This is commonly done in small restaurants. Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. You can get frozen alligator meat online. Grill the alligator for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. In fact, one of the best ways to cook it is to brine it. Turn the steak over every 4 or 5 minutes so it cooks evenly on both sides. Oldie but goodie thank you for rocking with us we apprecia. Join Where NOLA Eats, the hub for food and dining coverage in New Orleans. You can also cook alligator steaks on the grill. 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). Cajun Alligator Chili. There are many different types of cooking techniques. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Mix the alligator meat, salt, pepper, and vinegar in a medium-sized bowl. I tried to convince him to eat alligator fillet. 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. Add cup of blackened seasoning to the melted butter and stir to combine. . 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. AliGator meat came on time, fresh and ready to cook whatever way you want. Once the gumbo is done simmering, we add the meat back in. Tenderize it using a standard meat mallet and for an extra delish result, sprinkle on your favorite meat tenderizer, too. Gator Burgers! His company also processes the occasional nuisance gator. 6. 6. Alligators have a lot of tough connective tissue, so it can take some time for the meat to become tender. You can also use a wide array of acids, such as Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice or any vinegar, with an oil-based marinade. Sonnier has made many alligator dishes in his career. The best way to know for sure if alligator meat is done is to cut into a piece and take a bite. Season the steaks to taste and sear them on both sides until golden-brown. In a small bowl combine olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper. 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Exotic Meat. Their diet consists mostly of fish, but they will also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. There are a few key things to look for when cooking alligator meat. This is commonly done in small restaurants. Season the alligator with kosher salt if you didn't use salt or salty ingredients in the marinade. I called the guy who always handlesa live alligator at the Louisiana Restaurant show every summer: Harlon Pearce, of Harlon's Louisiana Seafood. Combine the flour and pepper in a separate bowl. "You can stew it, or take the center cut of tail and grill it up like chicken, or definitely fry it.". 1. Alligator Sausage. Heat vegetable shortening in a large cast-iron skillet until it registers 350F (176C) or use a recommended electric deep fryer. 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 a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat. 3. Avoid overloading your kabobs. Its believed that this is because the spices release pheromones. Repeat the process until all is done. In another shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, spices, salt and pepper. If youre looking to lose weight or simply want to eat more healthily, there are a number of options available to you each day. If it was longer than five feet, the meat will be tough. This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. Place alligator meat in a medium bowl, and mix with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish. 11. In this video we go to New Orleans to meet a man who makes alligator fillets. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. 2023 Acadia Crawfish. 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. For this, you need to ensure that it is well washed before boiling. It adapts to many types of seasonings and the flaky, white meat can substitute for veal, seafood, or chicken in many recipes. Rub the spice mixture onto the alligator fillets. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. You can handle and treat that like a good piece of meat, even grill it.". In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Out of stock. Watch on. Season the alligator fillets with salt pepper and other spices of your choice. 1 Pat the alligator meat dry. Stryjewski said the restaurant uses peanut oil for frying, but "lard works just as well.". Heat the barbecue to high hotness and barbecue kabobs for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. The alligator fillet is a very lean cut of meat. 1. If it is cooked properly, the meat will be tender and juicy. The alligator is done cooking when the inside is cooked all the way through. This gives you time to wash some veggies, coat in olive oil, salt & black pepper to throw on the grill with the garfish. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. packs of alligator tail meat tenderized and ready to go! We find out his secrets for cooking alligator and how to clean it before cooking. Designed & Developed by. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! After the gator has been on the smoker for about 3 hours, add the glaze. "It's a fully cooked product, but the best way to cook it is on the grill," he said. Cook Time: 15 minutes. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes of cooking on each side to sear alligator meat and develop a golden-brown crust. It will also get a nice, golden-brown color. Hola T&LeeFam! The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat, but it typically takes about 10 minutes to fry alligator meat. The alligator is a large, herbivorous alligator that can reach up to 6 feet in length and weigh between 400 and 1,000 pounds. Alligator Sampler $71.50. 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. There are various cooking methods that you can use to cook alligator. % of people told us that this article helped them. When oil is hot, place meat pieces into oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Use a pair of tongs to flip them over so that the batter is evenly cooked on both sides. 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 . Mix the melted butter with the remaining Cajun seasoning. If its not, then its likely still in its first stage of cooking. At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. Hello, Louisiana: How do you cook and eat alligator? Finally, cook your alligator meat over a low heat. In the same pan that you cooked the alligator . To prepare dipping sauce, mix together in a small bowl the mayonnaise, horseradish, brown mustard, and red wine vinegar. Our alligator meat is processed from alligators that are less than six feet long and between two-three years old. His company packaged the 1-pound bags of frozen alligator I bought at Rouse's Supermarkets for the video. Alligator fillets are a bit of a different beast when compared to fillets of more common fish. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. The Best Alligator Meat Recipes on Yummly | Geekswhoeat, Louisiana Buttermilk Fried Alligator With Spicy Tomato Sauce, Seminole Sauteed Alligator Tail ~ Native American . After a fifteen-year career as a semi-professional football player, Chef decided to follow his passion for cooking and has never looked back. And, if you have the time, let it marinate for a while in a flavorful sauce or marinade. 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. Quick view Choose Options. Here are some tips to help you cook them perfectly: Alligator fillets can take anywhere from minutes to hours to cook evenly, depending on their thickness and size. This will make it easier to get the best flavors of the alligator. Heat your grill to high. "The effect is a smoky taste outside and inside is true alligator," Sonnier said. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. The cornstarch in the buttermilk batter makes the coating crispy. Our tenderized fillets are unmatched in both tenderness and taste. First, be sure to season your alligator meat well before cooking it. The ribs, nuggets and wings are a darker meat with a stronger flavor and a texture similar to pork. It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. overcooking alligator can make it tough and dry. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Andrews' work has appeared in Food and Wine, Fricote and "BBC Good Food." "Turtle meat is more similar to beef or venison. Add the alligator tails to the egg mixture and toss to coat. Until it's fried, alligator gets good grades for nutrition, especially in the protein department. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. Cut off the head and the tail, then gut and scale it. Start with the larger pieces. 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. Blackened Alligator. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. ", At the restaurant, Sonnier cooks Louisiana alligator bone-in legs, brand name Country Boy Gator, labeled a Certified Cajun product and subtitled "Cajun Swamp Chicken.". how to cook chicken and rice in a crockpot? cornstarch, egg whites, alligator fillets, salt and 2 more. Then add into the buttermilk mixture and shake off. One of the alligators favorite prey items is the American beaver. Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. Sear the alligator on both sides until golden brown, just like a regular steak. Don't hunt? Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. When the coal is white-hot, place the Alligator gar fillets on the oiled grill. Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Its also reported that soaking alligator meat in milk makes it more digestible, which makes it easier to absorb nutrients. Simply remove them, and eat them immediately. 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. Place the cleaned and dressed 30lb whole gator in an empty cooler. But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. For the Alligator. 4. Set next to the lemon sauce. tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Cover and allow marinating for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. If you cant afford the tenderloin, this cut is your next best bet. Marinate the steaks in a buttermilk-based marinade for 2 to 3 hours. The health of beef animals is ][imported ][but ][it][does not stack up to] other types of animal consumed in human diets. I'm not a big fry person. Meanwhile, clean, oil, and preheat your grill to high heat (450F to 650F). The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. 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. Here are four methods to tell if your alligator is fully cooked: 1) Check the meat for tenderness. They have a thick skin that allows them to sweat and protect them from the elements. Alligator fillet is quite similar to chicken fillet in taste and appearance. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. When you think of alligator fillet, you may think that its tough and chewy. This is because it has a light flavour, mild and easy on the tongue. the exception of the casing. It takes around 10 minutes for the oil to heat to an appropriate level for frying, so be patient. Whisk well. Like most hunters, they deliver. The alligators diet is not very digestible, so they have a habit of soaking their food in milk before eating it. Finally, ensure that your food choices are organic whenever possible. 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. 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. Its important to watch alligator fillet closely, to ensure that it doesnt overcook. All Rights Reserved. After its been cooked, the meat is placed into a cold storage area for the meat to cool. Christie Girls Can Grill. First, season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. The tenderloin comes from the tail. Lightly dust the alligator with the flour mixture by dropping it into the bowl, then remove it and shake it in your hands to remove as much flour as possible. Most people will choose to cook the whole alligator. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. What part of the animal is this? 4. But cooking it? Today, milk processors have made it easier to process milk, so there is no need to soak alligators in milk. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options . Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meat's . If you have leftover fried alligator, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. Meat tenderizers are made of enzymes or acids that break down the proteins in meat, making it more tender. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. Boneless Turtle Meat 5 lb bag . Transfer the alligator to a plate lined with paper towels. Prep the coals. Here's how to cook alligator fillets: 1. Once hot, add coated alligator filets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 . Alligator Tenderloins are a great addition to a traditional gumbo recipe as well! Dispose of any extra marinade. Another way to tell is to feel the alligator. 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. Then I pan sear each side of the marinated alligator fillets for three minutes per side. Place the alligator meat into a large bowl and add the granulated garlic, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Can I wrap bacon around the tail meat while grilling? Grilled alligator is more popular because of the meats texture. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; It is also much easier to slice if it is boiled first. When you remove the meat from the refrigerator, there should be a small amount of vinegar left at the bottom of the bowl. 3. Preheat your pit to 250. There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. Meat consumption has increased significantly in the last few decades, and with that, the demand for meat. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved, alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. The milk helps to break down the food and makes it easier to digest. Heat the grill to high heat and grill kabobs for 6 . If you let it sit for longer than 2 hours, the consistency of the meat might begin to change. Another way to tell is to cut into the alligator and look at the inside. Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. It's almost impossible to tell if the oil is hot enough just by looking at it. The process requires that the meat be immersed in boiling hot water for at least two minutes. 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. This will help ensure that it cooks through evenly and doesnt become tough or rubbery. Test the alligator by cutting into it with a knife and see if its easily breaking down. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Blackened Louisiana Alligator Slider. You can treat alligator meat just like you would chicken or beef. It's available in a variety of cuts including tail fillets, ribs, nuggets and wings. These tend to be a better texture and flavor than other cuts. Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. The best cooking time is usually around 4 hours, so make sure you check them regularly. A lot of alligator recipes calls for marinades, but that's not really necessary for tender alligator tail meat. Ovens vary in their temperature, so be sure to measure the temperature of your alligator before putting it in the oven. Here are a few tips on how to cook alligator fillets: 1. Cooking alligator may be old hat for many home cooks, and it's quite apparentchefs are cooking it all over the place. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes. These alligator fillets are so easy to make, youll be surprised. The alligator "wings" at Kingfish are baked in fat to tenderize them, then drained well, refrigerated and chilled. Brush with extra marinade for the initial 5 minutes. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meats flavor will be enhanced by the seasoning you slap on it. If there's still some pink in the middle, put the kabobs back on the grill for 1 minute before serving them. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. You can also grill alligator fillet. If desired, remove foil for last 15 minutes so top can brown. Cover with a layer of diced onions and sprinkle with garlic and parsley. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. 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. 4. Combine the orange juice, honey, bourbon and ginger to make a glaze. For alligator meatballs or tacos, go with ground gator meat. Another bonus about this meat is that it's not only tasty and versatile, but virtually fat free and high in protein. 2023 Acadia Crawfish. Cut the steaks across the grain to make them easier to chew. Stir everything gently so you do not knock off the crispy exterior. Pat the alligator meat dry. The wild season harvest is every September." Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meat was also found to be the most nutrient dense food out there. Alligators are gregarious animals and are found in areas with dense vegetation, such as subtropical or tropical rainforests. 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. In fact, if you do soak alligator meat, you may end up washing away some of the flavor. Helpful. Soaking alligators in milk is a tradition that dates back to the 1800s. Andrews received formal training at Le Cordon Bleu. Alligators eat what they want, when they want, so they have minimal fat reserves, and their meat is lean. Grilled Alligator Ribs. Follow @chefchampion This is because they contain the highest level of fatty acids, which are essential for the body. Category: dinner. can Rotel tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; Instructions . For another, alligator fillets are so large that they require a large cooking surface. Step up your party spread this year with alligator dishes, sure to satisfy the bellies of Cajun Country! When it is cooked, the alligator will be a light pink color. Youll just want to be choosy about which recipes you use for the different cuts. 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. 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. "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". Remove and drain on the prepared rack or paper towels. It's also super juice and tender. For extra crispy nuggets, dip them back into the buttermilk and then dredge in breadcrumbs again. With the meat-side up, start cutting gently along the width at one end of the fillet until you can lay your knife sideways in the slit. Curious? Cover the bowl, then refrigerate for 15 minutes. Check out Acadia Crawfish for the tastiest alligator, crawfish and Cajun seasonings South Louisiana has to offer. Grey101. Pour lemon juice over filets. Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. Cochon's James Beard Award-winning chef, Stephen Stryjewski, shared the recipe for one of the restaurant's most popular appetizers. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Florida Alligator Meat is not only delicious but is low in fat and cholesterol and a wonderful source of protein. Here, well take a look at some of the best meat options for everyday. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Season the alligatorfillets with salt and pepper before cooking them. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options with oil. In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk, mustard, and eggs. But this is not the case. Please do not run out into the swamp and try to cut yourself off some alligator tail meat. The most popular way to enjoy catfish is as pan-fried and breaded fillets. This will make for a better meal. Put the drained alligator into the large mixing bowl with the herbs and 1/4 cup of the chili garlic sauce. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. 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. If desired, sprinkle top with shredded cheese after baking. When it is cooked, the inside will be a light pink color. 2. Season the alligator with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. The price for shipping was great but the price for the meat can be a little bit cheaper. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 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? Season to taste with the sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. 2. It's not cheap: Each bag was $14.99. And you know what that means football parties, Cajun cook-offs, and an infinite supply of good times! Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. Instructions on how to actually killthe alligator aren't included but even if they were, um, don't try to get alligator meat that way. Start by placing the alligator meat in a bowl. Kung . Let it boil for five minutes (or more depending on the amount of fish. It's really that simple. The fish weighed an astonishing 162 pounds! 8. Continue frying the meat 3-4 pieces at a time until all of the pieces are cooked and cooled. "You can cook it so many different ways," he said. In another bowl add the flour and season with some cajun seasoning as well. The alligator tail tastes very mild. Oil extracts the essential oils from fresh herbs and peppers, while buttermilk doesn't. The meat of the jowl is quite tender on its own, too, he said. It's not mixed with something else.". Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Pull up a seat at the table. Cajun Fried Alligator. Cover, and refrigerate about 10 minutes. Welcome back to our Channel! Thread alligator onto skewers. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until they reach an evenly golden color. And man, do them Cajuns eat it up, cher! Cook the alligator, using tongs to turn occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. When cooking alligator, it is important to know when it is done. Repeat the process until all the Alligator is cooked. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vinegar and stir the meat and vinegar together. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. Keep reading. Add spices and herbs to stock, if desired. It will be easier to handle this way. For one thing, the cooking temperature needed to get the best results is significantly higher than that for other types of fish. Cut the alligator into 1" cubes and soak in milk (in the refrigerator) for 2 to 3 hours.Drain milk then season meat (in the same bowl) with Tony's Creole Seasoning.Add the mustard to the bowl and mix well, coating meat with mustard.Mix Fish Fry and pancake mix together in shaking bag. Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil, making sure the oil does not get too hot. Alligator is very good to eat. Slice potatoes (do not peel) and make a layer of them on the bottom of the dish. Florida-based YouTube starsRobert Arrington and his wife Sarah will teach you how to properly prepare, grill and fry an alligator tail. "Turtle meat's a lot richer. In fact,], many studies have shown that the health of cows and other meat-. If you want to guarantee your alligator will be the best, try this recipe. The meat can be put into bowls and refrigerated until it is ready to eat. In particular, you can cook using meat, vegetables, fruit, grains, and more. This requires a bit of work, but the results are worth it. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes. Add the Breading/Batter Mix to a shallow bowl.