These alligator fillets are so easy to make, youll be surprised. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Mix the alligator meat, salt, pepper, and vinegar in a medium-sized bowl. If you have leftover fried alligator, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. Report abuse. Place the fillets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Pour the brine solution (recipe below) over the gator. Alligators are a common sight in the southern United States, and many people may wonder why they are often seen soaking in milk. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. [2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWej_c8fz2U. If desired, remove foil for last 15 minutes so top can brown. Alligator meat is often seen as healthier than beef, due to its high quality proteins and low levels of cholesterol. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Alligator fleas lemon juice capers butter kumquat olive oil white wine chicken broth. 1 hr. Add the skewers to the grill and cook them for about 5 minutes per side. This requires a bit of work, but the results are worth it. You can grill them with the hood of the grill up or down. And the fat on alligator is outside the pieces, not striated throughout the meat like, for instance, beef or pork. boneless alligator, fresh or frozen. If you've ever wondered how to cook alligator but didn't know where to begin, this is for you. It can be cooked by different techniques including grilling, deep frying or baking. Season the alligator with kosher salt if you didn't use salt or salty ingredients in the marinade. The rest of the alligator can then be removed from the bone. Oldie but goodie thank you for rocking with us we apprecia. The milk helps to break down the food and makes it easier to digest. Unless you grow alligators in your own neck of the swamp, we recommend that you get them the way most people do frozen in filets or pieces. As tough as alligators are in the wild, it comes as no surprise they're just as tough in the kitchen. Alligator is a large fish that is about four inches long and has a crispy skin. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meat's . Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). This will make for a better meal. Cut the alligator into small pieces, then season it with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. The fish weighed an astonishing 162 pounds! Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. First, season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Omega 3s, this low-calorie fish is a healthy choice. I tried to convince him to eat alligator fillet. The cut determines the cooking method. Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. The answer to this question is a resounding No. You do not have to soak alligator meat prior to cooking it. Keep the bag in the coldest part of the fridge while you prep the coal and grill. The worlds top meat producer is probably the cow. Alligator Sausage. Other parts of the alligator are double-tenderized, he explained. Meat is the number 1 healthiest meat in the world, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition. Leave the better stuff for your more gourmet dishes. Alligator meat is typically slightly salty and has a distinctive flavor. If you're using a pellet grill, set it for around 400F degrees. However, you will come up with lots of ideas for using the extra sauce (and of course, you can always eat it with a spoon right out of the bowl). Alligator fillet is actually very tender and delicious. Like most meats, it can be cooked in a variety of ways, though there are some general rules of thumb to follow to get the best results. With the meat-side up, start cutting gently along the width at one end of the fillet until you can lay your knife sideways in the slit. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. Allow the frozen alligator to thaw for about a day before putting it in a small ice cooler and covering it with enough water to submerge the gator. There are many different ways to cook an alligator, but the most popular is to fry it. If you let it sit for longer than 2 hours, the consistency of the meat might begin to change. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. Next, toss the alligator pieces with olive oil and seasoning, then set aside at room temperature for 40 minutes. This is better because you can make more use of the alligator. Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. 11. Of course, you can also cook using different food types. The taste is delicious, and its one of the most expensive dishes in the market. 32. The meat of the jowl is quite tender on its own, too, he said. Other recipes are cooked on a grill using charcoal. This article has been viewed 19,580 times. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Lightly dust the alligator with the flour mixture by dropping it into the bowl, then remove it and shake it in your hands to remove as much flour as possible. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until they reach an evenly golden color. Making Fried Alligator. Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! Join Where NOLA Eats, the hub for food and dining coverage in New Orleans. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 . An ideal way to prepare alligator is to boil it. However, if you eat raw or undercooked alligator meat, you may experience serious health consequences. You can make alligator meat into a variety of dishes. How do you know when alligator meat is done? The health of beef animals is ][imported ][but ][it][does not stack up to] other types of animal consumed in human diets. In fact, its been legal to do so for about 100 years. One of the alligators favorite prey items is the American beaver. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Others may choose to eat chicken or turkey because they are considered healthier options. 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. Then add into the buttermilk mixture and shake off. Add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Put 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground black pepper into a mixing bowl. Sonnier has made many alligator dishes in his career. tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. 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. 15 feet casing for stuffing. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Heat a few tablespoons of oil or a combination of oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add alligator cubes; stir to coat well. 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. Mix the flour, breadcrumbs, and Cajun seasoning. Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. (function(d, s, id) { Want to see how its done? Rub the spice mixture onto the alligator fillets. Cover the bowl, then refrigerate for 15 minutes. The skin should be removed first and discarded. Still other recipes are cooked using a microwave. However, the tradition has continued, and many people in the southern United States still soak alligators in milk. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. That isnt to say you wont be able to use it in your gator recipes. In fact, if you do soak alligator meat, you may end up washing away some of the flavor. Directions. His company also processes the occasional nuisance gator. Its also reported that soaking alligator meat in milk makes it more digestible, which makes it easier to absorb nutrients. The alligator fillets are best served at room temperature. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. Sonnier has . For a meat that is supposed to taste a lot like chicken, it's not always cheap, but it sure is popular. Features: Here are a few tips on how to cook alligator fillets: 1. Prep Time: 5 minutes. first and foremost, alligator meat has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for overall health. Portioned into steaks or fillets, alligator tails are definitely considered a delicacy, and can be . Instructions. Add Kosher or sea salt, brown sugar and white sugar to the water in the cooler and let the gator sit in the brine for 16 hours. Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. Blackened Alligator. Place a 20lb bag of ice over the gator to weight it down and keep it cold during the brine process. For one of my best friends in childhood, the only thing he likes to eat is chicken. Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Instructions on how to actually killthe alligator aren't included but even if they were, um, don't try to get alligator meat that way. And man, do them Cajuns eat it up, cher! Wipe off the excess marinade and let the alligator steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. There are many different types of cooking techniques. Quick and easy way to fix up gator bites for your friends. Here are four tips to get rid of the gamey taste from alligator meat: Use a nonstick pan to cook alligator meat over medium heat until browned. The only time it is not safe to eat catfish is when it is undercooked. Season the alligator fillets with salt pepper and other spices of your choice. One way to get the gamey taste out of alligator me is to cook it slowly in a pot over medium heat. Mix mayonnaise, chipotle, chili garlic sauce and siracha in a small bowl. I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. It looks like a dunce cap, long and skinny. But how do you know when alligator meat is done? Once hot, add coated alligator filets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Sep 18, 2010. Cover, and refrigerate about 10 minutes. Place the alligator meat into a large bowl and add the granulated garlic, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. 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. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Add spices and herbs to stock, if desired. [1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2tQ5Ka_p5Y 4. Here are some tips to help you cook them perfectly: Alligator fillets can take anywhere from minutes to hours to cook evenly, depending on their thickness and size. When ordered, they are fried to a crispy brown, then tossed into a smoked tomato gastrique to coat the exterior. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. You want it done.) Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. After its been cooked, the meat is placed into a cold storage area for the meat to cool. Turn the heat off and pour enough stock in the pan to almost cover the steaks. Award winning Chef Ace Champions passion for cooking began years before his culinary career. 6. The alligator should be cut into pieces after boiling. The process of cooking alligator fillets is a delicate one, so be careful not to overcook them. There are various cooking methods that you can use to cook alligator. 4. 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. You should set aside about half of the mixture to use for basting when the kabobs are on the grill. Set aside. Its been found that people tend to like to eat the fat and skin in these portions. Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil, making sure the oil does not get too hot. The meat can be put into bowls and refrigerated until it is ready to eat. Use a pair of tongs to flip them over so that the batter is evenly cooked on both sides. Alligator tenderloin somewhat resembles veal and tastes like a cross between frog legs and turtle meat. Helpful. Learn more Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern part of the United States, and it's fairly easy to cook at home. 1. Brush with extra marinade for the initial 5 minutes. Check the steaks' internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165 degrees before serving. Believe it or not, gators have red meat too. A four-ounce serving has 110 calories (20 from fat), 2 grams total fat, .5 grams saturated fat, 55 milligrams cholesterol, 55 milligrams sodium, nocarbohydrates and 24 grams of protein. Back then, there were no milk processors, so people would soak alligators in milk to preserve them. "Turtle meat's a lot richer. With a firm belief that anyone can be a great cook and a focus on the mental and emotional aspects of cooking, Chef Champion brings a unique perspective to the kitchen. This is the meat that is most equivalent to chicken, mainly because its the most tender part of the gator and mildest in flavor. 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. 4. Dip the floured alligator in buttermilk and remove with a slotted spoon, allowing as much buttermilk as possible to drip off. There are a few different ways to cook alligator meat, but the most common way is to fry it. Follow Where NOLA Eats on Instagram at @wherenolaeats, join the Where NOLA Eats Facebook group and subscribe to the free Where NOLA Eats weekly newsletter here. When it is cooked, the inside will be a light pink color. Don't drop any of the pieces of meat into the oil. This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. Fruita, Colorado. To prepare dipping sauce, mix together in a small bowl the mayonnaise, horseradish, brown mustard, and red wine vinegar. When it comes to eating clean, there are a few things to keep in mind. Dredge each nugget across the breadcrumbs to coat. Like most hunters, they deliver. Make a sauce using the stock and drippings in the pan while the steaks rest, if desired. Gator Burgers! If it is cooked properly, the meat will be tender and juicy. This will also help to keep your alligator meat moist as it cooks. What I bought was the tenderloin, the most tender meat, from the tail of the alligator. I hope youll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you! If you dont believe us, substitute that white meat for some gator next time youre cooking your favorite chicken recipe and see for yourself! In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Although a grilling tray is preferable, a cookie sheet works too. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. If desired, sprinkle top with shredded cheese after baking. You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. One day last week he shipped 100 pounds to a woman in Vancouver, Wash., who serves the link on a bun for $8 or $10 with onions. To cook the best thick pork chops, all you need is a gas grill. The hot oil can splash out of the pan and cause serious burns. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. Add stock as needed to keep the steaks at least halfway submerged at all times. If you want to batter all of the pieces before you fry them, place the dipped pieces on a plate while you finish battering the rest of them. Never leave a pan of oil or a grill unattended while you're cooking. 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. Braise the alligator steaks in the oven for 1 hour and turn them over. Try to put 5-6 pieces of meat and vegetables on every skewer. Preheat a pan or grill over medium-high heat and cook the alligator fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Dispose of any extra marinade. Now cut your meat in to generous cube chunks and drop them in to the mixture making sure they receive a good coating. Sear the alligator on both sides until golden brown, just like a regular steak. You can also cook alligator steaks on the grill. One is to avoid eating anything that can contain harmful bacteria, including meats and poultry. How long does it take to cook alligator meat? One of the best dishes is alligator sausage. 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. 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. And even though there are recipes for cooking alligator fillets, there are also many other issues that need to be considered before trying this approach. You have permission to edit this article. Product Info. It is great fried like fish or made into a sauce piquant. Love New Orleans food? "It's a fully cooked product, but the best way to cook it is on the grill," he said. If youre looking to lose weight or simply want to eat more healthily, there are a number of options available to you each day. and using both hands, blend the ingredients well. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. Quick view. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. It's really that simple. packs (approximately 40 lbs.) Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Gary's Island . Finally, cook your alligator meat over a low heat. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Whisk well. Cooking the belly is a process that has been used for years to tenderize tough cuts of meat. This is because they contain the highest level of fatty acids, which are essential for the body. You will have more of the Chili Garlic Mayo than you need for this recipe. "It has a very high water content. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. Today, milk processors have made it easier to process milk, so there is no need to soak alligators in milk. Check out Acadia Crawfish for the tastiest alligator, crawfish and Cajun seasonings South Louisiana has to offer. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. Eating alligator meat is not typically seen as being healthy, but there are some benefits to consideration if you decide to do so. Never tried to smoke it but it sounds like someone ruined some good gator. Florida Alligator Meat is not only delicious but is low in fat and cholesterol and a wonderful source of protein. 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. Cut the steaks across the grain to make them easier to chew. 1. Simply remove them, and eat them immediately. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. After a fifteen-year career as a semi-professional football player, Chef decided to follow his passion for cooking and has never looked back. The answer to this question depends on what youre looking for. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Another bonus about this meat is that it's not only tasty and versatile, but virtually fat free and high in protein. Now that you have chosen alligator, the next step is to prepare the meat. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. June 16, 2017 12:52 pm There are many factors to consider when making a decision about which animal to consume, but one that should be taken into account is their health. Catfish is low in calories is filled with many healthy nutrients such as omega-3 . Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,580 times. Grilled alligator is cooked by applying a light coating of oil and grilling on a grill or hot pan. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. Place the bag in ice, or the coldest part of the fridge or the freezer (but don't let the contents freeze) while prepping the coals. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. 06 of 08. That said, there are a few things you can do to make sure your alligator meat turns out delicious. It's processed and naturally hickory-smoked in wood-burning ovens at Crescent City Meat Company in Metairie. The meat is quite fatty, which can be a problem when cutting the meat. "I think one reason people like it is that it's its own form. Heat your grill to high. Its important to watch alligator fillet closely, to ensure that it doesnt overcook. This will help to make the flavors more potent and keep the meat moist while it cooks on the grill. Tough Step 1. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. In another bowl add the flour and season with some cajun seasoning as well. The process requires that the meat be immersed in boiling hot water for at least two minutes. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Alligator meat can be a delicious and nutritious food, but it can also have a slightly gamey taste. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. For this reason, when buying alligator, it is important to make sure that it is a fresh meat. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. If there's still some pink in the middle, put the kabobs back on the grill for 1 minute before serving them. 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. COPYRIGHT 2023, WOMG. No worries. Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. 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. 9. Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. ", At the restaurant, Sonnier cooks Louisiana alligator bone-in legs, brand name Country Boy Gator, labeled a Certified Cajun product and subtitled "Cajun Swamp Chicken.". How do you know when alligator is done cooking. The best cooking time is usually around 4 hours, so make sure you check them regularly. The legs are available online, along with several other cuts and processed alligator (patties, nuggets, pistolettes) and several brands of sausage. 3. 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. Bring the liquid to a boil and thicken it with roux or a cornstarch slurry and simmer for about 10 minutes. Repeat with remaining meat. Add cup of blackened seasoning to the melted butter and stir to combine. It is the most delicate part of the meat from the animal. You can treat alligator meat just like you would chicken or beef. Stir or whisk to distribute the pepper. If you are new, we're so glad you joined the family! Alligator gar can also be barbecued or roasted - prepare some fillets and get them to cook. Instructions: Cut the Gator Meat into strips. Alligators are opportunistic predators and will eat almost anything they can find. Their diet consists mostly of fish, but they will also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. For extra crispy nuggets, dip them back into the buttermilk and then dredge in breadcrumbs again. "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". Sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients all contribute to blue-green algae blooms, environmentalists said. For one thing, the cooking temperature needed to get the best results is significantly higher than that for other types of fish. Cut the alligator into 1" cubes and soak in milk (in the refrigerator) for 2 to 3 hours.Drain milk then season meat (in the same bowl) with Tony's Creole Seasoning.Add the mustard to the bowl and mix well, coating meat with mustard.Mix Fish Fry and pancake mix together in shaking bag. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Heat the oil in a medium size saucepot and heat to 375F. Hola T&LeeFam! After that, sprinkle some lemon juice on them to add some extra flavor. 3. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Cover dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 50 minutes to one hour, until potatoes are tender. Step up your party spread this year with alligator dishes, sure to satisfy the bellies of Cajun Country! Make sure there's room for the meat to float around while they cook. packs of alligator tail meat tenderized and ready to go! Cube the alligator meat and add to the butter mixture, stirring to coat the alligator. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. Here are four methods to tell if your alligator is fully cooked: 1) Check the meat for tenderness. Cooking alligator may be old hat for many home cooks, and it's quite apparentchefs are cooking it all over the place. In the same pan that you cooked the alligator . Alligator Sauce Piquante Over Creamy Stone Ground Grits. Place alligator meat in a medium bowl, and mix with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Fried Gator. You can get frozen alligator meat online. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. 3. It measured 7.5 feet long with a 35.5-inch girth. Alligator Legs: Tender, lean, 2 lb. Pat the alligator meat dry. Can I wrap bacon around the tail meat while grilling? Cooking Spray.