Alligator gar can also be barbecued or roasted - prepare some fillets and get them to cook. It is also much easier to slice if it is boiled first. 3. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. In large mixing bowl, combine all of the above ingredients with. Place the cleaned and dressed 30lb whole gator in an empty cooler. Grilling and frying are some of the most popular ways to cook alligator, and both methods are perfect for an aspiring chef. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. When it boils down to it, it basically tastes like the chicken of the swamp, hence the white meat reference. The Best Alligator Meat Recipes on Yummly | Geekswhoeat, Louisiana Buttermilk Fried Alligator With Spicy Tomato Sauce, Seminole Sauteed Alligator Tail ~ Native American . The study, which was conducted by the World Health Organization, found that foods with healthy fats and fibers are the healthiest among all foods. To each his own! Instructions. Add one cup of ice water to the mixture. 9. This gives you time to wash some veggies, coat in olive oil, salt & black pepper to throw on the grill with the garfish. Remove the filets from the air fryer, tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Don't hunt? For this reason, when buying alligator, it is important to make sure that it is a fresh meat. It's available in a variety of cuts including tail fillets, ribs, nuggets and wings. Size: 8 vacuum sealed 5 lb. Here are a few tips on how to cook alligator fillets: 1. The rest of the alligator can then be removed from the bone. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. 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. Alligator Sampler $71.50. [1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2tQ5Ka_p5Y 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. This is because they contain the highest level of fatty acids, which are essential for the body. This will make for a better meal. Then I put a tray on the grill. 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. Place a 20lb bag of ice over the gator to weight it down and keep it cold during the brine process. Thread alligator onto skewers. Set aside. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! The answer to this question is a resounding No. You do not have to soak alligator meat prior to cooking it. If you have extra kabobs, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. First prepare your marinade by combining the chopped red chilli, light soy sauce, chopped garlic, grated ginger, cayenne, salt and pepper, and mixing well. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. 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. 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. 4. Continue frying the meat 3-4 pieces at a time until all of the pieces are cooked and cooled. Try to put 5-6 pieces of meat and vegetables on every skewer. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. First, be sure to season your alligator meat well before cooking it. If you've ever wondered how to cook alligator but didn't know where to begin, this is for you. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the alligator until it is golden brown and crispy. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. To preserve the alligator fillets, you can marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar and orange juice. Second, the alligator meat should be very moist and tender. #5. eman said: Gator does not taste awful. Others may choose to eat chicken or turkey because they are considered healthier options. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; Grilled Cajun Style Gator Tail. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. 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? Richard Johnson landed the previous state record alligator gar on August 13, 2009. 3. You have permission to edit this article. Whisk well. 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. If it's your first time purchasing alligator meat, look for cuts from the tail. "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.". Here are four methods to tell if your alligator is fully cooked: 1) Check the meat for tenderness. The worlds top meat producer is probably the cow. Braise the alligator steaks in the oven for 1 hour and turn them over. How long does it take to cook alligator meat? 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. This will make for a better meal. Bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30-40 minutes. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. This makes the alligator fillet tender, and the process of marinating makes the alligator fillet savory and flavorsome. 2023 Acadia Crawfish. Make sure there's room for the meat to float around while they cook. Never leave a pan of oil or a grill unattended while you're cooking. 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. The meat should have soaked up the rest of the liquid. Soaking alligators in milk is a tradition that dates back to the 1800s. For this, you need to ensure that it is well washed before boiling. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. packs (approximately 40 lbs.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter in a shallow bowl (do not add the garlic yet). This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. Keep reading. This requires a bit of work, but the results are worth it. 3. Finally, ensure that your food choices are organic whenever possible. That said, there are a few things you can do to make sure your alligator meat turns out delicious. In fact,], many studies have shown that the health of cows and other meat-. If it is cooked properly, the meat will be tender and juicy. You can treat alligator meat just like you would chicken or beef. However, the tradition has continued, and many people in the southern United States still soak alligators in milk. Step up your party spread this year with alligator dishes, sure to satisfy the bellies of Cajun Country! Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. 2. That fish, caught in the Tensaw River, weighed a little over 151 pounds. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. Quick view Choose Options. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vinegar and stir the meat and vinegar together. Season the alligator with kosher salt if you didn't use salt or salty ingredients in the marinade. Put the alligator back into the flour mixture, and again try to shake off as much extra flour as possible. Now that you have chosen alligator, the next step is to prepare the meat. Its also reported that soaking alligator meat in milk makes it more digestible, which makes it easier to absorb nutrients. '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 meat is quite fatty, which can be a problem when cutting the meat. It is the most delicate part of the meat from the animal. Use a slotted spoon to lift the calamari rings out of the buttermilk. Start with the larger pieces. In another shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, spices, salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings well. Amount is based on available nutrient data. If its not, then its likely still in its first stage of cooking. 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. What Temperature Should You Cook Chicken? 6. Keep the bag in the coldest part of the fridge while you prep the coal and grill. When the oil is hot, carefully drop in each piece and . // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Cook Worcestershire Marinated New York Steak. Add the alligator tails to the egg mixture and toss to coat. Lets take a closer look. I cover the tray in a lot of olive oil. Some in the industry consider this portion of the alligator to be the equivalent of fillet mignon. Place a small section of aluminum foil on the pellet smoker's grill grates and spray with pan coating to prevent sticking. Transfer the alligator steaks to a plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. The cut determines the cooking method. Tenderize it using a standard meat mallet and for an extra delish result, sprinkle on your favorite meat tenderizer, too. Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. 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. Heat vegetable shortening in a large cast-iron skillet until it registers 350F (176C) or use a recommended electric deep fryer. Cover the alligator steaks loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before you serve them. Cover the Dutch oven or pan. Once hot, add coated alligator filets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Tough Step 1. There are a few different ways to cook alligator meat, but the most common way is to fry it. Skewer the seasoned alligator bites and grill for 5 minutes per side, or . We prefer to poach the tenderloins, and let them cool, then shred the meat by hand. Finally, alligator meat can be cooked slowly over low heat. For alligator meatballs or tacos, go with ground gator meat. Alligator fillets are a type of fish and are typically cooked in a similar manner to other fish dishes. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. We find out his secrets for cooking alligator and how to clean it before cooking. Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. You can also grill alligator fillet. After that, sprinkle some lemon juice on them to add some extra flavor. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Fried Gator. Season the alligator fillets with salt pepper and other spices of your choice. Cover dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 50 minutes to one hour, until potatoes are tender. The alligator fillets are best served at room temperature. Another way to tell is to cut into the alligator and look at the inside. And, if you have the time, let it marinate for a while in a flavorful sauce or marinade. Its been found that people tend to like to eat the fat and skin in these portions. boneless alligator, fresh or frozen. The alligator tail tastes very mild. Florida-based YouTube starsRobert Arrington and his wife Sarah will teach you how to properly prepare, grill and fry an alligator tail. This will make it tender. AliGator meat came on time, fresh and ready to cook whatever way you want. The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. How do you know when alligator meat is done? I hope youll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you! Wipe the buttermilk from the steaks and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. The alligators diet is not very digestible, so they have a habit of soaking their food in milk before eating it. Leave in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours . Watch on. 7. 4. Fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until crisp. Start by placing the alligator meat in a bowl. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for increased flavor. Carve with pressure toward the cutting board, in long strokes the length of the knife. And you know what that means football parties, Cajun cook-offs, and an infinite supply of good times! How to cook alligator fillet - Meanings.co new meanings.co. Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. Alligator fillet is quite similar to chicken fillet in taste and appearance. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved, alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. Ovens vary in their temperature, so be sure to measure the temperature of your alligator before putting it in the oven. Then back into the flour and shake off. But cooking it? The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat, but it typically takes about 10 minutes to fry alligator meat. Additionally, alligator meat is low in mercury and other harmful toxins. His company also processes the occasional nuisance gator. The process of cooking alligator fillets is a delicate one, so be careful not to overcook them. The hot oil can splash out of the pan and cause serious burns. Test the alligator by cutting into it with a knife and see if its easily breaking down. When ordered, they are fried to a crispy brown, then tossed into a smoked tomato gastrique to coat the exterior. 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. Several cuts of alligator meat correspond with beef, like the tenderloin. Once the gumbo is done simmering, we add the meat back in. Mix it with a tablespoon of white vinegar along with a dash of salt and pepper. In fact, one of the best ways to cook it is to brine it. 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. Marinate the steaks in a buttermilk-based marinade for 2 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil, making sure the oil does not get too hot. Blackened Louisiana Alligator Slider. The worlds top food is the best healthiest food, according to a study released Tuesday. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until they reach an evenly golden color. Catfish is low in calories is filled with many healthy nutrients such as omega-3 . In a cooking pot add oil and lightly brown the alligator meat. 2 Remove the alligator from the dry spices. Cube the alligator meat and add to the butter mixture, stirring to coat the alligator. Hola T&LeeFam! It is great fried like fish or made into a sauce piquant. For extra crispy nuggets, dip them back into the buttermilk and then dredge in breadcrumbs again. Instructions: Cut the Gator Meat into strips. 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. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. The health of beef animals is ][imported ][but ][it][does not stack up to] other types of animal consumed in human diets. 5. Award winning Chef Ace Champions passion for cooking began years before his culinary career. Cook Time: 15 minutes. A lot of alligator recipes calls for marinades, but that's not really necessary for tender alligator tail meat. 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. However, roasting is mostly recommended for large fish. Season it immediately with salt and pepper. In another bowl add the flour and season with some cajun seasoning as well. But this is not the case. Dip the floured alligator in buttermilk and remove with a slotted spoon, allowing as much buttermilk as possible to drip off. The milk helps to break down the food and makes it easier to digest. I simmer carp in a mixture of milk and white wine until it is barely cooked and then separate the meat from the bones. Alligator Tenderloins are a great addition to a traditional gumbo recipe as well! Add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. vacume sealed packs of white meat, marinated and ready to grill. Stir everything gently so you do not knock off the crispy exterior. Alligator Meat's popularity has grown exponentially throughout the world. Sonnier has . But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. Heat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Meat consumption has increased significantly in the last few decades, and with that, the demand for meat. Hello, Louisiana: How do you cook and eat alligator? Place the fillets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. 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). This article has been viewed 19,580 times. Heat your grill to high. Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; The skin can be very tough, and is best removed before cooking. Get your smoker to 250 degrees. Alligator fillets are a bit of a different beast when compared to fillets of more common fish. Making Fried Alligator. The meat of the jowl is quite tender on its own, too, he said. 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. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. 2 pounds alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. Cut alligator into 1-inch chunks and season with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. An ideal way to prepare alligator is to boil it. Try to leave a little gap of space between the meat and the vegetables to allow them to cook evenly over the grill. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Its been proven that you can use the alligator meat as a natural salt substitute. Cochon's James Beard Award-winning chef, Stephen Stryjewski, shared the recipe for one of the restaurant's most popular appetizers. You can also use a wide array of acids, such as Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice or any vinegar, with an oil-based marinade. The answer to this question lies in the alligators diet. If you're using a pellet grill, set it for around 400F degrees. If you can, you want to find out how big the gator was. Leave the better stuff for your more gourmet dishes. Repeat the process until all the Alligator is cooked. 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. A new state-record catch of an alligator gar is now on the books in Alabama. Shake to coat. Turn the steak over every 4 or 5 minutes so it cooks evenly on both sides. It's also super juice and tender. The alligator is a real American legend, and almost every state has its own alligator restaurant. The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. But I cooked it the first time recentlyin sauce picante for our "In Judy's Kitchen" video series. 1. Enjoy! When oil is hot, place meat pieces into oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options . Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. Why not? You can handle and treat that like a good piece of meat, even grill it.". Other parts of the alligator are double-tenderized, he explained. Alligator is a large fish that is about four inches long and has a crispy skin. Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, spices, kosher salt, mayonnaise and 9 more. Add 2.5 lbs of Alligator gar fillets to the bag and mix thoroughly to coat each piece. Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. 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 . You will have more of the Chili Garlic Mayo than you need for this recipe. Curious? When cooking alligator, you should consider using a grill pan or grill rack, but dont use a direct flame. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Alligator meat is often seen as healthier than beef, due to its high quality proteins and low levels of cholesterol. and using both hands, blend the ingredients well. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or oil and butter in a Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet or pan. In Florida, its legal to catch and eat an alligator. Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. Boneless Turtle Meat 2 lb bag $69.99. Alligator Sausage. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat. The legs are available online, along with several other cuts and processed alligator (patties, nuggets, pistolettes) and several brands of sausage. This will help you determine whether or not its at its most done. Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You could classify it as a lighter meat. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. But how do you know when alligator meat is done? 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. 4. What I bought was the tenderloin, the most tender meat, from the tail of the alligator. The price for shipping was great but the price for the meat can be a little bit cheaper. 3. Add spices and herbs to stock, if desired. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Add cup of blackened seasoning to the melted butter and stir to combine. Next, toss the alligator pieces with olive oil and seasoning, then set aside at room temperature for 40 minutes. Photo: Flickr/ Valerie Hinojosa. Alligators are opportunistic predators and will eat almost anything they can find. Mm-mm! So delicious! "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.".