His company also processes the occasional nuisance gator. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. Sonnier has made many alligator dishes in his career. If you want to guarantee your alligator will be the best, try this recipe. Season the alligator fillets with salt pepper and other spices of your choice. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the alligator until it is golden brown and crispy. Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. Grilled Alligator Ribs. Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. They have a thick skin that allows them to sweat and protect them from the elements. It's also super juice and tender. . 2. I've been cooking it for a very long time with just butter, lemon and garlic, baking it at 350 degrees for maybe half an hour, covered. The wild season harvest is every September." % of people told us that this article helped them. How To Cook Alligator Fillets? - Cooking Tom Report abuse. In the same pan that you cooked the alligator . 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. When you think of alligator fillet, you may think that its tough and chewy. You can also use a wide array of acids, such as Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice or any vinegar, with an oil-based marinade. Just like when you slow-cook a roast, poaching fish causes the flesh to flake away from the bones. Season it immediately with salt and pepper. Catfish is low in calories is filled with many healthy nutrients such as omega-3 . wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Whole Smoked Gator on the Green Mountain Grill Pellet Smoker That's the tenderloin. It's available in a variety of cuts including tail fillets, ribs, nuggets and wings. Don't miss a story! "The effect is a smoky taste outside and inside is true alligator," Sonnier 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 small pieces, then season it with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. 4. Mix all dry ingredients for breading; Mix all wet ingredients, for an egg wash. Dip each Gator Tender Strip into the Egg Wash. Then cover with the breading. Put 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground black pepper into a mixing bowl. Product Info. Use a pair of tongs to flip them over so that the batter is evenly cooked on both sides. Add the Breading/Batter Mix to a shallow bowl. You can cook using your oven, stove, grill or microwave. This requires a bit of work, but the results are worth it. Alligator Stew. Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States. If it was longer than five feet, the meat will be tough. If there's still some pink in the middle, put the kabobs back on the grill for 1 minute before serving them. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. It's almost impossible to tell if the oil is hot enough just by looking at it. Ovens vary in their temperature, so be sure to measure the temperature of your alligator before putting it in the oven. Prep Time: 5 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn off the heat and let it sit for as long as you boiled it. Microwave half a cup of butter for 30 seconds. AliGator meat came on time, fresh and ready to cook whatever way you want. 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. 8. Hello, Louisiana: How do you cook and eat alligator? See recipe, cuts This is commonly done in small restaurants. Out of stock. Some others prefer grinding all the meat before making patties, which are quite tasty due to the game flavor. If you're new to gator, don't be intimidated it tastes like chicken! How to Cook Alligator | eHow While alligator meat is not as common as chicken or beef, it is a delicious and healthy protein choice. Another is to cook all meat thoroughly before eating it, as this will help remove any bacteria that may be present. Cover and allow marinating for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. This will help you determine whether or not its at its most done. This will help ensure that it cooks through evenly and doesnt become tough or rubbery. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2021. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. One is to avoid eating anything that can contain harmful bacteria, including meats and poultry. "It has a very high water content. Meanwhile, clean, oil, and preheat your grill to high heat (450F to 650F). in a rolling motion until the fat content of the pork coats the. We prefer to poach the tenderloins, and let them cool, then shred the meat by hand. Florida Alligator Meat is not only delicious but is low in fat and cholesterol and a wonderful source of protein. Repeat the process until all the Alligator is cooked. These tend to be a better texture and flavor than other cuts. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. 2 Remove the alligator from the dry spices. Grilled Cajun Style Gator Tail. 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. June 16, 2017 12:52 pm Keep the bag in the coldest part of the fridge while you prep the coal and grill. Test the alligator by cutting into it with a knife and see if its easily breaking down. Alligator Sausage. When it comes to eating clean, there are a few things to keep in mind. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. Another way to tell is to cut into the alligator and look at the inside. Although a grilling tray is preferable, a cookie sheet works too. The process of brining involves submerging the alligator in a solution of saltwater, sugar, and spices. Alligator Fingers - Allrecipes Leave in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours . Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. When it boils down to it, it basically tastes like the chicken of the swamp, hence the white meat reference. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. vacume sealed packs of white meat, marinated and ready to grill. Stir everything gently so you do not knock off the crispy exterior. Alligator gar can also be barbecued or roasted - prepare some fillets and get them to cook. Add spices and herbs to stock, if desired. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWej_c8fz2U. Braise the alligator steaks in the oven for 1 hour and turn them over. Meat is the number 1 healthiest meat in the world, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition. 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. However, some have argued that alligator meat may not be as healthy as advertised. Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. There are several types of tenderizers available, including those that are made of natural enzymes, acids, or chemicals. When ordered, they are fried to a crispy brown, then tossed into a smoked tomato gastrique to coat the exterior. Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. Next, toss the alligator pieces with olive oil and seasoning, then set aside at room temperature for 40 minutes. Designed & Developed by. In a cooking pot add oil and lightly brown the alligator meat. To preserve the alligator fillets, you can marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar and orange juice. The cornstarch in the buttermilk batter makes the coating crispy. You can also cook using boiling water, a microwave or an infrared oven. You slice that and pound it like veal, and you cannot tell the difference. There are various cooking methods that you can use to cook alligator. How to Clean and Prepare Fresh Carp - The Spruce Eats This will help ensure that they will cook evenly and not get too tough or dry. '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! In another bowl add the flour and season with some cajun seasoning as well. Braise the steaks for another 30 minutes and check their tenderness with a fork. Preheat the grill to 400F. Add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Hold the skin back with your non-dominant hand. Wipe the buttermilk from the steaks and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; #5. eman said: Gator does not taste awful. Whole Smoked Alligator Recipe - Grill Girl Smoked Alligator - The Best Smoking Meat Forum On Earth! Cajun Fried Alligator. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. Alligator is very good to eat. This will also help to tenderize the meat. You can order gator meat online. 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. Boneless Turtle Meat 2 lb bag $69.99. Fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until crisp. . Remove to paper towels, and serve hot. The worlds top meat producer is probably the cow. "Turtle meat's a lot richer. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. Heat vegetable shortening in a large cast-iron skillet until it registers 350F (176C) or use a recommended electric deep fryer. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the USDA doesn't have a doneness guide for alligator and neither does my meat buyer's guide. Alligator Tenderloin Tail Meat - Marx Foods Cut the meat into 1-inch thick slices. Second, the alligator meat should be very moist and tender. Turn the heat off and pour enough stock in the pan to almost cover the steaks. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! 2) Use an oven thermometer. It takes around 10 minutes for the oil to heat to an appropriate level for frying, so be patient. Mm-mm! Just place your alligator fillets in a baking dish and add some chicken stock. Several cuts of alligator meat correspond with beef, like the tenderloin. Not sure where to buy your meat? Then I put a tray on the grill. Place a small section of aluminum foil on the pellet smoker's grill grates and spray with pan coating to prevent sticking. Place the skewers directly onto grill and grill for 2 minutes per side. Alligator Meat's popularity has grown exponentially throughout the world. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. 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). Check out Acadia Crawfish for the tastiest alligator, crawfish and Cajun seasonings South Louisiana has to offer. The ribs, nuggets and wings are a darker meat with a stronger flavor and a texture similar to pork. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. These include olive oil, salmon, avocado, nuts and seeds. 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. Shake to coat. 4. 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. This is what stores are for. One way to get the gamey taste out of alligator me is to cook it slowly in a pot over medium heat. Remove the alligator from the marinade and thread onto skewers. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options . For extra crispy nuggets, dip them back into the buttermilk and then dredge in breadcrumbs again. Its been found that people tend to like to eat the fat and skin in these portions. Discover The Largest Alligator Gar Ever Caught in Alabama Drain the fried gator on a rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels. How long does it take to cook alligator meat? A lot of alligator recipes calls for marinades, but that's not really necessary for tender alligator tail meat. Start by placing the alligator meat in a bowl. But how do you know when alligator meat is done? 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 . Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. Heat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover with a layer of diced onions and sprinkle with garlic and parsley. Put the drained alligator into the large mixing bowl with the herbs and 1/4 cup of the chili garlic sauce. Cajun Grilled Alligator with Comeback Sauce - Girls Can Grill 06 of 08. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); The cut determines the cooking method. There are many different ways to cook, and there are many different types of food that you can cook. You wont be disappointed! First, be sure to season your alligator meat well before cooking it. Weve got you covered, cher! . You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. Our alligator meat is processed from alligators that are less than six feet long and between two-three years old. That isnt to say you wont be able to use it in your gator recipes. The most popular way to enjoy catfish is as pan-fried and breaded fillets. You can make alligator meat into a variety of dishes. Pure and Simple: Alligator Stew - Real Cajun Cooking how to cook alligator? - Test Food Kitchen If you have leftover fried alligator, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. The best way to know for sure if alligator meat is done is to cut into a piece and take a bite. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Portioned into steaks or fillets, alligator tails are definitely considered a delicacy, and can be . And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! Thread alligator onto skewers. At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. Cooking alligator may be old hat for many home cooks, and it's quite apparentchefs are cooking it all over the place. Quick and easy way to fix up gator bites for your friends. 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. The alligator tail tastes very mild. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. "It's a fully cooked product, but the best way to cook it is on the grill," he said. How to Cook Alligator Meat | Alligator | Acadia Crawfish Slice potatoes (do not peel) and make a layer of them on the bottom of the dish. Try to leave a little gap of space between the meat and the vegetables to allow them to cook evenly over the grill. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. Watch on. Alligator fillets are a type of fish and are typically cooked in a similar manner to other fish dishes. You can also cook alligator steaks on the grill. The health of beef animals is ][imported ][but ][it][does not stack up to] other types of animal consumed in human diets. Cover, and refrigerate about 10 minutes. Whole Smoked Gator Recipe - HowToBBBQRight Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! Additionally, alligator meat is low in mercury and other harmful toxins. Dispose of any extra marinade. Mix the flour, breadcrumbs, and Cajun seasoning. Here, well take a look at some of the best meat options for everyday. You can grill them with the hood of the grill up or down. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. 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. Christie Girls Can Grill. Avoid overloading your kabobs. Top 41 Best Fried Alligator Recipes - newdavos.jodymaroni.com His number one tip for cooking alligator tail: Don't cook it too long, he said. Award winning Chef Ace Champions passion for cooking began years before his culinary career. Hello, Louisiana: How do you cook and eat alligator? A new state-record catch of an alligator gar is now on the books in Alabama. Air Fried Gator Tenders (Power Air Fryer Oven Elite Recipe) There are many different types of cooking techniques. COPYRIGHT 2023, WOMG. When you remove the meat from the refrigerator, there should be a small amount of vinegar left at the bottom of the bowl. Place a 20lb bag of ice over the gator to weight it down and keep it cold during the brine process. Out of stock. There are a few different ways to cook alligator meat, but the most common way is to fry it. Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil, making sure the oil does not get too hot. 2 pounds alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. However, the health of meat animals has not been taken into account when producers have made this decision. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. Gar: Treasured Trash Fish - Eat The Weeds and other things, too Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. The worlds top food is the best healthiest food, according to a study released Tuesday. Add one cup of ice water to the mixture. The chef compared cooking alligator with turtle. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. 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. Please do not run out into the swamp and try to cut yourself off some alligator tail meat. Gary's Island . Here are a few tips on how to cook alligator fillets: 1. Finally, alligator meat can be cooked slowly over low heat. After all, it wouldnt be considered Cajun without a kick. Grilling and frying are some of the most popular ways to cook alligator, and both methods are perfect for an aspiring chef. How To Cook Alligator Fillets | Find Out Here | All Animals Guide Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. You can treat alligator meat just like you would chicken or beef. 10. Transfer the alligator to a plate lined with paper towels. Mix the alligator meat, salt, pepper, and vinegar in a medium-sized bowl. Alligators have a lot of tough connective tissue, so it can take some time for the meat to become tender. It will also get a nice, golden-brown color. Tough Step 1. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Eating alligator meat is not typically seen as being healthy, but there are some benefits to consideration if you decide to do so. This article has been viewed 19,580 times. We have the video right here! Alligator Allemond Recipe | Food Network 3. If you dont believe us, substitute that white meat for some gator next time youre cooking your favorite chicken recipe and see for yourself! It is also not that expensive. Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. 5. Fruita, Colorado. Keep reading. You will have more of the Chili Garlic Mayo than you need for this recipe. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. The meat of the jowl is quite tender on its own, too, he said. Tail meat is a choice cut of white meat that is mild in flavor with a texture similar to veal. Whole Skinned Alligator Tail (Boneless) $29.99 - $48.98. In large mixing bowl, combine all of the above ingredients with. To cook the best thick pork chops, all you need is a gas grill. The study looked at data from more than 20,000 people and found that eating meat was significantly healthier than eating any other type of food. 4 gallons total should cover the gator depending on the size of cooler you are using. Now that you have chosen alligator, the next step is to prepare the meat. For another, alligator fillets are so large that they require a large cooking surface. Alligator Gar Fishing Tips: How to Catch Atractosteus - CAST and SPEAR Another way to tenderize alligator meat is to use a meat tenderizer. To prepare dipping sauce, mix together in a small bowl the mayonnaise, horseradish, brown mustard, and red wine vinegar. You can handle and treat that like a good piece of meat, even grill it.". Continue frying the meat 3-4 pieces at a time until all of the pieces are cooked and cooled. Grilled alligator is cooked by applying a light coating of oil and grilling on a grill or hot pan. packs (approximately 40 lbs.) The meat should have soaked up the rest of the liquid. Make sure there's room for the meat to float around while they cook. You want it done.) Cajun Alligator Chili. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,580 times. The best cooking time is usually around 4 hours, so make sure you check them regularly. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Marinate the steaks in a buttermilk-based marinade for 2 to 3 hours. It is the most delicate part of the meat from the animal. The tenderloin comes from the tail. Donald Buckemeyer grills his alligator sausage at an LSU tailgate, Cochon's Fried Alligator with Chili Garlic Sauce (Photo by Chris Granger for Link Restaurant Group). When it is cooked, the alligator will be a light pink color. I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. "I think one reason people like it is that it's its own form. Still other recipes are cooked using a microwave. How To Cook Alligator Fillet - adventuresomekitchen For a meat that is supposed to taste a lot like chicken, it's not always cheap, but it sure is popular. Cooking the kabobs for a total of 6 minutes will leave you with meat that is a medium level of doneness, and cooking for 8 minutes will produce medium-well meat. Alligator sausage can be prepared by making a kind of cured sausage that combines alligator and pork. Never tried to smoke it but it sounds like someone ruined some good gator. Add the gator to the smoker and mist every thirty minutes with the juice. 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. Remove and drain on the prepared rack or paper towels. Alligator fillets are a bit of a different beast when compared to fillets of more common fish. Then I pan sear each side of the marinated alligator fillets for three minutes per side. That alligator will eat you. When the oil is hot, carefully drop in each piece and . The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. What part of the animal is this? 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. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for increased flavor. However, the tradition has continued, and many people in the southern United States still soak alligators in milk. What Does Alligator Meat Taste Like | Alligator Meat Recipe How to Cook Bone-In Pork Strips in the Grilling a Top Sirloin Filet in a Cast How to Sear Tenderloin Steak and Cook A.J. Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. (function(d, s, id) { Instructions: Cut the Gator Meat into strips. Whisk well. Don't hunt? the exception of the casing. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. If you're using a pellet grill, set it for around 400F degrees. Only The Good Stuff: How to Cook Alligator - Blogger 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. One of the best dishes is alligator sausage. Pat the fish dry. 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. For the Alligator. I simmer carp in a mixture of milk and white wine until it is barely cooked and then separate the meat from the bones. You should set aside about half of the mixture to use for basting when the kabobs are on the grill. To grill alligator fillet, first remove any skin or bones. Continue to 6 of 8 below. Dredge each piece in the Breading/Batter Mix and add to the oil. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Preheat the oil to 350 F and fry the alligator pieces in batches for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, or until the nuggets float to the surface and become golden. Our tenderized fillets are unmatched in both tenderness and taste. parsley; 1 cup water; 1- 10 oz. In our opinion, the texture and taste of the white meat is where its at! Grilled Gator Bites - Louisiana Cookin Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Photo: Flickr/ Valerie Hinojosa. The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meats flavor will be enhanced by the seasoning you slap on it. How to Cook Alligator (with Pictures) - wikiHow 9. 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. How To Cook Alligator Fillet? - Cooking Tom Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes. I tried to convince him to eat alligator fillet. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil.