When it is cooked, the alligator will be firm to the touch. 6. Grilled Cajun Style Gator Tail. [2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWej_c8fz2U. Other recipes are cooked on a grill using charcoal. 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. Cut alligator into 1-inch chunks and season with salt and pepper. Season with salt as soon as it comes out of the oil. Here's how to cook alligator fillets: 1. This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. Put 1 pound (0.45 kg) of alligator meat into a bowl and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. I've eaten my share of the alligator dishes at Jazz Fest. Alligators have a lot of tough connective tissue, so it can take some time for the meat to become tender. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. In fact, if you do soak alligator meat, you may end up washing away some of the flavor. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. 15 feet casing for stuffing. Wipe the buttermilk from the steaks and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. But the most important thing to remember is that all the techniques you can use to cook are basically the same. Alligators are gregarious animals and are found in areas with dense vegetation, such as subtropical or tropical rainforests. 1. 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. [4] 5. 1. Season the alligator fillets with salt pepper and other spices of your choice. "You can stew it, or take the center cut of tail and grill it up like chicken, or definitely fry it.". Allow the frozen alligator to thaw for about a day before putting it in a small ice cooler and covering it with enough water to submerge the gator. Not sure where to buy your meat? For instance, some anglers prefer cutting the fish into fillets and frying everything up. It is also much easier to slice if it is boiled first. Read More . Repeat with remaining meat. Avoid overloading your kabobs. The vinegar works to make the meat slightly more tender before it's placed in the oil to cook. In a large bowl, combine alligator, oil, salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, stirring until well coated. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,580 times. As tough as alligators are in the wild, it comes as no surprise they're just as tough in the kitchen. Preheat your pit to 250. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Finally, ensure that your food choices are organic whenever possible. He also noted that people "sell the heck out of it" at church fairs and similar events. The cornstarch in the buttermilk batter makes the coating crispy. When the batter turns a golden brown and the meat floats to the top of the oil, the alligator is cooked thoroughly! Pat the alligator meat dry. Its believed that this is because the spices release pheromones. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. 4. Repeat the process until all the Alligator is cooked. 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). Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! If the pieces can't move around in the oil, they won't cook evenly. Others may choose to eat chicken or turkey because they are considered healthier options. Keep the bag in the coldest part of the fridge while you prep the coal and grill. In fact, its been legal to do so for about 100 years. Out of stock. Alligators are a common sight in the southern United States, and many people may wonder why they are often seen soaking in milk. 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. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. 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. If you want to make your own dipping sauces for a gourmet meal, you can mix a simply spicy mayo or. Start with the larger pieces. For a meat that is supposed to taste a lot like chicken, it's not always cheap, but it sure is popular. Lay the alligator steaks in the pan, giving each steak at least 1/2 inch of space. But I cooked it the first time recentlyin sauce picante for our "In Judy's Kitchen" video series. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. The answer to this question depends on what youre looking for. Skewer the seasoned alligator bites and grill for 5 minutes per side, or . Omega 3s, this low-calorie fish is a healthy choice. You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. I called the guy who always handlesa live alligator at the Louisiana Restaurant show every summer: Harlon Pearce, of Harlon's Louisiana Seafood. This is commonly done in small restaurants. and using both hands, blend the ingredients well. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; What part of the animal is this? Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! There are various cooking methods that you can use to cook alligator. Thread alligator onto skewers. "Turtle meat is more similar to beef or venison. Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. I cover the tray in a lot of olive oil. Brush with extra marinade for the initial 5 minutes. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 . Cover and allow marinating for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Curious? Alligators eat what they want, when they want, so they have minimal fat reserves, and their meat is lean. Its been found that people tend to like to eat the fat and skin in these portions. Although braising is the preferred method of cooking, our Boneless Short Ribs can be cooking using a variety of methods. Pour lemon juice over filets. can Rotel tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; Instructions . Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. Prepare a rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain the alligator. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Farm-raised alligators are smaller and less fatty than wild ones, Pearce said, adding, "Wild is still great. 4 gallons total should cover the gator depending on the size of cooler you are using. Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. An ideal way to prepare alligator is to boil it. 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. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or oil and butter in a Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet or pan. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for increased flavor. Quick view. Continue to 6 of 8 below. If you can, you want to find out how big the gator was. 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. Add one cup of ice water to the mixture. To cook the best thick pork chops, all you need is a gas grill. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. It is the most delicate part of the meat from the animal. Another bonus about this meat is that it's not only tasty and versatile, but virtually fat free and high in protein. Put the alligator back into the flour mixture, and again try to shake off as much extra flour as possible. All Rights Reserved. Heat your grill to high. In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk, mustard, and eggs. Next, toss the alligator pieces with olive oil and seasoning, then set aside at room temperature for 40 minutes. When you think of alligator fillet, you may think that its tough and chewy. Can I wrap bacon around the tail meat while grilling? 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. use plenty of salt and pepper to season the meat as needed. ", 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.". Shake to coat. Cut the steaks across the grain to make them easier to chew. Meat is the number 1 healthiest meat in the world, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. It will be easier to slice this way, and you will be able to remove the meat from the bone in the center of the alligator. Cooking Spray. First prepare your marinade by combining the chopped red chilli, light soy sauce, chopped garlic, grated ginger, cayenne, salt and pepper, and mixing well. For this reason, when buying alligator, it is important to make sure that it is a fresh meat. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Features: Dip the floured alligator in buttermilk and remove with a slotted spoon, allowing as much buttermilk as possible to drip off. Of course, you can also cook using different food types. You can also grill alligator fillet. How to cook alligator fillet - Meanings.co new meanings.co. The process requires that the meat be immersed in boiling hot water for at least two minutes. [1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2tQ5Ka_p5Y But this is not the case. Then add into the buttermilk mixture and shake off. Add the skewers to the grill and cook them for about 5 minutes per side. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. What I bought was the tenderloin, the most tender meat, from the tail of the alligator. When the oil is hot, carefully drop in each piece and . You can treat alligator meat just like you would chicken or beef. Want to see how its done? Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. Cook Time: 15 minutes. In fact, one of the best ways to cook it is to brine it. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vinegar and stir the meat and vinegar together. 4. 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. When the coal is white-hot, place the Alligator gar fillets on the oiled grill. 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. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. In fact,], many studies have shown that the health of cows and other meat-. Putting the hood down will infuse a smoky taste into the kabobs, while leaving the hood up will let the flavor of the marinade come through. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! There are a few ways to tell when alligator is done. Mix it with a tablespoon of white vinegar along with a dash of salt and pepper. Cooking the belly is a process that has been used for years to tenderize tough cuts of meat. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Spray all sides with Cooking Spray. This is better because you can make more use of the alligator. Combine the flour and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. The alligator is a real American legend, and almost every state has its own alligator restaurant. overcooking alligator can make it tough and dry. Cube the alligator meat and add to the butter mixture, stirring to coat the alligator. The alligator fillets are best served at room temperature. Cooking alligator may be old hat for many home cooks, and it's quite apparentchefs are cooking it all over the place. Then back into the flour and shake off. For one of my best friends in childhood, the only thing he likes to eat is chicken. 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. Set up the grill to cook indirectly, and grill the steaks for about 30 minutes per inch of thickness, turning every few minutes. I'm not a big fry person. Another is to cook all meat thoroughly before eating it, as this will help remove any bacteria that may be present. 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. Combine the flour and pepper in a separate bowl. Gar Lobster. Finally, cook your alligator meat over a low heat. It's not mixed with something else.". Add the alligator tails to the egg mixture and toss to coat. Place alligator meat in a medium bowl, and mix with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. Transfer the alligator steaks to a plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. Carve with pressure toward the cutting board, in long strokes the length of the knife. 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. You can order gator meat online. Turn the steak over every 4 or 5 minutes so it cooks evenly on both sides. The smaller, younger alligators produce the most tender alligator meat possible, without any use of preservatives or additives. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. Instructions. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. Believe it or not, gators have red meat too. Shake to coat. Start by placing the alligator meat in a bowl. first and foremost, alligator meat has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for overall health. 2. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. In another bowl add the flour and season with some cajun seasoning as well. Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. For extra crispy nuggets, dip them back into the buttermilk and then dredge in breadcrumbs again. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. That fish, caught in the Tensaw River, weighed a little over 151 pounds. Just like when you slow-cook a roast, poaching fish causes the flesh to flake away from the bones. There are many different types of cooking techniques. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. 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. For another, alligator fillets are so large that they require a large cooking surface. "You can use it in jambalaya, gumbo, or any kind of stew, any place you would use smoked sausage, such as red beans and rice.". It will be easier to handle this way. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Alligators are opportunistic predators and will eat almost anything they can find. 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. Grilled alligator is more popular because of the meats texture. Be sure to carefully lower the meat into the oil. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the USDA doesn't have a doneness guide for alligator and neither does my meat buyer's guide. Instructions. Enjoy! Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. Prep the coals. The alligator tail tastes very mild. It is similar to veal because of its tenderness. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. It's processed and naturally hickory-smoked in wood-burning ovens at Crescent City Meat Company in Metairie. You won't end up eating fried alligator. When ordered, they are fried to a crispy brown, then tossed into a smoked tomato gastrique to coat the exterior. If you've ever wondered how to cook alligator but didn't know where to begin, this is for you. Remove to paper towels, and serve hot. 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. Fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until crisp. This will help ensure that it cooks through evenly and doesnt become tough or rubbery. You want it done.) Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. In particular, you can cook using meat, vegetables, fruit, grains, and more. Another way to tell is to cut into the alligator and look at the inside. Its been proven that you can use the alligator meat as a natural salt substitute. This will make for a better meal. Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. Repeat the process until all is done. Furthermore, the meat is flavored with spices like salt and pepper, which helps it to taste delicious. boneless alligator, fresh or frozen. Cover the alligator steaks loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before you serve them. Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. This will make it tender. Alligator meat can be a delicious and nutritious food, but it can also have a slightly gamey taste. In this video we go to New Orleans to meet a man who makes alligator fillets. 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. You could classify it as a lighter meat. Florida Alligator Meat is not only delicious but is low in fat and cholesterol and a wonderful source of protein. Additionally, alligator meat is low in mercury and other harmful toxins. Heat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Size: 8 vacuum sealed 5 lb. 4. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. In my mind, you can wrap bacon around just about anything, so why not alligator tail? Instructions. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. To preserve the alligator fillets, you can marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar and orange juice. One of the alligators favorite prey items is the American beaver. Alligator fillet is actually very tender and delicious. 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. The tenderloin comes from the tail. Season the alligatorfillets with salt and pepper before cooking them. Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Alligator Stew. Set aside. Continue frying the meat 3-4 pieces at a time until all of the pieces are cooked and cooled. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. 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 . Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. 5. This will ensure that you are getting the best cuts of alligator. First, the alligator meat should be a deep red color. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! After its been cooked, the meat is placed into a cold storage area for the meat to cool. And man, do them Cajuns eat it up, cher! At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. Dredge each nugget across the breadcrumbs to coat. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meat's . 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. Hola T&LeeFam! The worlds top meat producer is probably the cow. First, be sure to season your alligator meat well before cooking it. Coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. 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. Cajun Fried Alligator. In a small bowl combine olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper. Meat tenderizers are made of enzymes or acids that break down the proteins in meat, making it more tender. The study, which was conducted by the World Health Organization, found that foods with healthy fats and fibers are the healthiest among all foods. Good. 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. The hot oil can splash out of the pan and cause serious burns. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. Donald Barkemeyer's alligator sausage, brand name Louisiana Cajun Grill Sausage, $6.99 a pound, is sold inWinn-Dixie stores in the New Orleans region and Gulf South.