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. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. 4. The process of cooking alligator fillets is a delicate one, so be careful not to overcook them. There are many different ways to cook, and there are many different types of food that you can cook. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! The cut determines the cooking method. It will also get a nice, golden-brown color. In large mixing bowl, combine all of the above ingredients with. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. And even though there are recipes for cooking alligator fillets, there are also many other issues that need to be considered before trying this approach. Pat the alligator meat dry. Quick view. 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. Quick view Choose Options. Fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until crisp. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meat's . Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. . 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. You want it done.) A lot of alligator recipes calls for marinades, but that's not really necessary for tender alligator tail meat. The worlds top food is the best healthiest food, according to a study released Tuesday. 3. There are a few ways to tell when alligator is done. You should set aside about half of the mixture to use for basting when the kabobs are on the grill. Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Alligator Tenderloins are a great addition to a traditional gumbo recipe as well! I hope youll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you! The way you cook the food affects how it is cooked, and what it tastes like. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. Let it boil for five minutes (or more depending on the amount of fish. Cover dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 50 minutes to one hour, until potatoes are tender. For this, you need to ensure that it is well washed before boiling. This will make for a better meal. Fill a deep pot halfway full with oil. Alligators are gregarious animals and are found in areas with dense vegetation, such as subtropical or tropical rainforests. It measured 7.5 feet long with a 35.5-inch girth. Some others prefer grinding all the meat before making patties, which are quite tasty due to the game flavor. Finally, ensure that your food choices are organic whenever possible. vacume sealed packs of white meat, marinated and ready to grill. Heat the barbecue to high hotness and barbecue kabobs for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. The fish weighed an astonishing 162 pounds! Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. 2 pounds alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. 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. In a large bowl, combine alligator, oil, salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, stirring until well coated. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Growing up in Louisiana, Ace found a passion for southern and creole cooking at a young age, but soon found himself quite successful on the football field. Heat oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees. You can also cook using boiling water, a microwave or an infrared oven. His number one tip for cooking alligator tail: Don't cook it too long, he said. parsley; 1 cup water; 1- 10 oz. If you don't want to buy fish batter, you can. Good. Add the alligator tails to the egg mixture and toss to coat. When you remove the meat from the refrigerator, there should be a small amount of vinegar left at the bottom of the bowl. Season to taste with the sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add cup of blackened seasoning to the melted butter and stir to combine. In our opinion, the texture and taste of the white meat is where its at! 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. The hot oil can splash out of the pan and cause serious burns. Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. Add alligator cubes; stir to coat well. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. Our tenderized fillets are unmatched in both tenderness and taste. 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. But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. Remove the pan when the steaks reach the desired tenderness. You can make alligator meat into a variety of dishes. Alligator gar can also be barbecued or roasted - prepare some fillets and get them to cook. 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. There are a few different ways to cook alligator meat, but the most common way is to fry it. Love New Orleans food? Flip the filets and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired doneness. Additionally, alligator meat is low in mercury and other harmful toxins. . 1. When you think of alligator fillet, you may think that its tough and chewy. Avoid overloading your kabobs. The pheromones are chemicals that act as signals to other animals, such as other people. This will help to make the flavors more potent and keep the meat moist while it cooks on the grill. Another is to cook all meat thoroughly before eating it, as this will help remove any bacteria that may be present. If you cant afford the tenderloin, this cut is your next best bet. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. But the most important thing to remember is that all the techniques you can use to cook are basically the same. You can also cook alligator steaks on the grill. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat. You slice that and pound it like veal, and you cannot tell the difference. Set up the grill to cook indirectly, and grill the steaks for about 30 minutes per inch of thickness, turning every few minutes. 4. 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. Several cuts of alligator meat correspond with beef, like the tenderloin. Whole Skinned Alligator Tail (Boneless) $29.99 - $48.98. Meanwhile, clean, oil, and preheat your grill to high heat (450F to 650F). "It's a fully cooked product, but the best way to cook it is on the grill," he said. Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. "They probably live in the same environment and eat the same stuff, so it's really similar to that taste," Sonnier said. 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. This will make for a better meal. 3. Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 06 of 08. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, one of the best ways to cook it is to brine it. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 2. Never tried to smoke it but it sounds like someone ruined some good gator. Grilled alligator is also a very good source of protein, vitamin B12 and phosphorus. overcooking alligator can make it tough and dry. [1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2tQ5Ka_p5Y The health of beef animals is ][imported ][but ][it][does not stack up to] other types of animal consumed in human diets. Spread across a plate. AliGator meat came on time, fresh and ready to cook whatever way you want. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for increased flavor. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? Its been proven that you can use the alligator meat as a natural salt substitute. The rest of the alligator can then be removed from the bone. 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. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. Its believed that this is because the spices release pheromones. Read more. And you know what that means football parties, Cajun cook-offs, and an infinite supply of good times! Be sure to carefully lower the meat into the oil. Alligator is a type of meat that can be very hard to prepare properly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 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. 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. Believe it or not, gators have red meat too. Tough Step 1. 2. You can cook using your oven, stove, grill or microwave. This article has been viewed 19,580 times. Add stock as needed to keep the steaks at least halfway submerged at all times. Sonnier has made many alligator dishes in his career. Florida-based YouTube starsRobert Arrington and his wife Sarah will teach you how to properly prepare, grill and fry an alligator tail. 4. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. 4 gallons total should cover the gator depending on the size of cooler you are using. In fact, if you do soak alligator meat, you may end up washing away some of the flavor. "It's white meat," Barkemeyer said. Add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. The alligators diet is not very digestible, so they have a habit of soaking their food in milk before eating it. To cook the best thick pork chops, all you need is a gas grill. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. But how do you know when alligator meat is done? You can handle and treat that like a good piece of meat, even grill it.". 4. Back then, there were no milk processors, so people would soak alligators in milk to preserve them. Kung . Want to see how its done? Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes. To grill alligator fillet, first remove any skin or bones. Shake to coat. The wild season harvest is every September." Oil extracts the essential oils from fresh herbs and peppers, while buttermilk doesn't. Andrews received formal training at Le Cordon Bleu. Catfish is low in calories is filled with many healthy nutrients such as omega-3 . Unlike beef, though, which you can generally categorize as tender or tough, alligator meat has two levels of tenderness: tough and tougher. Farm-raised alligators are smaller and less fatty than wild ones, Pearce said, adding, "Wild is still great. Now that you have chosen alligator, the next step is to prepare the meat. Mm-mm! 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. If you let it sit for longer than 2 hours, the consistency of the meat might begin to change. Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. 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. This is what stores are for. Cover and allow marinating for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. Cows are the top meat producers in the world, accounting for more than 50% of all meat production. This gives you time to wash some veggies, coat in olive oil, salt & black pepper to throw on the grill with the garfish. Slice potatoes (do not peel) and make a layer of them on the bottom of the 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. 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. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. Marinate the steaks in a buttermilk-based marinade for 2 to 3 hours. It is also much easier to slice if it is boiled first. Braise the alligator steaks in the oven for 1 hour and turn them over. There are various cooking methods that you can use to cook alligator. Toss the meat with the seasoning and allow to marinate for up to 45 . For this reason, when buying alligator, it is important to make sure that it is a fresh meat. There are many different ways to cook an alligator, but the most popular is to fry it. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! Coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This is the meat that is most equivalent to chicken, mainly because its the most tender part of the gator and mildest in flavor. After that, sprinkle some lemon juice on them to add some extra flavor. surface of the mixture. Keep reading. The chef compared cooking alligator with turtle. Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! Dispose of any extra marinade. One of the alligators favorite prey items is the American beaver. This makes the alligator fillet tender, and the process of marinating makes the alligator fillet savory and flavorsome. Wipe the buttermilk from the steaks and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. "I think one reason people like it is that it's its own form. Florida Alligator Meat is not only delicious but is low in fat and cholesterol and a wonderful source of protein. Heat your grill to high. Hold the skin back with your non-dominant hand. Its important to watch alligator fillet closely, to ensure that it doesnt overcook. I simmer carp in a mixture of milk and white wine until it is barely cooked and then separate the meat from the bones. 3. Dredge each nugget across the breadcrumbs to coat. Alligator meat can be a delicious and nutritious food, but it can also have a slightly gamey taste. Wipe off the excess marinade and let the alligator steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. The alligator tail tastes very mild. Soaking alligators in milk is a tradition that dates back to the 1800s. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! 7. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or oil and butter in a Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet or pan. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) AdventureSomeKitchen All Rights Reserved. When it comes to eating clean, there are a few things to keep in mind. Lay the alligator steaks in the pan, giving each steak at least 1/2 inch of space. Preheat the oil to 350 F and fry the alligator pieces in batches for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, or until the nuggets float to the surface and become golden. In my mind, you can wrap bacon around just about anything, so why not alligator tail? Combine the orange juice, honey, bourbon and ginger to make a glaze. Alligator fillet is quite similar to chicken fillet in taste and appearance. For one thing, the cooking temperature needed to get the best results is significantly higher than that for other types of fish. Ever wondered how alligator steaks are made? Make a sauce using the stock and drippings in the pan while the steaks rest, if desired. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. The meat of the jowl is quite tender on its own, too, he said. 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). Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. In Florida, its legal to catch and eat an alligator. It is a type of meat that is considered to be a delicacy in some parts of the world. Dip the floured alligator in buttermilk and remove with a slotted spoon, allowing as much buttermilk as possible to drip off. It can be cooked by different techniques including grilling, deep frying or baking. Cover the alligator steaks loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before you serve them. 10. '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! Now cut your meat in to generous cube chunks and drop them in to the mixture making sure they receive a good coating. Join Where NOLA Eats, the hub for food and dining coverage in New Orleans. Cover, and refrigerate about 10 minutes. 2 Remove the alligator from the dry spices. Amount is based on available nutrient data. To prepare dipping sauce, mix together in a small bowl the mayonnaise, horseradish, brown mustard, and red wine vinegar. 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. Although braising is the preferred method of cooking, our Boneless Short Ribs can be cooking using a variety of methods. 5. 4. Mix the flour, breadcrumbs, and Cajun seasoning. 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. In fact, its been legal to do so for about 100 years. If you can, you want to find out how big the gator was. Watch on. 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. It's not mixed with something else.". Cook Time: 15 minutes. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Cube the alligator meat and add to the butter mixture, stirring to coat the alligator. 7. At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. The answer to this question is a resounding No. You do not have to soak alligator meat prior to cooking it. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Just place your alligator fillets in a baking dish and add some chicken stock. June 16, 2017 12:52 pm 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. Add 2.5 lbs of Alligator gar fillets to the bag and mix thoroughly to coat each piece. Once the gumbo is done simmering, we add the meat back in. 11. The figure is even higher for beef, with 71% of all cattle being used to produce beef. Season with salt as soon as it comes out of the oil. 1 lb alligator sirloin. An ideal way to prepare alligator is to boil it. This will ensure that you are getting the best cuts of alligator. Blackened Louisiana Alligator Slider. Youll just want to be choosy about which recipes you use for the different cuts. Continue frying the meat 3-4 pieces at a time until all of the pieces are cooked and cooled. By Ace Champion | In this video we go to New Orleans to meet a man who makes alligator fillets. Sonnier has . Lets take a closer look. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Cook Worcestershire Marinated New York Steak. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. packs (approximately 40 lbs.) You can also grill alligator fillet. The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. Next, toss the alligator pieces with olive oil and seasoning, then set aside at room temperature for 40 minutes. The most popular and best portion of the gator is the tenderloin, which is found in the alligators tail. Continue to mix. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings well. Category: dinner. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. Alligator tenderloin somewhat resembles veal and tastes like a cross between frog legs and turtle meat. "The effect is a smoky taste outside and inside is true alligator," Sonnier said. After all, it wouldnt be considered Cajun without a kick. There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. Add the eggs and water to a separate shallow bowl. First, the alligator meat should be a deep red color. The taste is delicious, and its one of the most expensive dishes in the market. Make sure there's room for the meat to float around while they cook. Cut the steaks across the grain to make them easier to chew. Mix the alligator meat, salt, pepper, and vinegar in a medium-sized bowl. Cochon's James Beard Award-winning chef, Stephen Stryjewski, shared the recipe for one of the restaurant's most popular appetizers. Preheat the grill to 400F. 5. Alligator is a large fish that is about four inches long and has a crispy skin. Until it's fried, alligator gets good grades for nutrition, especially in the protein department. How do you know when alligator is done cooking. Never leave a pan of oil or a grill unattended while you're cooking. If you're new to gator, don't be intimidated it tastes like chicken! The meat can be put into bowls and refrigerated until it is ready to eat. But I cooked it the first time recentlyin sauce picante for our "In Judy's Kitchen" video series. Alligator is a popular dish in the southern United States. Instructions. Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2021. You have permission to edit this article. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Quick and easy way to fix up gator bites for your friends. 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Exotic Meat. Put the drained alligator into the large mixing bowl with the herbs and 1/4 cup of the chili garlic sauce. Directions. To preserve the alligator fillets, you can marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar and orange juice. When the coal is white-hot, place the Alligator gar fillets on the oiled grill. This is commonly done in small restaurants. Please do not run out into the swamp and try to cut yourself off some alligator tail meat. That alligator will eat you. By using our site, you agree to our. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or a combination of oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. It looks like a dunce cap, long and skinny. Fry a few pieces at a time until the alligator just begins to float and is golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. How long does it take to cook alligator meat? It will be easier to handle this way. 4 alligator fillets. Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. Carve with pressure toward the cutting board, in long strokes the length of the knife. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. 4. However, some have argued that alligator meat may not be as healthy as advertised. Place the cleaned and dressed 30lb whole gator in an empty cooler. The smaller, younger alligators produce the most tender alligator meat possible, without any use of preservatives or additives. The Best Alligator Meat Recipes on Yummly | Geekswhoeat, Louisiana Buttermilk Fried Alligator With Spicy Tomato Sauce, Seminole Sauteed Alligator Tail ~ Native American . Try to leave a little gap of space between the meat and the vegetables to allow them to cook evenly over the grill. Follow Where NOLA Eats on Instagram at @wherenolaeats, join the Where NOLA Eats Facebook group and subscribe to the free Where NOLA Eats weekly newsletter here. The Flavors of FallBeyond Pumpkin and Pecan, 1 lb. . The alligator is a real American legend, and almost every state has its own alligator restaurant.