But the most important thing to remember is that all the techniques you can use to cook are basically the same. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Set the temperature to 180 degrees. It's processed and naturally hickory-smoked in wood-burning ovens at Crescent City Meat Company in Metairie. 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Exotic Meat. The only time it is not safe to eat catfish is when it is undercooked. First, the alligator meat should be a deep red color. In a couple of weeks, fall will descend upon us. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,580 times. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. Cut the alligator into small pieces, then season it with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. The fish weighed an astonishing 162 pounds! It is the most delicate part of the meat from the animal. Place the alligator meat into a large bowl and add the granulated garlic, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Check out Acadia Crawfish for the tastiest alligator, crawfish and Cajun seasonings South Louisiana has to offer. Coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Nuisance alligator removal permits spike in St. Lucie after 85-year-old woman dies. Fry a few pieces at a time until the alligator just begins to float and is golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Alligator Legs: Tender, lean, 2 lb. Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. Alligators are opportunistic predators and will eat almost anything they can find. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Gary's Island . While alligator meat is not as common as chicken or beef, it is a delicious and healthy protein choice. Alligators have a lot of tough connective tissue, so it can take some time for the meat to become tender. For the Alligator. In a large bowl, combine alligator, oil, salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, stirring until well coated. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. This will ensure that you are getting the best cuts of alligator. 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. We prefer to poach the tenderloins, and let them cool, then shred the meat by hand. Gator Burgers! This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. Try to put 5-6 pieces of meat and vegetables on every skewer. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. Add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Put 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground black pepper into a mixing bowl. In my mind, you can wrap bacon around just about anything, so why not alligator tail? Grilling and frying are some of the most popular ways to cook alligator, and both methods are perfect for an aspiring chef. Set up the grill to cook indirectly, and grill the steaks for about 30 minutes per inch of thickness, turning every few minutes. And man, do them Cajuns eat it up, cher! Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. Alligator fleas lemon juice capers butter kumquat olive oil white wine chicken broth. first and foremost, alligator meat has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for overall health. As tough as alligators are in the wild, it comes as no surprise they're just as tough in the kitchen. In the same pan that you cooked the alligator . Kung . NEW !!!! "They probably live in the same environment and eat the same stuff, so it's really similar to that taste," Sonnier said. The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. Prep the coals. Rub the spice mixture onto the alligator fillets. Just place your alligator fillets in a baking dish and add some chicken stock. 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. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. 2. This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. Avoid overcrowding the oil with pieces of meat. Here, well take a look at some of the best meat options for everyday. Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. Although a grilling tray is preferable, a cookie sheet works too. Thread alligator onto skewers. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. 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. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! Alligator fillet is actually very tender and delicious. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for increased flavor. First prepare your marinade by combining the chopped red chilli, light soy sauce, chopped garlic, grated ginger, cayenne, salt and pepper, and mixing well. Or you can put it in a Crock Pot with red gravy.". If desired, sprinkle top with shredded cheese after baking. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! Alligator is very good to eat. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. What part of the animal is this? Place a small section of aluminum foil on the pellet smoker's grill grates and spray with pan coating to prevent sticking. Grilled alligator is more popular because of the meats texture. Cajun Alligator Chili. 4. Cut the meat into 1-inch thick slices. The answer to this question is a resounding No. You do not have to soak alligator meat prior to cooking it. 2. To cook the best thick pork chops, all you need is a gas grill. The worlds top food is the best healthiest food, according to a study released Tuesday. Add the eggs and water to a separate shallow bowl. If you let it sit for longer than 2 hours, the consistency of the meat might begin to change. Start by placing the alligator meat in a bowl. "You can stew it, or take the center cut of tail and grill it up like chicken, or definitely fry it.". This will also help to tenderize the meat. The answer to this question depends on what youre looking for. That fish, caught in the Tensaw River, weighed a little over 151 pounds. 4. Fruita, Colorado. The process of brining involves submerging the alligator in a solution of saltwater, sugar, and spices. Eating alligator meat is not typically seen as being healthy, but there are some benefits to consideration if you decide to do so. Remove the pan when the steaks reach the desired tenderness. Mix mayonnaise, chipotle, chili garlic sauce and siracha in a small bowl. Enjoy! . When oil is hot, place meat pieces into oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Once hot, add coated alligator filets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The tenderloin is the part of alligator that people compare to chicken. Never tried to smoke it but it sounds like someone ruined some good gator. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the alligator until it is golden brown and crispy. If it is tough or chewy, it is not done. The tenderloin comes from the tail. Alligator Meat's popularity has grown exponentially throughout the world. Making Fried Alligator. 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. The skin should be removed first and discarded. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes of cooking on each side to sear alligator meat and develop a golden-brown crust. 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. This is the section that earns folks say tastes like chicken, meaning it's mild and white. His company also processes the occasional nuisance gator. Helpful. If you have leftover fried alligator, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. 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). Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. Award winning Chef Ace Champions passion for cooking began years before his culinary career. Place the skewers directly onto grill and grill for 2 minutes per side. Wipe the buttermilk from the steaks and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. When you think of alligator fillet, you may think that its tough and chewy. It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. First, be sure to season your alligator meat well before cooking it. 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. But this is not the case. Cajun Fried Alligator. For one thing, the cooking temperature needed to get the best results is significantly higher than that for other types of fish. At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. 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. 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. Their diet consists mostly of fish, but they will also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The chef compared cooking alligator with turtle. By using our site, you agree to our. Lay the alligator steaks in the pan, giving each steak at least 1/2 inch of space. If youre looking to lose weight or simply want to eat more healthily, there are a number of options available to you each day. Whole Skinned Alligator Tail (Boneless) $29.99 - $48.98. 1. The skin can be very tough, and is best removed before cooking. Don't miss a story! var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; You have permission to edit this article. Combine the flour and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Meat consumption has increased significantly in the last few decades, and with that, the demand for meat. It's not cheap: Each bag was $14.99.