We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Wipe off the excess marinade and let the alligator steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. 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. This will make for a better meal. If you have leftover fried alligator, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. Remove to paper towels, and serve hot. Prep the coals. 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. In my mind, you can wrap bacon around just about anything, so why not alligator tail? Omega 3s, this low-calorie fish is a healthy choice. Enjoy! If it is tough or chewy, it is not done. It's almost impossible to tell if the oil is hot enough just by looking at it. Mm-mm! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Heat the grill to high heat and grill kabobs for 6 . "Turtle meat is more similar to beef or venison. Transfer the alligator to a plate lined with paper towels. 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. For this reason, when buying alligator, it is important to make sure that it is a fresh meat. Bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30-40 minutes. Step up your party spread this year with alligator dishes, sure to satisfy the bellies of Cajun Country! It is also not that expensive. Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. 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. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Season the alligatorfillets with salt and pepper before cooking them. Other recipes are cooked on a grill using charcoal. Dredge each piece in the Breading/Batter Mix and add to the oil. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. The alligator is a real American legend, and almost every state has its own alligator restaurant. Youll be glad you did. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; You should set aside about half of the mixture to use for basting when the kabobs are on the grill. Next, layer the gator with bacon covering all parts with bacon except for the head. And man, do them Cajuns eat it up, cher! Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. Never tried to smoke it but it sounds like someone ruined some good gator. These tend to be a better texture and flavor than other cuts. All Rights Reserved. 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. Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! Quick view. This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. Don't drop any of the pieces of meat into the oil. If you let it sit for longer than 2 hours, the consistency of the meat might begin to change. To each his own! Although braising is the preferred method of cooking, our Boneless Short Ribs can be cooking using a variety of methods. The alligator fillet is a very lean cut of meat. Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. Preheat the grill to 400F. Alligator fillets are a bit of a different beast when compared to fillets of more common fish. Finally, cook your alligator meat over a low heat. It's not mixed with something else.". Place the cleaned and dressed 30lb whole gator in an empty cooler. Cover and allow marinating for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. The cut determines the cooking method. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. Add stock as needed to keep the steaks at least halfway submerged at all times. If you're new to gator, don't be intimidated it tastes like chicken! Stir or whisk to distribute the pepper. You can also cook using boiling water, a microwave or an infrared oven. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Features: Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. Curious? It is also much easier to slice if it is boiled first. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. Meat consumption has increased significantly in the last few decades, and with that, the demand for meat. How do you know if catfish is safe to eat? Now cut your meat in to generous cube chunks and drop them in to the mixture making sure they receive a good coating. Other parts of the alligator are double-tenderized, he explained. Its believed that this is because the spices release pheromones. 7. That alligator will eat you. But how do you know when alligator meat is done? If you are new, we're so glad you joined the family! 2. Drain the fried gator on a rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Remove alligator filets from the skillet and transfer to a baking dish. Add the eggs and water to a separate shallow bowl. 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. This can be done by placing it in a large pot of water and boiling it for about an hour. It's really that simple. So delicious! The skin should be removed first and discarded. Leave in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours . Grill the alligator for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. The tenderloin is the part of alligator that people compare to chicken. In our opinion, the texture and taste of the white meat is where its at! Cochon's James Beard Award-winning chef, Stephen Stryjewski, shared the recipe for one of the restaurant's most popular appetizers. Stryjewski said the restaurant uses peanut oil for frying, but "lard works just as well.". Learn more Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern part of the United States, and it's fairly easy to cook at home. Cut the meat into 1-inch thick slices. "I think one reason people like it is that it's its own form. 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? Place on a Crisper Tray and put it on the top rack of the Power Air Fryer Oven Elite. This is commonly done in small restaurants. When it boils down to it, it basically tastes like the chicken of the swamp, hence the white meat reference. To grill alligator fillet, first remove any skin or bones. Alligator meat is typically slightly salty and has a distinctive flavor. This is the section that earns folks say tastes like chicken, meaning it's mild and white. "You can cook it so many different ways," he said. If you want to make your own dipping sauces for a gourmet meal, you can mix a simply spicy mayo or. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); 1. 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. 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. Cube the alligator meat and add to the butter mixture, stirring to coat the alligator. Don't hunt? Amount is based on available nutrient data. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until they reach an evenly golden color. 32. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Out of stock. Prep Time: 5 minutes. Alligators have a lot of tough connective tissue, so it can take some time for the meat to become tender. Mix mayonnaise, chipotle, chili garlic sauce and siracha in a small bowl. When it is cooked, the alligator will be firm to the touch. 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. Add one cup of ice water to the mixture. Get your smoker to 250 degrees. He also noted that people "sell the heck out of it" at church fairs and similar events. 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. Blackened Alligator. When the coal is white-hot, place the Alligator gar fillets on the oiled grill. There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. Now that you have chosen alligator, the next step is to prepare the meat. Grilled alligator is also a very good source of protein, vitamin B12 and phosphorus. Florida-based YouTube starsRobert Arrington and his wife Sarah will teach you how to properly prepare, grill and fry an alligator tail. in a rolling motion until the fat content of the pork coats the. So, if you want to cook alligator fillet for dinner, you can try my recipe. Cut the alligator into small pieces, then season it with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes. Heat oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for increased flavor. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. cornstarch, egg whites, alligator fillets, salt and 2 more. Be sure to carefully lower the meat into the oil. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. 4. Award winning Chef Ace Champions passion for cooking began years before his culinary career. Cut alligator into 1-inch chunks and season with salt and pepper. First, the alligator meat should be a deep red color. 2. Its been proven that you can use the alligator meat as a natural salt substitute. One way to get the gamey taste out of alligator me is to cook it slowly in a pot over medium heat. Tenderize it using a standard meat mallet and for an extra delish result, sprinkle on your favorite meat tenderizer, too. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. Add skewers, and cook until alligator is nicely browned on all sides and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 160, 5 to 10 . Set up the grill to cook indirectly, and grill the steaks for about 30 minutes per inch of thickness, turning every few minutes. Youll just want to be choosy about which recipes you use for the different cuts. Gar Lobster. The alligator is very lean so you need to make sure to remove the fat from it. 4. It looks like a dunce cap, long and skinny. When the batter turns a golden brown and the meat floats to the top of the oil, the alligator is cooked thoroughly! We have the video right here! 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. Remove the pan when the steaks reach the desired tenderness. Alligator Sampler $71.50. Cooking alligator may be old hat for many home cooks, and it's quite apparentchefs are cooking it all over the place. A lot of alligator recipes calls for marinades, but that's not really necessary for tender alligator tail meat. COPYRIGHT 2023, WOMG. The worlds top meat producer is probably the cow. There are many different ways to cook an alligator, but the most popular is to fry it. 2. You won't end up eating fried alligator. However, roasting is mostly recommended for large fish. Check the steaks' internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165 degrees before serving. Directions. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. Ground meat recipes would work for the tougher gator parts. Pour lemon juice over filets. When you remove the meat from the refrigerator, there should be a small amount of vinegar left at the bottom of the bowl. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meat's . Whisk well. Then back into the flour and shake off. first and foremost, alligator meat has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for overall health. Add the alligator tails to the egg mixture and toss to coat. 1 Pat the alligator meat dry. Cook the alligator for about 15 to 20 minutes after you sear it if you're cooking a thin steak, and 25 to 30 minutes after you sear it if you're cooking a thick steak. Then I pan sear each side of the marinated alligator fillets for three minutes per side. Continue to mix. Put some crab boil spices in water according to direction. "You can stew it, or take the center cut of tail and grill it up like chicken, or definitely fry it.". 4 gallons total should cover the gator depending on the size of cooler you are using. Alligator fillet is quite similar to chicken fillet in taste and appearance. Start by placing the alligator meat in a bowl. How long does it take to cook alligator meat? When cooking alligator, it is important to know when it is done. Furthermore, the meat is flavored with spices like salt and pepper, which helps it to taste delicious. One of the best dishes is alligator sausage. Use a slotted spoon to lift the calamari rings out of the buttermilk. 3. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. The alligator is done cooking when the inside is cooked all the way through. Try to leave a little gap of space between the meat and the vegetables to allow them to cook evenly over the grill. And you know what that means football parties, Cajun cook-offs, and an infinite supply of good times! Its also reported that soaking alligator meat in milk makes it more digestible, which makes it easier to absorb nutrients. I cover the tray in a lot of olive oil. If you dont believe us, substitute that white meat for some gator next time youre cooking your favorite chicken recipe and see for yourself! Mix it with a tablespoon of white vinegar along with a dash of salt and pepper. Season with salt as soon as it comes out of the oil. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. And the fat on alligator is outside the pieces, not striated throughout the meat like, for instance, beef or pork. Another way to tell is to cut into the alligator and look at the inside. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat, but it typically takes about 10 minutes to fry alligator meat. You can get frozen alligator meat online. Put the drained alligator into the large mixing bowl with the herbs and 1/4 cup of the chili garlic sauce. It's available in a variety of cuts including tail fillets, ribs, nuggets and wings. Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. First, season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper. For another, alligator fillets are so large that they require a large cooking surface. Richard Johnson landed the previous state record alligator gar on August 13, 2009. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 . If its not, then its likely still in its first stage of cooking. 4. Heat the barbecue to high hotness and barbecue kabobs for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. Dredge each nugget across the breadcrumbs to coat. '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 alligator tail tastes very mild. 4. Read more. Then I put a tray on the grill. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; 4. Remove the alligator from the marinade and thread onto skewers. Cooking Spray. 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. Add alligator cubes; stir to coat well. 06 of 08. Instructions. Shake to coat. Cover the Dutch oven or pan. In particular, you can cook using meat, vegetables, fruit, grains, and more. You can also grill alligator fillet. 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. Hola T&LeeFam! Join Where NOLA Eats, the hub for food and dining coverage in New Orleans. Alligators eat what they want, when they want, so they have minimal fat reserves, and their meat is lean. I simmer carp in a mixture of milk and white wine until it is barely cooked and then separate the meat from the bones. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. Farm-raised alligators are smaller and less fatty than wild ones, Pearce said, adding, "Wild is still great. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). This will help ensure that they will cook evenly and not get too tough or dry. Hold the skin back with your non-dominant hand. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Alligator is very good to eat. Let it boil for five minutes (or more depending on the amount of fish. 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. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. Alligator Meat's popularity has grown exponentially throughout the world. 10. Braise the alligator steaks in the oven for 1 hour and turn them over. the exception of the casing. Fry a few pieces at a time until the alligator just begins to float and is golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Spray all sides with Cooking Spray. If the pieces can't move around in the oil, they won't cook evenly. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. 2) Use an oven thermometer. If youre looking to lose weight or simply want to eat more healthily, there are a number of options available to you each day. One is to avoid eating anything that can contain harmful bacteria, including meats and poultry. A new state-record catch of an alligator gar is now on the books in Alabama. One of the alligators favorite prey items is the American beaver. The milk helps to break down the food and makes it easier to digest. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. Weve got you covered, cher! Set the temperature to 180 degrees. This is the meat that is most equivalent to chicken, mainly because its the most tender part of the gator and mildest in flavor. Continue frying the meat 3-4 pieces at a time until all of the pieces are cooked and cooled. Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. Quick and easy way to fix up gator bites for your friends. Tough Step 1. 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. Designed & Developed by. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. The alligator should be cut into pieces after boiling. Microwave half a cup of butter for 30 seconds. In this video we go to New Orleans to meet a man who makes alligator fillets. Alligator fleas lemon juice capers butter kumquat olive oil white wine chicken broth. Just like when you slow-cook a roast, poaching fish causes the flesh to flake away from the bones. packs of alligator tail meat tenderized and ready to go! Here, well take a look at some of the best meat options for everyday. In a couple of weeks, fall will descend upon us. Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. Meat is the number 1 healthiest meat in the world, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition. While alligator meat is not as common as chicken or beef, it is a delicious and healthy protein choice. 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. Heat the oil in a medium size saucepot and heat to 375F. Size: 8 vacuum sealed 5 lb. Repeat with remaining meat. The meat of the jowl is quite tender on its own, too, he said. Gary's Island . It is a type of meat that is considered to be a delicacy in some parts of the world. After all, it wouldnt be considered Cajun without a kick. Combine the flour and pepper in a separate bowl. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. It can be cooked by different techniques including grilling, deep frying or baking. That said, there are a few things you can do to make sure your alligator meat turns out delicious. The best cooking time is usually around 4 hours, so make sure you check them regularly. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! Quick view Choose Options. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or a combination of oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. parsley; 1 cup water; 1- 10 oz. Watch on. Transfer the alligator steaks to a plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. 3. based animals is poor compared to other forms of animal consumption. In another bowl add the flour and season with some cajun seasoning as well. To cook the best thick pork chops, all you need is a gas grill. 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. Oil extracts the essential oils from fresh herbs and peppers, while buttermilk doesn't. Read More . The rest of the alligator can then be removed from the bone. In 2013, I wrote about Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position during Lent. Cajun Fried Alligator. There are various cooking methods that you can use to cook alligator. All Rights Reserved. Barkemeyer said he sells 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of the sausage a year, and he ships it around the country. Alligator meat is often seen as healthier than beef, due to its high quality proteins and low levels of cholesterol. Ever wondered how alligator steaks are made? Cook Time: 15 minutes. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". The only time it is not safe to eat catfish is when it is undercooked. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. If you're using a pellet grill, set it for around 400F degrees. Pat the alligator meat dry. Alligator meat can be a delicious and nutritious food, but it can also have a slightly gamey taste. Or you can put it in a Crock Pot with red gravy.". The answer to this question is a resounding No. You do not have to soak alligator meat prior to cooking it. This gives you time to wash some veggies, coat in olive oil, salt & black pepper to throw on the grill with the garfish. When ordered, they are fried to a crispy brown, then tossed into a smoked tomato gastrique to coat the exterior.