Its been found that people tend to like to eat the fat and skin in these portions. Add the gator to the smoker and mist every thirty minutes with the juice. Remove the alligator from the dry spices. You won't end up eating fried alligator. The alligator "wings" at Kingfish are baked in fat to tenderize them, then drained well, refrigerated and chilled. Grey101. First, season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Cover with a layer of diced onions and sprinkle with garlic and parsley. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. Don't hunt? This will help ensure that it cooks through evenly and doesnt become tough or rubbery. His company also processes the occasional nuisance gator. Youll just want to be choosy about which recipes you use for the different cuts. Drain the fried gator on a rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels. The milk helps to break down the food and makes it easier to digest. first and foremost, alligator meat has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for overall health. Second, the alligator meat should be very moist and tender. This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. Season with salt as soon as it comes out of the oil. 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. The price for shipping was great but the price for the meat can be a little bit cheaper. I tried to convince him to eat alligator fillet. Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. based animals is poor compared to other forms of animal consumption. Then I pan sear each side of the marinated alligator fillets for three minutes per side. The meat can be put into bowls and refrigerated until it is ready to eat. This will make it easier to get the best flavors of the alligator. It is a type of meat that is considered to be a delicacy in some parts of the world. Meat is the number 1 healthiest meat in the world, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition. I cooked it together on the grill to give it a good flavor. This is because it has a light flavour, mild and easy on the tongue. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. For this reason, when buying alligator, it is important to make sure that it is a fresh meat. Here, well take a look at some of the best meat options for everyday. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until they reach an evenly golden color. 2 Remove the alligator from the dry spices. If you're new to gator, don't be intimidated it tastes like chicken! Lay the alligator steaks in the pan, giving each steak at least 1/2 inch of space. His company packaged the 1-pound bags of frozen alligator I bought at Rouse's Supermarkets for the video. Now cut your meat in to generous cube chunks and drop them in to the mixture making sure they receive a good coating. Cut the alligator into small pieces, then season it with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. The alligator is a real American legend, and almost every state has its own alligator restaurant. The smaller, younger alligators produce the most tender alligator meat possible, without any use of preservatives or additives. If you let it sit for longer than 2 hours, the consistency of the meat might begin to change. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. The worlds top meat producer is probably the cow. Leave in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours . In Florida, its legal to catch and eat an alligator. One of the alligators favorite prey items is the American beaver. Dip the alligator in the flour and shake off. Hold the skin back with your non-dominant hand. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. If it is cooked properly, the meat will be tender and juicy. The cut determines the cooking method. If you have leftover fried alligator, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. Rub the spice mixture onto the alligator fillets. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 . When it comes to eating clean, there are a few things to keep in mind. He shared the recipe for his favorite way to cook his alligator sausage indoors, which can be a main or side dish, for brunch or dinner or pot lucks. Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. Join Where NOLA Eats, the hub for food and dining coverage in New Orleans. Category: dinner. However, roasting is mostly recommended for large fish. Other parts of the alligator are double-tenderized, he explained. 2023 Acadia Crawfish. In fact, if you do soak alligator meat, you may end up washing away some of the flavor. Test the alligator by cutting into it with a knife and see if its easily breaking down. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Grilling and frying are some of the most popular ways to cook alligator, and both methods are perfect for an aspiring chef. Others may choose to eat chicken or turkey because they are considered healthier options. Toss the meat with the seasoning and allow to marinate for up to 45 . This will help to make the flavors more potent and keep the meat moist while it cooks on the grill. Make sure there's room for the meat to float around while they cook. 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. Or you can put it in a Crock Pot with red gravy.". Cover the alligator steaks loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before you serve them. Make a sauce using the stock and drippings in the pan while the steaks rest, if desired. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Although braising is the preferred method of cooking, our Boneless Short Ribs can be cooking using a variety of methods. The legs, which chef Greg Sonnier smokes at Kingfish as gator "wings" with a tomato gastrique, are red meat and not as tender, Pearce said. Follow @chefchampion !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? 10. Braise the alligator steaks in the oven for 1 hour and turn them over. Mix mayonnaise, chipotle, chili garlic sauce and siracha in a small bowl. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. When it is cooked, the alligator will be a light pink color. "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". 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. Fill a deep pot halfway full with oil. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the USDA doesn't have a doneness guide for alligator and neither does my meat buyer's guide. Instructions. I hope youll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you! Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Meat tenderizers are made of enzymes or acids that break down the proteins in meat, making it more tender. Season to taste with the sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and let it sit for as long as you boiled it. Place a 20lb bag of ice over the gator to weight it down and keep it cold during the brine process. Preheat the grill to 400F. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. For this, you need to ensure that it is well washed before boiling. The alligator should be cut into pieces after boiling. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes. Garfish {catch clean cook} how to fillet a gar fish 0:00 13:57 garfish {catch clean cook} how to fillet a gar fish deermeatfordinner 3.18m subscribers subscribe 1.9m views 4. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. That alligator will eat you. You should set aside about half of the mixture to use for basting when the kabobs are on the grill. Its been proven that you can use the alligator meat as a natural salt substitute. Boneless Turtle Meat 5 lb bag . Add one cup of ice water to the mixture. 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. This makes the alligator fillet tender, and the process of marinating makes the alligator fillet savory and flavorsome. Check out Acadia Crawfish for the tastiest alligator, crawfish and Cajun seasonings South Louisiana has to offer. 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. 3. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. Continue to 6 of 8 below. 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). Alligator Sausage. But this is not the case. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; 7. The skin can be very tough, and is best removed before cooking. 5. AliGator meat came on time, fresh and ready to cook whatever way you want. The ribs, nuggets and wings are a darker meat with a stronger flavor and a texture similar to pork. Heat vegetable shortening in a large cast-iron skillet until it registers 350F (176C) or use a recommended electric deep fryer. can Rotel tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; Instructions . Don't drop any of the pieces of meat into the oil. Whole Skinned Alligator Tail (Boneless) $29.99 - $48.98. It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. packs of alligator tail meat tenderized and ready to go! To grill alligator fillet, first remove any skin or bones. In this video we go to New Orleans to meet a man who makes alligator fillets. Get your smoker to 250 degrees. Season the alligator with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Repeat with remaining meat. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. Add 2.5 lbs of Alligator gar fillets to the bag and mix thoroughly to coat each piece. Instructions. Keep reading. Boneless Turtle Meat 2 lb bag $69.99. Repeat the process until all is done. What Temperature Should You Cook Chicken? There are many different ways to cook, and there are many different types of food that you can cook. You slice that and pound it like veal, and you cannot tell the difference. Finally, alligator meat can be cooked slowly over low heat. Alligators eat what they want, when they want, so they have minimal fat reserves, and their meat is lean. Alligators are opportunistic predators and will eat almost anything they can find. Step up your party spread this year with alligator dishes, sure to satisfy the bellies of Cajun Country! Sign up for daily stories delivered to your inbox. 2. This will also help to tenderize the meat. Preheat a pan or grill over medium-high heat and cook the alligator fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. Set up the grill to cook indirectly, and grill the steaks for about 30 minutes per inch of thickness, turning every few minutes. Portioned into steaks or fillets, alligator tails are definitely considered a delicacy, and can be . Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Want to see how its done? Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. One way to get the gamey taste out of alligator me is to cook it slowly in a pot over medium heat. Put the drained alligator into the large mixing bowl with the herbs and 1/4 cup of the chili garlic sauce. Alligator Meat's popularity has grown exponentially throughout the world. When ordered, they are fried to a crispy brown, then tossed into a smoked tomato gastrique to coat the exterior. Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! Eating alligator meat is not typically seen as being healthy, but there are some benefits to consideration if you decide to do so. Some others prefer grinding all the meat before making patties, which are quite tasty due to the game flavor. His number one tip for cooking alligator tail: Don't cook it too long, he said. The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. Curious? js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat. Alligator is sold in the market as a whole or as a fillet. 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. 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 tail also has white meat in it that isnt a part of the tenderloin. Dredge each piece in the Breading/Batter Mix and add to the oil. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. When the batter turns a golden brown and the meat floats to the top of the oil, the alligator is cooked thoroughly! Watch on. 2. The answer to this question depends on what youre looking for. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vinegar and stir the meat and vinegar together. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. Add the eggs and water to a separate shallow bowl. Another bonus about this meat is that it's not only tasty and versatile, but virtually fat free and high in protein. and using both hands, blend the ingredients well. The best way to know for sure if alligator meat is done is to cut into a piece and take a bite. 2023 Acadia Crawfish. Remove alligator filets from the skillet and transfer to a baking dish. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings well. So delicious! The skin should be removed first and discarded. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Alligator Legs: Tender, lean, 2 lb. When it is cooked, the alligator will be firm to the touch. Next, layer the gator with bacon covering all parts with bacon except for the head. Love New Orleans food? Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Here's how to cook alligator fillets: 1. When it boils down to it, it basically tastes like the chicken of the swamp, hence the white meat reference. This gives you time to wash some veggies, coat in olive oil, salt & black pepper to throw on the grill with the garfish. These tend to be a better texture and flavor than other cuts. Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. 4 gallons total should cover the gator depending on the size of cooler you are using. Whisk well. This is the section that earns folks say tastes like chicken, meaning it's mild and white. Sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients all contribute to blue-green algae blooms, environmentalists said. Youll be glad you did. It's not cheap: Each bag was $14.99. Bring the liquid to a boil and thicken it with roux or a cornstarch slurry and simmer for about 10 minutes. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. % of people told us that this article helped them. In fact, one of the best ways to cook it is to brine it. But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. Alligator fleas lemon juice capers butter kumquat olive oil white wine chicken broth. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. It's really that simple. I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. 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. Remove the alligator from the marinade and thread onto skewers. Mm-mm! In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk, mustard, and eggs. However, the tradition has continued, and many people in the southern United States still soak alligators in milk. Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States. Dispose of any extra marinade. You want it done.) Fry the alligator for 3 minutes or until all of the pieces are floating in the oil.The meat will cook quickly in the hot oil, so keep your eye on the pan. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! How do you know if catfish is safe to eat? Alligator fillet is actually very tender and delicious. Meat was also found to be the most nutrient dense food out there. Add the skewers to the grill and cook them for about 5 minutes per side. We find out his secrets for cooking alligator and how to clean it before cooking. The tenderloin is the part of alligator that people compare to chicken. 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. In another bowl add the flour and season with some cajun seasoning as well. "I think one reason people like it is that it's its own form. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved, alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. 5. Pat the alligator meat dry. The Flavors of FallBeyond Pumpkin and Pecan, 1 lb. 4. 9. Prep Time: 5 minutes. "It's a fully cooked product, but the best way to cook it is on the grill," he said. 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. "It's white meat," Barkemeyer said. I simmer carp in a mixture of milk and white wine until it is barely cooked and then separate the meat from the bones. If the pieces can't move around in the oil, they won't cook evenly. Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. The process of brining involves submerging the alligator in a solution of saltwater, sugar, and spices. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. This article has been viewed 19,580 times. Shake to coat. Stir or whisk to distribute the pepper. It will be easier to handle this way. Report abuse. If desired, sprinkle top with shredded cheese after baking. And the fat on alligator is outside the pieces, not striated throughout the meat like, for instance, beef or pork. The alligator fillet is a very lean cut of meat. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Grilled Cajun Style Gator Tail. Heat your grill to high. How long does it take to cook alligator meat? Here are a few tips on how to cook alligator fillets: 1. For the Alligator. This will ensure that you are getting the best cuts of alligator. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! Cube the alligator meat and add to the butter mixture, stirring to coat the alligator. 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. When the coal is white-hot, place the Alligator gar fillets on the oiled grill. Several cuts of alligator meat correspond with beef, like the tenderloin. However, some have argued that alligator meat may not be as healthy as advertised. The meat of the jowl is quite tender on its own, too, he said. Put 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground black pepper into a mixing bowl. Spread across a plate. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. 1. If you want to make your own dipping sauces for a gourmet meal, you can mix a simply spicy mayo or. Add stock as needed to keep the steaks at least halfway submerged at all times. Instructions. . It is the most delicate part of the meat from the animal. 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. It is also much easier to slice if it is boiled first. Oldie but goodie thank you for rocking with us we apprecia. 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. Cut the steaks across the grain to make them easier to chew. 6. Amount is based on available nutrient data. Add the alligator tails to the egg mixture and toss to coat. Alligators have a lot of tough connective tissue, so it can take some time for the meat to become tender. There are a few key things to look for when cooking alligator meat. Alligator gar can also be barbecued or roasted - prepare some fillets and get them to cook. You can get frozen alligator meat online. This will make for a better meal. This is better because you can make more use of the alligator. 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. We prefer to poach the tenderloins, and let them cool, then shred the meat by hand. And man, do them Cajuns eat it up, cher! (function(d, s, id) { Sep 18, 2010. When the oil is hot, carefully drop in each piece and . [2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWej_c8fz2U. 4. #5. eman said: Gator does not taste awful. For alligator meatballs or tacos, go with ground gator meat. Transfer the alligator steaks to a plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Shake to coat. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. The skin should be removed first and discarded. It is best cooked by grilling. Cook the alligator, using tongs to turn occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Of course, you can also cook using different food types. There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. Today, milk processors have made it easier to process milk, so there is no need to soak alligators in milk. Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. Gator Burgers! 2. 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. Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. You can treat alligator meat just like you would chicken or beef. Size: 8 vacuum sealed 5 lb. It is also not that expensive. Features: Some people believe that the meat from animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens is the unhealthiest because of their high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat, respectively. The process of cooking alligator fillets is a delicate one, so be careful not to overcook them. If youre looking to lose weight or simply want to eat more healthily, there are a number of options available to you each day. 15 feet casing for stuffing. The alligator tail tastes very mild. You can cook using your oven, stove, grill or microwave. Season the alligatorfillets with salt and pepper before cooking them. Additionally, alligator meat is low in mercury and other harmful toxins. 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. In 2013, I wrote about Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position during Lent. The tenderloin comes from the tail. It's safe to leave the meat in the fridge for up to 2 hours for a bolder flavor. 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. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat, but it typically takes about 10 minutes to fry alligator meat.