Whisk well. I tried to convince him to eat alligator fillet. Its been found that people tend to like to eat the fat and skin in these portions. Grey101. Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). The legs are available online, along with several other cuts and processed alligator (patties, nuggets, pistolettes) and several brands of sausage. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Continue frying the meat 3-4 pieces at a time until all of the pieces are cooked and cooled. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. The belly, which is the part of the cut that contains the fat, is cut into bite-sized portions. 4 gallons total should cover the gator depending on the size of cooler you are using. 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. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! It is best cooked by grilling. cornstarch, egg whites, alligator fillets, salt and 2 more. The vinegar works to make the meat slightly more tender before it's placed in the oil to cook. To each his own! Product Info. Use a slotted spoon to lift the calamari rings out of the buttermilk. June 16, 2017 12:52 pm Sear the alligator on both sides until golden brown, just like a regular steak. How do you know when alligator meat is done? 2) Use an oven thermometer. The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. 4. Next, layer the gator with bacon covering all parts with bacon except for the head. It's safe to leave the meat in the fridge for up to 2 hours for a bolder flavor. At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. Another is to cook all meat thoroughly before eating it, as this will help remove any bacteria that may be present. Add one cup of ice water to the mixture. These include olive oil, salmon, avocado, nuts and seeds. 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. Add cup of blackened seasoning to the melted butter and stir to combine. Then add into the buttermilk mixture and shake off. If you don't want to buy fish batter, you can. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. Grilled alligator is also a very good source of protein, vitamin B12 and phosphorus. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. There are a few key things to look for when cooking alligator meat. 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. One way to get the gamey taste out of alligator me is to cook it slowly in a pot over medium heat. 5. However, the health of meat animals has not been taken into account when producers have made this decision. Set next to the lemon sauce. Cover the Dutch oven or pan. Cook Time: 15 minutes. 1 hr. Can I wrap bacon around the tail meat while grilling? Cows are the top meat producers in the world, accounting for more than 50% of all meat production. The worlds top meat producer is probably the cow. You can handle and treat that like a good piece of meat, even grill it.". In a small bowl combine olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper. He also noted that people "sell the heck out of it" at church fairs and similar events. The alligator is very lean so you need to make sure to remove the fat from it. It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. The Flavors of FallBeyond Pumpkin and Pecan, 1 lb. Instructions: Cut the Gator Meat into strips. Fill a deep pot halfway full with oil. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,580 times. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. Remove the filets from the air fryer, tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. It's available in a variety of cuts including tail fillets, ribs, nuggets and wings. Andrews' work has appeared in Food and Wine, Fricote and "BBC Good Food." Mm-mm! 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. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved, alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. 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. For a meat that is supposed to taste a lot like chicken, it's not always cheap, but it sure is popular. Quick view Choose Options. 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. [2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWej_c8fz2U. . 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. Avoid overloading your kabobs. Second, the alligator meat should be very moist and tender. Toss the meat with the seasoning and allow to marinate for up to 45 . First, you need to clean the alligator. Although braising is the preferred method of cooking, our Boneless Short Ribs can be cooking using a variety of methods. For alligator meatballs or tacos, go with ground gator meat. Out of stock. This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat. Farm-raised alligators are smaller and less fatty than wild ones, Pearce said, adding, "Wild is still great. 3. You can get frozen alligator meat online. 7. 3. Another bonus about this meat is that it's not only tasty and versatile, but virtually fat free and high in protein. If you want to guarantee your alligator will be the best, try this recipe. If you can, you want to find out how big the gator was. Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This gives you time to wash some veggies, coat in olive oil, salt & black pepper to throw on the grill with the garfish. The way you cook the food affects how it is cooked, and what it tastes like. I'm not a big fry person. Alligator fillet is quite similar to chicken fillet in taste and appearance. Another way to tenderize alligator meat is to use a meat tenderizer. Oldie but goodie thank you for rocking with us we apprecia. Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. Prep the coals. Drain the fried gator on a rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels. You can also grill alligator fillet. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. packs of alligator tail meat tenderized and ready to go! The process of brining involves submerging the alligator in a solution of saltwater, sugar, and spices. The taste is delicious, and its one of the most expensive dishes in the market. Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. vacume sealed packs of white meat, marinated and ready to grill. This will also help to tenderize the meat. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or oil and butter in a Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet or pan. Once hot, add coated alligator filets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Season the alligator with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. When you think of alligator fillet, you may think that its tough and chewy. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. The answer to this question is a resounding No. You do not have to soak alligator meat prior to cooking it. 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. Cooking Spray. how to cook chicken and rice in a crockpot? A lot of alligator recipes calls for marinades, but that's not really necessary for tender alligator tail meat. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; All Rights Reserved. 3. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. Weve got you covered, cher! Cut alligator into 1-inch chunks and season with salt and pepper. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 . Sonnier has made many alligator dishes in his career. Now that you have chosen alligator, the next step is to prepare the meat. I cooked it together on the grill to give it a good flavor. 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. 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. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. surface of the mixture. "It's white meat," Barkemeyer said. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. Although a grilling tray is preferable, a cookie sheet works too. After all, it wouldnt be considered Cajun without a kick. 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. Heat your grill to high. 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. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. The best cooking time is usually around 4 hours, so make sure you check them regularly. 9. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Youll be glad you did. Season the alligator fillets with salt pepper and other spices of your choice. Ever wondered how alligator steaks are made? Pour the brine solution (recipe below) over the gator. 15 feet casing for stuffing. Hold the skin back with your non-dominant hand. Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. Fry for 1 - 2 minutes or until crisp. Cooking alligator may be old hat for many home cooks, and it's quite apparentchefs are cooking it all over the place. This will make it tender. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Grilling and frying are some of the most popular ways to cook alligator, and both methods are perfect for an aspiring chef. When the batter turns a golden brown and the meat floats to the top of the oil, the alligator is cooked thoroughly! Here are a few tips on how to cook alligator fillets: 1. When it comes to eating clean, there are a few things to keep in mind. Sonnier has . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Repeat the process until all the Alligator is cooked. 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. Heat vegetable shortening in a large cast-iron skillet until it registers 350F (176C) or use a recommended electric deep fryer. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! If its not, then its likely still in its first stage of cooking. Cook the alligator, using tongs to turn occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Fried Gator. The meat can be put into bowls and refrigerated until it is ready to eat. Dip the floured alligator in buttermilk and remove with a slotted spoon, allowing as much buttermilk as possible to drip off. Want to see how its done? In a large bowl, combine alligator, oil, salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, stirring until well coated. Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings well. 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). Dispose of any extra marinade. Grilled alligator is more popular because of the meats texture. This will make it easier to get the best flavors of the alligator. If you're new to gator, don't be intimidated it tastes like chicken! "They probably live in the same environment and eat the same stuff, so it's really similar to that taste," Sonnier said. Alligator fillet is actually very tender and delicious. Test the alligator by cutting into it with a knife and see if its easily breaking down. This will help ensure that they will cook evenly and not get too tough or dry. Other parts of the alligator are double-tenderized, he explained. Although most commonly served fried as gator "nuggets", alligator is said to have a veal-like quality and can be easily substituted for any dish containing seafood, chicken, or pork. This is what stores are for. Mix mayonnaise, chipotle, chili garlic sauce and siracha in a small bowl. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; If it is tough or chewy, it is not done. Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! His company packaged the 1-pound bags of frozen alligator I bought at Rouse's Supermarkets for the video. 2 Remove the alligator from the dry spices. Its also reported that soaking alligator meat in milk makes it more digestible, which makes it easier to absorb nutrients. 3. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. I simmer carp in a mixture of milk and white wine until it is barely cooked and then separate the meat from the bones. You slice that and pound it like veal, and you cannot tell the difference. Bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30-40 minutes. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. If you cant afford the tenderloin, this cut is your next best bet. If you are new, we're so glad you joined the family! No worries. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Dredge each piece in the Breading/Batter Mix and add to the oil. Make sure there's room for the meat to float around while they cook. Alligator is a large fish that is about four inches long and has a crispy skin. Cover and allow marinating for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. Not sure where to buy your meat? 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. There are a few ways to tell when alligator is done. 2023 Acadia Crawfish. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. 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. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. Add the Breading/Batter Mix to a shallow bowl. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. Instructions. 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). Lay the alligator steaks in the pan, giving each steak at least 1/2 inch of space. 3. Until it's fried, alligator gets good grades for nutrition, especially in the protein department. Watch on. Alligator meat is typically slightly salty and has a distinctive flavor. It will also get a nice, golden-brown color. Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. Mix the flour, breadcrumbs, and Cajun seasoning. Just place your alligator fillets in a baking dish and add some chicken stock. 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. So, if you want to cook alligator fillet for dinner, you can try my recipe. Believe it or not, gators have red meat too. For this, you need to ensure that it is well washed before boiling. Place a 20lb bag of ice over the gator to weight it down and keep it cold during the brine process. But I cooked it the first time recentlyin sauce picante for our "In Judy's Kitchen" video series. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the USDA doesn't have a doneness guide for alligator and neither does my meat buyer's guide. It looks like a dunce cap, long and skinny. 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. It is also much easier to slice if it is boiled first. Eating alligator meat is not typically seen as being healthy, but there are some benefits to consideration if you decide to do so. Remove to paper towels, and serve hot. Slice potatoes (do not peel) and make a layer of them on the bottom of the dish. Please do not run out into the swamp and try to cut yourself off some alligator tail meat. The only time it is not safe to eat catfish is when it is undercooked. Of course, you can also cook using different food types. I've eaten my share of the alligator dishes at Jazz Fest. Its believed that this is because the spices release pheromones. '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! Braise the alligator steaks in the oven for 1 hour and turn them over. Carve with pressure toward the cutting board, in long strokes the length of the knife. Set the temperature to 180 degrees. Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. [1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2tQ5Ka_p5Y Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) AdventureSomeKitchen All Rights Reserved. 8. Alligator is a type of meat that can be very hard to prepare properly. 2. Cochon's James Beard Award-winning chef, Stephen Stryjewski, shared the recipe for one of the restaurant's most popular appetizers. Prepare a rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain the alligator. Remove the alligator from the marinade and thread onto skewers. 32. Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. It will be easier to handle this way. You will have more of the Chili Garlic Mayo than you need for this recipe. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. Portioned into steaks or fillets, alligator tails are definitely considered a delicacy, and can be . However, if you eat raw or undercooked alligator meat, you may experience serious health consequences. Then I pan sear each side of the marinated alligator fillets for three minutes per side. 4 alligator fillets. 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. Here are four methods to tell if your alligator is fully cooked: 1) Check the meat for tenderness. 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. Add 2.5 lbs of Alligator gar fillets to the bag and mix thoroughly to coat each piece. 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. But cooking it? Season the alligator with kosher salt if you didn't use salt or salty ingredients in the marinade. Don't miss a story! And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! There are many different ways to cook an alligator, but the most popular is to fry it. To preserve the alligator fillets, you can marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar and orange juice. We have the video right here! It's not cheap: Each bag was $14.99. This is the section that earns folks say tastes like chicken, meaning it's mild and white. Repeat the process until all is done. Back then, there were no milk processors, so people would soak alligators in milk to preserve them. It measured 7.5 feet long with a 35.5-inch girth. 2. In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk, mustard, and eggs. % of people told us that this article helped them. in a rolling motion until the fat content of the pork coats the. Alligator is sold in the market as a whole or as a fillet. It is also not that expensive. 4. Add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. After that, sprinkle some lemon juice on them to add some extra flavor. Remove the pan when the steaks reach the desired tenderness. Stir everything gently so you do not knock off the crispy exterior. Alligator fillets are a bit of a different beast when compared to fillets of more common fish. When cooking alligator, you should consider using a grill pan or grill rack, but dont use a direct flame. 4. 1. If you let it sit for longer than 2 hours, the consistency of the meat might begin to change. The alligator should be cut into pieces after boiling. Others may choose to eat chicken or turkey because they are considered healthier options. The figure is even higher for beef, with 71% of all cattle being used to produce beef. Never leave a pan of oil or a grill unattended while you're cooking. Stir or whisk to distribute the pepper. Another way to tell is to cut into the alligator and look at the inside. Gotta agree 110% with the EMAN on this one - aligator sauce piquant is one of my favorites! Add spices and herbs to stock, if desired. But how do you know when alligator meat is done? Good. If youre looking to lose weight or simply want to eat more healthily, there are a number of options available to you each day. Sep 18, 2010. The alligator tail tastes very mild. One of the best dishes is alligator sausage. use plenty of salt and pepper to season the meat as needed. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. In fact,], many studies have shown that the health of cows and other meat-. 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. Spray all sides with Cooking Spray. Prep Time: 5 minutes. Brush with extra marinade for the initial 5 minutes. But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. In 2013, I wrote about Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position during Lent. You have permission to edit this article. In fact, if you do soak alligator meat, you may end up washing away some of the flavor. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meats flavor will be enhanced by the seasoning you slap on it. Gar Lobster. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 6. Never tried to smoke it but it sounds like someone ruined some good gator. Alligators are gregarious animals and are found in areas with dense vegetation, such as subtropical or tropical rainforests. First, season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper. The rest of the alligator can then be removed from the bone. Still other recipes are cooked using a microwave. This will give them a nice and zesty flavor. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat, but it typically takes about 10 minutes to fry alligator meat. He lives in Europe where he bakes with wild yeast, milks goats for cheese and prepares for the Court of Master Sommeliers level II exam. 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. . Step up your party spread this year with alligator dishes, sure to satisfy the bellies of Cajun Country! If desired, sprinkle top with shredded cheese after baking. Season to taste with the sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Spread across a plate. For the Alligator. Add the gator to the smoker and mist every thirty minutes with the juice. Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. And you know what that means football parties, Cajun cook-offs, and an infinite supply of good times! Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. Cover the bowl, then refrigerate for 15 minutes. Grill the alligator for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. 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. Alligator Sauce Piquante Over Creamy Stone Ground Grits. Lets take a closer look. Coat the alligator fillets in flour cornmeal or another type of breading. You can cook using your oven, stove, grill or microwave. The alligator "wings" at Kingfish are baked in fat to tenderize them, then drained well, refrigerated and chilled. This will help ensure that it cooks through evenly and doesnt become tough or rubbery. 4. For another, alligator fillets are so large that they require a large cooking surface. The alligator is a large, herbivorous alligator that can reach up to 6 feet in length and weigh between 400 and 1,000 pounds. 4. 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. Rub the spice mixture onto the alligator fillets. The skin should be removed first and discarded. "The effect is a smoky taste outside and inside is true alligator," Sonnier said. The most popular way to enjoy catfish is as pan-fried and breaded fillets.