarious animals and are found in areas with dense vegetation, such as subtropical or tropical rainforests. Continue frying the meat 3-4 pieces at a time until all of the pieces are cooked and cooled. The most popular and best portion of the gator is the tenderloin, which is found in the alligators tail. The best way to know for sure if alligator meat is done is to cut into a piece and take a bite. Remove to paper towels, and serve hot. Season the alligator with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. This will make it easier to get the best flavors of the alligator. Love New Orleans food? This article has been viewed 19,580 times. Heat your grill to high. It's really that simple. For instance, some anglers prefer cutting the fish into fillets and frying everything up. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. Check the steaks' internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165 degrees before serving. If using a pan or skillet, cover it with a piece of foil a few inches larger and place the lid or a lid close to its size on top of the foil. Shake to coat. Sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients all contribute to blue-green algae blooms, environmentalists said. 5. Then add into the buttermilk mixture and shake off. This is better because you can make more use of the alligator. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. The belly, which is the part of the cut that contains the fat, is cut into bite-sized portions. Instructions. Make sure there's room for the meat to float around while they cook. [2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWej_c8fz2U. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. For one thing, the cooking temperature needed to get the best results is significantly higher than that for other types of fish. 1 Pat the alligator meat dry. Place a 20lb bag of ice over the gator to weight it down and keep it cold during the brine process. Unlike Dutch ovens, most skillet and pans don't have lids or have lids that don't fit tight enough to seal well; foil helps keep moist heat in the pan. Out of stock. Alligator sausage can be prepared by making a kind of cured sausage that combines alligator and pork. This will make it tender. "It's a fully cooked product, but the best way to cook it is on the grill," he said. Mix it with a tablespoon of white vinegar along with a dash of salt and pepper. Tough Step 1. Fill a deep pot halfway full with oil. But how do you know when alligator meat is done? This is the meat that is most equivalent to chicken, mainly because its the most tender part of the gator and mildest in flavor. If you're new to gator, don't be intimidated it tastes like chicken! Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. 2. This can be done by placing it in a large pot of water and boiling it for about an hour. How do you know when alligator meat is done? Its believed that this is because the spices release pheromones. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer after you take it out of the pan, and make sure it measures at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The flesh should flake when gently pressed. Check out Acadia Crawfish for the tastiest alligator, crawfish and Cajun seasonings South Louisiana has to offer. 2 pounds alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. 'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs'); A tasty recipe for Fried Alligator, cajun-style! The price for shipping was great but the price for the meat can be a little bit cheaper. It can be a healthy addition to any meal, though deep frying adds far more calories and fat than dry heat cooking methods like baking or broiling. There are a few key things to look for when cooking alligator meat. The health of beef animals is ][imported ][but ][it][does not stack up to] other types of animal consumed in human diets. Lower the heat to medium if the alligator steak measures 1/2 inch thick or less, and lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid if it measures 1/2 inch thick or more. 2023 Acadia Crawfish. Its been proven that you can use the alligator meat as a natural salt substitute. When it is cooked, the alligator will be firm to the touch. The worlds top food is the best healthiest food, according to a study released Tuesday. It's almost impossible to tell if the oil is hot enough just by looking at it. It's not mixed with something else.". Sonnier has made many alligator dishes in his career. This will help ensure that they will cook evenly and not get too tough or dry. 4. 11. That fish, caught in the Tensaw River, weighed a little over 151 pounds. When the batter turns a golden brown and the meat floats to the top of the oil, the alligator is cooked thoroughly! Fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until crisp. A curious wooden structure tucked away in a slender courtyard off the dining room ofKingfish Kitchen & Cocktails in the French Quarter se, The tail, Pearce explained, "has four cylindrical tubes of muscle, four lobes, like tuna. Repeat with remaining meat. Then I pan sear each side of the marinated alligator fillets for three minutes per side. Put 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground black pepper into a mixing bowl. Other parts of the alligator are double-tenderized, he explained. "Turtle meat is more similar to beef or venison. Instructions. Grill the alligator for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. When it boils down to it, it basically tastes like the chicken of the swamp, hence the white meat reference. In another bowl add the flour and season with some cajun seasoning as well. 1. Turn the heat off and pour enough stock in the pan to almost cover the steaks. If you don't want to buy fish batter, you can. The alligator is done cooking when the inside is cooked all the way through. Wipe off the excess marinade and let the alligator steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish. Of course, you can also cook using different food types. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! For a meat that is supposed to taste a lot like chicken, it's not always cheap, but it sure is popular. Oldie but goodie thank you for rocking with us we apprecia. vacume sealed packs of white meat, marinated and ready to grill. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. Repeat the process until all is done. Growing up in Louisiana, Ace found a passion for southern and creole cooking at a young age, but soon found himself quite successful on the football field. Heat the grill to high heat and grill kabobs for 6 . Kung . You can also cook using boiling water, a microwave or an infrared oven. Andrews' work has appeared in Food and Wine, Fricote and "BBC Good Food." How long does it take to cook alligator meat? Set next to the lemon sauce. Alligators are a popular food choice for many people, but some may be confused by the term chewy. Is alligator meat really that chewier than other creatures meat? Place the skewers directly onto grill and grill for 2 minutes per side. Size: 8 vacuum sealed 5 lb. How to Cook Brussels Sprouts on the Stove, in the Oven & More, http://www.wideopencountry.com/youll-hunting-alligators-seeing-gator-meat-recipe/, https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/84273/alligator-fingers/, https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/fried-alligator-nuggets-recipe-1941458. 2. The rest of the alligator can then be removed from the bone. While alligator meat is not as common as chicken or beef, it is a delicious and healthy protein choice. 2. Season it immediately with salt and pepper. Like most hunters, they deliver. Finally, cook your alligator meat over a low heat. Cut alligator into 1-inch chunks and season with salt and pepper. surface of the mixture. The skin should be removed first and discarded. When the oil is hot, carefully drop in each piece and . Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. and using both hands, blend the ingredients well. Grilled alligator is cooked by applying a light coating of oil and grilling on a grill or hot pan.