In particular, you can cook using meat, vegetables, fruit, grains, and more. If it's your first time purchasing alligator meat, look for cuts from the tail. "The effect is a smoky taste outside and inside is true alligator," Sonnier said. Like most hunters, they deliver. The health of beef animals is ][imported ][but ][it][does not stack up to] other types of animal consumed in human diets. Test the alligator by cutting into it with a knife and see if its easily breaking down. Add alligator cubes; stir to coat well. This will ensure that you are getting the best cuts of alligator. Try to put 5-6 pieces of meat and vegetables on every skewer. In another bowl add the flour and season with some cajun seasoning as well. To cook the best thick pork chops, all you need is a gas grill. A lot of alligator recipes calls for marinades, but that's not really necessary for tender alligator tail meat. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. Fill a deep pot halfway full with oil. At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. 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? Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. The tail also has white meat in it that isnt a part of the tenderloin. Ovens vary in their temperature, so be sure to measure the temperature of your alligator before putting it in the oven. It adapts to many types of seasonings and the flaky, white meat can substitute for veal, seafood, or chicken in many recipes. ", 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.". Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes. The alligator is a large, herbivorous alligator that can reach up to 6 feet in length and weigh between 400 and 1,000 pounds. The skin should be removed first and discarded. However, some have argued that alligator meat may not be as healthy as advertised. The taste is delicious, and its one of the most expensive dishes in the market. There are a few key things to look for when cooking alligator meat. When the oil is hot, carefully drop in each piece and . 2. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. After its been cooked, the meat is placed into a cold storage area for the meat to cool. 1 lb alligator sirloin. There are many different ways to cook, and there are many different types of food that you can cook. 4. I tried to convince him to eat alligator fillet. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. First, be sure to season your alligator meat well before cooking it. Report abuse. It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter in a shallow bowl (do not add the garlic yet). 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). The milk helps to break down the food and makes it easier to digest. This will also help to tenderize the meat. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings well. Oil extracts the essential oils from fresh herbs and peppers, while buttermilk doesn't. Then add into the buttermilk mixture and shake off. 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. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. In another shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, spices, salt and pepper. Add the gator to the smoker and mist every thirty minutes with the juice. The skin should be removed first and discarded. Mm-mm! Pour the brine solution (recipe below) over the gator. In large mixing bowl, combine all of the above ingredients with. Next, layer the gator with bacon covering all parts with bacon except for the head. Place the fillets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. [1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2tQ5Ka_p5Y Bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30-40 minutes. Finally, ensure that your food choices are organic whenever possible. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Here are four methods to tell if your alligator is fully cooked: 1) Check the meat for tenderness. What Temperature Should You Cook Chicken? It is great fried like fish or made into a sauce piquant. To grill alligator fillet, first remove any skin or bones. This will help to make the flavors more potent and keep the meat moist while it cooks on the grill. Eating alligator meat is not typically seen as being healthy, but there are some benefits to consideration if you decide to do so. The legs are available online, along with several other cuts and processed alligator (patties, nuggets, pistolettes) and several brands of sausage. How do you know when alligator is done cooking. I hope youll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you! Toss the meat with the seasoning and allow to marinate for up to 45 . Join Where NOLA Eats, the hub for food and dining coverage in New Orleans. How do you know when alligator meat is done? "They probably live in the same environment and eat the same stuff, so it's really similar to that taste," Sonnier said. Want to see how its done? For example, some recipes are cooked on the stove using oil or butter. Transfer the alligator to a plate lined with paper towels. However, the tradition has continued, and many people in the southern United States still soak alligators in milk. Avoid overcrowding the oil with pieces of meat. Preheat a pan or grill over medium-high heat and cook the alligator fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side. 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. It's really that simple. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. There are a few ways to tell when alligator is done. Here's how to cook alligator fillets: 1. Quick view Choose Options. That's the tenderloin. Set next to the lemon sauce. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. Hello, Louisiana: How do you cook and eat alligator? When it is cooked, the alligator will be a light pink color. Pull up a seat at the table. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. 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. Start with the larger pieces. Remove the pan when the steaks reach the desired tenderness. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. There are several ways to tenderize alligator meat, but the most common is to marinate it in a mixture of acidic ingredients such as lime juice, vinegar, or citrus fruits. First, the alligator meat should be a deep red color. Heat oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees. Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. You won't end up eating fried alligator. [4] 5. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the USDA doesn't have a doneness guide for alligator and neither does my meat buyer's guide. Believe it or not, gators have red meat too. The vinegar works to make the meat slightly more tender before it's placed in the oil to cook. After that, sprinkle some lemon juice on them to add some extra flavor. Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Cut off the head and the tail, then gut and scale it. It is also much easier to slice if it is boiled first. You can grill them with the hood of the grill up or down. In a small bowl combine olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper. . In 2013, I wrote about Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position during Lent. Another way to tell is to feel the alligator. 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. 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. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; Heat your grill to high. Or you can put it in a Crock Pot with red gravy.". The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. How do you know if catfish is safe to eat? A four-ounce serving has 110 calories (20 from fat), 2 grams total fat, .5 grams saturated fat, 55 milligrams cholesterol, 55 milligrams sodium, nocarbohydrates and 24 grams of protein. Whisk well. The alligator "wings" at Kingfish are baked in fat to tenderize them, then drained well, refrigerated and chilled. 7. 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. the exception of the casing. Weve got you covered, cher! When oil is hot, place meat pieces into oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. The cut determines the cooking method. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. The worlds top food is the best healthiest food, according to a study released Tuesday. Repeat the process until all is done. The study, which was conducted by the World Health Organization, found that foods with healthy fats and fibers are the healthiest among all foods. Alligators eat what they want, when they want, so they have minimal fat reserves, and their meat is lean. Carve with pressure toward the cutting board, in long strokes the length of the knife. To prepare dipping sauce, mix together in a small bowl the mayonnaise, horseradish, brown mustard, and red wine vinegar. The alligator fillets are best served at room temperature. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. 1. 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. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or a combination of oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the fried gator on a rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels. vacume sealed packs of white meat, marinated and ready to grill. Season to taste with the sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. 3. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes. 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. Here are a few tips on how to cook alligator fillets: 1. Meat tenderizers are made of enzymes or acids that break down the proteins in meat, making it more tender. Use a slotted spoon to lift the calamari rings out of the buttermilk. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. When it is cooked, the inside will be a light pink color. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. Add cup of blackened seasoning to the melted butter and stir to combine. Wipe the buttermilk from the steaks and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. The answer to this question depends on what youre looking for. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! The alligator should be cut into pieces after boiling. Put 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground black pepper into a mixing bowl. Spray all sides with Cooking Spray. Gary's Island . Alligator tenderloin somewhat resembles veal and tastes like a cross between frog legs and turtle meat. Their diet consists mostly of fish, but they will also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The chef compared cooking alligator with turtle. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. His company also processes the occasional nuisance gator. Pour lemon juice over filets. Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black 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. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved, alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. In fact,], many studies have shown that the health of cows and other meat-. The answer to this question lies in the alligators diet. Florida Alligator Meat is not only delicious but is low in fat and cholesterol and a wonderful source of protein. 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. Set up the grill to cook indirectly, and grill the steaks for about 30 minutes per inch of thickness, turning every few minutes. Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! Flip the filets and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired doneness. Pat the alligator meat dry. In this video we go to New Orleans to meet a man who makes alligator fillets. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. parsley; 1 cup water; 1- 10 oz. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! Toss the rings in the dry mixture. Oldie but goodie thank you for rocking with us we apprecia. Place the alligator meat into a large bowl and add the granulated garlic, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. 15 feet casing for stuffing. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. 10. 2 pounds alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. Never tried to smoke it but it sounds like someone ruined some good gator. Dip the floured alligator in buttermilk and remove with a slotted spoon, allowing as much buttermilk as possible to drip off. Lets take a closer look. Richard Johnson landed the previous state record alligator gar on August 13, 2009. First prepare your marinade by combining the chopped red chilli, light soy sauce, chopped garlic, grated ginger, cayenne, salt and pepper, and mixing well. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Dispose of any extra marinade. Cube the alligator meat and add to the butter mixture, stirring to coat the alligator. Cover the Dutch oven or pan. Enjoy! (function(d, s, id) { Mix it with a tablespoon of white vinegar along with a dash of salt and pepper. Sign up for daily stories delivered to your inbox. Preheat your pit to 250. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. Amount is based on available nutrient data. Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. The only time it is not safe to eat catfish is when it is undercooked. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. Alligator fillet is quite similar to chicken fillet in taste and appearance. Dredge each nugget across the breadcrumbs to coat. It's not cheap: Each bag was $14.99. You can handle and treat that like a good piece of meat, even grill it.". Barkemeyer, also known as "Chef Bucks," said his product is 65 percent Louisiana farm-raised alligator tail meat and 35 percent fresh boneless pork butt. Marinate the steaks in a buttermilk-based marinade for 2 to 3 hours. June 16, 2017 12:52 pm ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat, but it typically takes about 10 minutes to fry alligator meat. Grilled Alligator Ribs. Turn off the heat and let it sit for as long as you boiled it. 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 . Meat consumption has increased significantly in the last few decades, and with that, the demand for meat. 1 Pat the alligator meat dry. You can order gator meat online. The best way to know for sure if alligator meat is done is to cut into a piece and take a bite. First, season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Good. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! The best cooking time is usually around 4 hours, so make sure you check them regularly. Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States. Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours.