This gives you time to wash some veggies, coat in olive oil, salt & black pepper to throw on the grill with the garfish. This will help to make the flavors more potent and keep the meat moist while it cooks on the grill. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options with oil. Try to leave a little gap of space between the meat and the vegetables to allow them to cook evenly over the grill. Our alligator meat is processed from alligators that are less than six feet long and between two-three years old. NEW !!!! After all, it wouldnt be considered Cajun without a kick. This is what stores are for. 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). Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. Dredge each piece in the Breading/Batter Mix and add to the oil. There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. When the batter turns a golden brown and the meat floats to the top of the oil, the alligator is cooked thoroughly! 2. But the most important thing to remember is that all the techniques you can use to cook are basically the same. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings well. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. 2. 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. One of the alligators favorite prey items is the American beaver. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or oil and butter in a Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet or pan. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. can Rotel tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; Instructions . Fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until crisp. First, the alligator meat should be a deep red color. I simmer carp in a mixture of milk and white wine until it is barely cooked and then separate the meat from the bones. Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Instructions. Second, the alligator meat should be very moist and tender. In my mind, you can wrap bacon around just about anything, so why not alligator tail? Then I put a tray on the grill. The process of cooking alligator fillets is a delicate one, so be careful not to overcook them. Avoid overcrowding the oil with pieces of meat. Blackened Alligator. Here are a few tips on how to cook alligator fillets: 1. Sonnier has . It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. Alligators are opportunistic predators and will eat almost anything they can find. You can order gator meat online. Marinate the steaks in a buttermilk-based marinade for 2 to 3 hours. So delicious! This will help you determine whether or not its at its most done. When the oil is hot, carefully drop in each piece and . Ovens vary in their temperature, so be sure to measure the temperature of your alligator before putting it in the oven. I cover the tray in a lot of olive oil. Keep reading. 2023 Acadia Crawfish. You want it done.) 5. Gar Lobster. You can also use a wide array of acids, such as Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice or any vinegar, with an oil-based marinade. Putting the hood down will infuse a smoky taste into the kabobs, while leaving the hood up will let the flavor of the marinade come through. When it is cooked, the alligator will be a light pink color. 8. However, roasting is mostly recommended for large fish. In a cooking pot add oil and lightly brown the alligator meat. Alligators eat what they want, when they want, so they have minimal fat reserves, and their meat is lean. Blackened Louisiana Alligator Slider. Preheat your pit to 250. Heat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Cube the alligator meat and add to the butter mixture, stirring to coat the alligator. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. The meat can be put into bowls and refrigerated until it is ready to eat. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Cook-Alligator-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Cook-Alligator-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Cook-Alligator-Step-1.jpg\/aid10203372-v4-728px-Cook-Alligator-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. Never tried to smoke it but it sounds like someone ruined some good gator. Although braising is the preferred method of cooking, our Boneless Short Ribs can be cooking using a variety of methods. Preheat a pan or grill over medium-high heat and cook the alligator fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Grilling and frying are some of the most popular ways to cook alligator, and both methods are perfect for an aspiring chef. This will help ensure that it cooks through evenly and doesnt become tough or rubbery. For example, some recipes are cooked on the stove using oil or butter. For one thing, the cooking temperature needed to get the best results is significantly higher than that for other types of fish. 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. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. 7. In a small bowl combine olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. 2. Set the temperature to 180 degrees. Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil, making sure the oil does not get too hot. 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. Their diet consists mostly of fish, but they will also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The cornstarch in the buttermilk batter makes the coating crispy. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! Transfer the alligator to a plate lined with paper towels. Please do not run out into the swamp and try to cut yourself off some alligator tail meat. It is also not that expensive. Andrews received formal training at Le Cordon Bleu. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. 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. Like most hunters, they deliver. vacume sealed packs of white meat, marinated and ready to grill. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. You can also grill alligator fillet. There are many different types of cooking techniques. Add the alligator tails to the egg mixture and toss to coat. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. I hope youll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you! In particular, you can cook using meat, vegetables, fruit, grains, and more. Put 1 pound (0.45 kg) of alligator meat into a bowl and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Bring the liquid to a boil and thicken it with roux or a cornstarch slurry and simmer for about 10 minutes. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Product Info. 2. Spread across a plate. 1 hr. "Turtle meat is more similar to beef or venison. '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! You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. Set up the grill to cook indirectly, and grill the steaks for about 30 minutes per inch of thickness, turning every few minutes. Season it immediately with salt and pepper. All Rights Reserved. June 16, 2017 12:52 pm 4. Alligator Sauce Piquante Over Creamy Stone Ground Grits. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. Prep the coals. 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. packs (approximately 40 lbs.) For another, alligator fillets are so large that they require a large cooking surface. The answer to this question lies in the alligators diet. This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. Try to put 5-6 pieces of meat and vegetables on every skewer. Until it's fried, alligator gets good grades for nutrition, especially in the protein department. We have the video right here! That alligator will eat you. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. Season to taste with the sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. 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. Soaking alligators in milk is a tradition that dates back to the 1800s. Simply remove them, and eat them immediately. Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! It's safe to leave the meat in the fridge for up to 2 hours for a bolder flavor. Turn the steak over every 4 or 5 minutes so it cooks evenly on both sides. The best cooking time is usually around 4 hours, so make sure you check them regularly. 3. Then back into the flour and shake off. The alligator fillet is a very lean cut of meat. Now that you have chosen alligator, the next step is to prepare the meat. Alligator Legs: Tender, lean, 2 lb. Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. Season the alligator with kosher salt if you didn't use salt or salty ingredients in the marinade. Coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. They have a thick skin that allows them to sweat and protect them from the elements. 4. I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. If you're new to gator, don't be intimidated it tastes like chicken! "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.". As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. 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. One way to get the gamey taste out of alligator me is to cook it slowly in a pot over medium heat. Love New Orleans food? When you remove the meat from the refrigerator, there should be a small amount of vinegar left at the bottom of the bowl. A lot of alligator recipes calls for marinades, but that's not really necessary for tender alligator tail meat. "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". Season the alligatorfillets with salt and pepper before cooking them. However, the health of meat animals has not been taken into account when producers have made this decision. The chef compared cooking alligator with turtle. Put the alligator back into the flour mixture, and again try to shake off as much extra flour as possible. The meat is quite fatty, which can be a problem when cutting the 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. Ground meat recipes would work for the tougher gator parts. For the Alligator. Once the gumbo is done simmering, we add the meat back in. This is the meat that is most equivalent to chicken, mainly because its the most tender part of the gator and mildest in flavor. Slice potatoes (do not peel) and make a layer of them on the bottom of the dish. Alligator is a popular dish in the southern United States. Set next to the lemon sauce. By using our site, you agree to our. The Best Alligator Meat Recipes on Yummly | Geekswhoeat, Louisiana Buttermilk Fried Alligator With Spicy Tomato Sauce, Seminole Sauteed Alligator Tail ~ Native American . Rub the spice mixture onto the alligator fillets. Alligators have a lot of tough connective tissue, so it can take some time for the meat to become tender. The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. 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. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved, alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. When ordered, they are fried to a crispy brown, then tossed into a smoked tomato gastrique to coat the exterior. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. Cover with a layer of diced onions and sprinkle with garlic and parsley. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Check out Acadia Crawfish for the tastiest alligator, crawfish and Cajun seasonings South Louisiana has to offer. Never leave a pan of oil or a grill unattended while you're cooking. Another way to tell is to feel the alligator. When cooking alligator, it is important to know when it is done. This is because they contain the highest level of fatty acids, which are essential for the body. Cows are the top meat producers in the world, accounting for more than 50% of all meat production. 2. Leave the better stuff for your more gourmet dishes. Skewer the seasoned alligator bites and grill for 5 minutes per side, or . Put some crab boil spices in water according to direction. Boneless Turtle Meat 5 lb bag . Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Not sure where to buy your meat? The figure is even higher for beef, with 71% of all cattle being used to produce beef. 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. 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). 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. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Cook Worcestershire Marinated New York Steak. Alligator tenderloin somewhat resembles veal and tastes like a cross between frog legs and turtle meat. Fried Gator. Boneless Turtle Meat 2 lb bag $69.99. The alligators diet is not very digestible, so they have a habit of soaking their food in milk before eating it. Today, milk processors have made it easier to process milk, so there is no need to soak alligators in milk. If you are new, we're so glad you joined the family! Pat the fish dry. Dip the alligator in the flour and shake off. It is similar to veal because of its tenderness. Additionally, alligator meat is low in mercury and other harmful toxins. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. This can be done by placing it in a large pot of water and boiling it for about an hour. Alligator Sampler $71.50. Prepare a rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain the alligator. Place the cleaned and dressed 30lb whole gator in an empty cooler. This will make for a better meal. Its also reported that soaking alligator meat in milk makes it more digestible, which makes it easier to absorb nutrients. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix it with a tablespoon of white vinegar along with a dash of salt and pepper. Drain the fried gator on a rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Back then, there were no milk processors, so people would soak alligators in milk to preserve them. 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. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. To each his own! 2. Category: dinner. Amount is based on available nutrient data. But I cooked it the first time recentlyin sauce picante for our "In Judy's Kitchen" video series. But cooking it? There are a few different ways to cook alligator meat, but the most common way is to fry it. Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. Unlike beef, though, which you can generally categorize as tender or tough, alligator meat has two levels of tenderness: tough and tougher. Cut the meat into 1-inch thick slices. You can make alligator meat into a variety of dishes. 3. Here's how to cook alligator fillets: 1. In Florida, its legal to catch and eat an alligator. Directions. It's almost impossible to tell if the oil is hot enough just by looking at it. Watch on. The smaller, younger alligators produce the most tender alligator meat possible, without any use of preservatives or additives. The alligator is very lean so you need to make sure to remove the fat from it. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vinegar and stir the meat and vinegar together. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? Richard Johnson landed the previous state record alligator gar on August 13, 2009. The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. 10. The hot oil can splash out of the pan and cause serious burns. 6. 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. 4. Barkemeyer, also known as "Chef Bucks," said his product is 65 percent Louisiana farm-raised alligator tail meat and 35 percent fresh boneless pork butt. Turn off the heat and let it sit for as long as you boiled it. Cover the alligator steaks loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before you serve them. [2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWej_c8fz2U. When you think of alligator fillet, you may think that its tough and chewy. Alligator fleas lemon juice capers butter kumquat olive oil white wine chicken broth. Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. If its not, then its likely still in its first stage of cooking. Cooking the belly is a process that has been used for years to tenderize tough cuts of meat. 1 Pat the alligator meat dry. 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. The alligator tail tastes very mild. 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. When cooking alligator, you should consider using a grill pan or grill rack, but dont use a direct flame. It will be easier to slice this way, and you will be able to remove the meat from the bone in the center of the alligator. "Turtle meat's a lot richer. Another bonus about this meat is that it's not only tasty and versatile, but virtually fat free and high in protein. Alligator Sausage. It adapts to many types of seasonings and the flaky, white meat can substitute for veal, seafood, or chicken in many recipes. 4. Season the steaks to taste and sear them on both sides until golden-brown. First prepare your marinade by combining the chopped red chilli, light soy sauce, chopped garlic, grated ginger, cayenne, salt and pepper, and mixing well. Cover and allow marinating for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. 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.