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 . Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. 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.". Curious? Turn the heat off and pour enough stock in the pan to almost cover the steaks. 3. % of people told us that this article helped them. Barkemeyer said he sells 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of the sausage a year, and he ships it around the country. Don't hunt? Try to leave a little gap of space between the meat and the vegetables to allow them to cook evenly over the grill. In this video we go to New Orleans to meet a man who makes alligator fillets. Youll be glad you did. 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. First prepare your marinade by combining the chopped red chilli, light soy sauce, chopped garlic, grated ginger, cayenne, salt and pepper, and mixing well. Cooking the belly is a process that has been used for years to tenderize tough cuts of meat. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. 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. 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. Mix the flour, breadcrumbs, and Cajun seasoning. 6. Several cuts of alligator meat correspond with beef, like the tenderloin. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. Never tried to smoke it but it sounds like someone ruined some good gator. Alligator is a type of meat that can be very hard to prepare properly. In Florida, its legal to catch and eat an alligator. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) AdventureSomeKitchen All Rights Reserved. After the gator has been on the smoker for about 3 hours, add the glaze. Now cut your meat in to generous cube chunks and drop them in to the mixture making sure they receive a good coating. Stir or whisk to distribute the pepper. Andrews' work has appeared in Food and Wine, Fricote and "BBC Good Food." Remove the filets from the air fryer, tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. His company packaged the 1-pound bags of frozen alligator I bought at Rouse's Supermarkets for the video. The alligator fillets are best served at room temperature. Never leave a pan of oil or a grill unattended while you're cooking. Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States. Fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. This will make for a better meal. Quick and easy way to fix up gator bites for your friends. If it was longer than five feet, the meat will be tough. In a cooking pot add oil and lightly brown the alligator meat. "Turtle meat's a lot richer. Oldie but goodie thank you for rocking with us we apprecia. Check the steaks' internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165 degrees before serving. Don't drop any of the pieces of meat into the oil. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or a combination of oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The smaller, younger alligators produce the most tender alligator meat possible, without any use of preservatives or additives. Try to put 5-6 pieces of meat and vegetables on every skewer. This is better because you can make more use of the alligator. Quick view Choose Options. Cooking Spray. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. packs of alligator tail meat tenderized and ready to go! 2. Quick view. Whisk well. And man, do them Cajuns eat it up, cher! We have the video right here! The price for shipping was great but the price for the meat can be a little bit cheaper. If desired, remove foil for last 15 minutes so top can brown. Let it boil for five minutes (or more depending on the amount of fish. 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. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. After its been cooked, the meat is placed into a cold storage area for the meat to cool. When it comes to eating clean, there are a few things to keep in mind. Eating alligator meat is not typically seen as being healthy, but there are some benefits to consideration if you decide to do so. A lot of alligator recipes calls for marinades, but that's not really necessary for tender alligator tail meat. You can cook tough alligator steaks, such as fillets, in a pan, but tougher cuts, such as sirloin, flank and tail, need to be braised. 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. Turn the steak over every 4 or 5 minutes so it cooks evenly on both sides. How do you know when alligator is done cooking. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until they reach an evenly golden color. Oil extracts the essential oils from fresh herbs and peppers, while buttermilk doesn't. I called the guy who always handlesa live alligator at the Louisiana Restaurant show every summer: Harlon Pearce, of Harlon's Louisiana Seafood. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Prepare a rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain the alligator. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place alligator meat in a medium bowl, and mix with vinegar, salt, and pepper. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. Cut off the head and the tail, then gut and scale it. Then add into the buttermilk mixture and shake off. Grilled Alligator Ribs. Designed & Developed by. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. This is what stores are for. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. Size: 8 vacuum sealed 5 lb. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. AliGator meat came on time, fresh and ready to cook whatever way you want. Farm-raised alligators are smaller and less fatty than wild ones, Pearce said, adding, "Wild is still great. At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. Carve with pressure toward the cutting board, in long strokes the length of the knife. If you are new, we're so glad you joined the family! Cajun Alligator Chili. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Stryjewski said the restaurant uses peanut oil for frying, but "lard works just as well.". Place the alligator meat into a large bowl and add the granulated garlic, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. 3. Bring the liquid to a boil and thicken it with roux or a cornstarch slurry and simmer for about 10 minutes. [4] 5. Good. Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. 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. Slice potatoes (do not peel) and make a layer of them on the bottom of the dish. Now that you have chosen alligator, the next step is to prepare the meat. You can cook tough alligator steaks, such as fillets, in a pan, but tougher cuts, such as sirloin, flank and tail, need to be braised. For one of my best friends in childhood, the only thing he likes to eat is chicken. If it is still pink, it is not fully cooked. Season the alligatorfillets with salt and pepper before cooking them. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Award winning Chef Ace Champions passion for cooking began years before his culinary career. Quick view. And the fat on alligator is outside the pieces, not striated throughout the meat like, for instance, beef or pork. vacume sealed packs of white meat, marinated and ready to grill. It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. You won't end up eating fried alligator. Boneless Turtle Meat 2 lb bag $69.99. 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. The answer to this question is a resounding No. You do not have to soak alligator meat prior to cooking it. However, roasting is mostly recommended for large fish. But this is not the case. 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. Here are a few tips on how to cook alligator fillets: 1. Although a grilling tray is preferable, a cookie sheet works too. The worlds top food is the best healthiest food, according to a study released Tuesday. Put the alligator back into the flour mixture, and again try to shake off as much extra flour as possible. Preheat your pit to 250. First, be sure to season your alligator meat well before cooking it. 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. "I think one reason people like it is that it's its own form. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish. The figure is even higher for beef, with 71% of all cattle being used to produce beef. I cooked it together on the grill to give it a good flavor. 2. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. surface of the mixture. Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2021. There are a few ways to tell when alligator is done. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. The alligator fillet is a very lean cut of meat. You will have more of the Chili Garlic Mayo than you need for this recipe. In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk, mustard, and eggs. This will ensure that you are getting the best cuts of alligator. Richard Johnson landed the previous state record alligator gar on August 13, 2009. You have permission to edit this article. Thread alligator onto skewers. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. Heat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The cut determines the cooking method. If there's still some pink in the middle, put the kabobs back on the grill for 1 minute before serving them. Use a slotted spoon to lift the calamari rings out of the buttermilk. No worries. Meat was also found to be the most nutrient dense food out there. Cows are the top meat producers in the world, accounting for more than 50% of all meat production. Set next to the lemon sauce. Product Info. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved, alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. The best cooking time is usually around 4 hours, so make sure you check them regularly. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! The wild season harvest is every September." Alligator loin: whole young tender alligator loins ready for the grill, blackened or cut, bread and fry to make your own "GATOR BITES" Alligator Fillet: 1 lb. It's not mixed with something else.". The study, which was conducted by the World Health Organization, found that foods with healthy fats and fibers are the healthiest among all foods. All Rights Reserved. June 16, 2017 12:52 pm 2. Instructions. The legs are available online, along with several other cuts and processed alligator (patties, nuggets, pistolettes) and several brands of sausage. If you don't want to buy fish batter, you can. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); It's safe to leave the meat in the fridge for up to 2 hours for a bolder flavor. Combine the flour and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". If youre looking to lose weight or simply want to eat more healthily, there are a number of options available to you each day. 4 cups alligator meat, cut into small bite-size pieces; 1/2 cup oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped; 1 large bell pepper, chopped; 2 Tbs. This makes the alligator fillet tender, and the process of marinating makes the alligator fillet savory and flavorsome. 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. Avoid overcrowding the oil with pieces of meat. use plenty of salt and pepper to season the meat as needed. The fish weighed an astonishing 162 pounds! Remove to paper towels, and serve hot. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. This can be done by placing it in a large pot of water and boiling it for about an hour. The meat should have soaked up the rest of the liquid. Add spices and herbs to stock, if desired. The Best Alligator Meat Recipes on Yummly | Geekswhoeat, Louisiana Buttermilk Fried Alligator With Spicy Tomato Sauce, Seminole Sauteed Alligator Tail ~ Native American . Its believed that this is because the spices release pheromones. 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 flesh should flake when gently pressed. If you cant afford the tenderloin, this cut is your next best bet. Braise the steaks for another 30 minutes and check their tenderness with a fork. Back then, there were no milk processors, so people would soak alligators in milk to preserve them. After a fifteen-year career as a semi-professional football player, Chef decided to follow his passion for cooking and has never looked back. A new state-record catch of an alligator gar is now on the books in Alabama. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,580 times. Instructions. Why not? 2 Remove the alligator from the dry spices. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. I tried to convince him to eat alligator fillet. Combine the flour and pepper in a separate bowl. This will help ensure that they will cook evenly and not get too tough or dry. Grilled Cajun Style Gator Tail. The alligator is done cooking when the inside is cooked all the way through. Alligator fillet is actually very tender and delicious. It's processed and naturally hickory-smoked in wood-burning ovens at Crescent City Meat Company in Metairie. Put the drained alligator into the large mixing bowl with the herbs and 1/4 cup of the chili garlic sauce. It's really that simple. 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. If you want to make your own dipping sauces for a gourmet meal, you can mix a simply spicy mayo or. 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. These include olive oil, salmon, avocado, nuts and seeds. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 . For the Alligator. The health of beef animals is ][imported ][but ][it][does not stack up to] other types of animal consumed in human diets. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! Here's how to cook alligator fillets: 1. When you think of alligator fillet, you may think that its tough and chewy. Pour lemon juice over filets. Today, milk processors have made it easier to process milk, so there is no need to soak alligators in milk. You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. Continue frying the meat 3-4 pieces at a time until all of the pieces are cooked and cooled. 2 pounds alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. Tough Step 1. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. This is because they contain the highest level of fatty acids, which are essential for the body. In our opinion, the texture and taste of the white meat is where its at! The process of brining involves submerging the alligator in a solution of saltwater, sugar, and spices. Add stock as needed to keep the steaks at least halfway submerged at all times. Photo: Flickr/ Valerie Hinojosa. Place on a Crisper Tray and put it on the top rack of the Power Air Fryer Oven Elite. Dip the floured alligator in buttermilk and remove with a slotted spoon, allowing as much buttermilk as possible to drip off. Next, toss the alligator pieces with olive oil and seasoning, then set aside at room temperature for 40 minutes. Alligator Stew. In particular, you can cook using meat, vegetables, fruit, grains, and more. The only time it is not safe to eat catfish is when it is undercooked. 3. Drain the fried gator on a rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Follow @chefchampion 1. The alligator tail tastes very mild. Keep the bag in the coldest part of the fridge while you prep the coal and grill. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes. Some others prefer grinding all the meat before making patties, which are quite tasty due to the game flavor. Place a 20lb bag of ice over the gator to weight it down and keep it cold during the brine process. 1. Add one cup of ice water to the mixture. Flip the filets and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired doneness. Add the Breading/Batter Mix to a shallow bowl. 5. This will also help to keep your alligator meat moist as it cooks. You can also use a wide array of acids, such as Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice or any vinegar, with an oil-based marinade. 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. Coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the USDA doesn't have a doneness guide for alligator and neither does my meat buyer's guide. #5. eman said: Gator does not taste awful. Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! 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. Watch on. The alligators diet is not very digestible, so they have a habit of soaking their food in milk before eating it. 3. Finally, ensure that your food choices are organic whenever possible. You can make alligator meat into a variety of dishes. Season the alligator with kosher salt if you didn't use salt or salty ingredients in the marinade. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat. Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. Grilled alligator is also a very good source of protein, vitamin B12 and phosphorus. parsley; 1 cup water; 1- 10 oz. And you know what that means football parties, Cajun cook-offs, and an infinite supply of good times! For instance, some anglers prefer cutting the fish into fillets and frying everything up. 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. First, season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. Then we have the white meat from the gators legs and body. Another is to cook all meat thoroughly before eating it, as this will help remove any bacteria that may be present. 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). Wipe the buttermilk from the steaks and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. What part of the animal is this? 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). 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. By using our site, you agree to our. However, if you eat raw or undercooked alligator meat, you may experience serious health consequences. 4. What I bought was the tenderloin, the most tender meat, from the tail of the alligator. Keep reading. We prefer to poach the tenderloins, and let them cool, then shred the meat by hand. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Portioned into steaks or fillets, alligator tails are definitely considered a delicacy, and can be . If it is tough or chewy, it is not done. the exception of the casing. Ground meat recipes would work for the tougher gator parts. It is a type of meat that is considered to be a delicacy in some parts of the world. Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. Alligator is a large fish that is about four inches long and has a crispy skin. The alligator should be cut into pieces after boiling. Cochon's James Beard Award-winning chef, Stephen Stryjewski, shared the recipe for one of the restaurant's most popular appetizers. 32. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. 2. The tenderloin comes from the tail. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. Alligator sausage can be prepared by making a kind of cured sausage that combines alligator and pork. 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). Cover the Dutch oven or pan. Heat oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees. If you've ever wondered how to cook alligator but didn't know where to begin, this is for you. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. The rest of the alligator can then be removed from the bone. There are a few key things to look for when cooking alligator meat. Heat the grill to high heat and grill kabobs for 6 . tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Enjoy! Cover the alligator steaks loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before you serve them. Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. You should set aside about half of the mixture to use for basting when the kabobs are on the grill. For one thing, the cooking temperature needed to get the best results is significantly higher than that for other types of fish. When you remove the meat from the refrigerator, there should be a small amount of vinegar left at the bottom of the bowl. In fact, if you do soak alligator meat, you may end up washing away some of the flavor. Gotta agree 110% with the EMAN on this one - aligator sauce piquant is one of my favorites! Until it's fried, alligator gets good grades for nutrition, especially in the protein department. Continue to 6 of 8 below. Boneless Turtle Meat 5 lb bag . But how do you know when alligator meat is done? Fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until crisp. The alligator is very lean so you need to make sure to remove the fat from it. The best way to know for sure if alligator meat is done is to cut into a piece and take a bite. Put 1 pound (0.45 kg) of alligator meat into a bowl and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Alligator meat can be a delicious and nutritious food, but it can also have a slightly gamey taste. In another shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, spices, salt and pepper. Fried Gator. 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. 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. 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. boneless alligator, fresh or frozen. Repeat with remaining meat. Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. That alligator will eat you. Transfer the alligator to a plate lined with paper towels. This is commonly done in small restaurants. In 2013, I wrote about Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position during Lent. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes. Most people will choose to cook the whole alligator. Alligators are opportunistic predators and will eat almost anything they can find. Read more. Add the gator to the smoker and mist every thirty minutes with the juice. Add the alligator tails to the egg mixture and toss to coat. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. Season the steaks to taste and sear them on both sides until golden-brown. Season with salt as soon as it comes out of the oil. There are many different ways to cook an alligator, but the most popular is to fry it.