Alligator Meat's popularity has grown exponentially throughout the world. Just like when you slow-cook a roast, poaching fish causes the flesh to flake away from the bones. The alligator fillets are best served at room temperature. overcooking alligator can make it tough and dry. It is the most delicate part of the meat from the animal. Alligators are gregarious animals and are found in areas with dense vegetation, such as subtropical or tropical rainforests. "It's white meat," Barkemeyer said. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. The worlds top food is the best healthiest food, according to a study released Tuesday. 1. But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. 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. For alligator meatballs or tacos, go with ground gator meat. Gary's Island . Coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. The figure is even higher for beef, with 71% of all cattle being used to produce beef. His number one tip for cooking alligator tail: Don't cook it too long, he said. 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. The alligator should be cut into pieces after boiling. This is better because you can make more use of the alligator. Its also reported that soaking alligator meat in milk makes it more digestible, which makes it easier to absorb nutrients. NEW !!!! This will make it easier to get the best flavors of the alligator. For example, some recipes are cooked on the stove using oil or butter. Place the cleaned and dressed 30lb whole gator in an empty cooler. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. Here are four methods to tell if your alligator is fully cooked: 1) Check the meat for tenderness. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the alligator until it is golden brown and crispy. It is best cooked by grilling. And, if you have the time, let it marinate for a while in a flavorful sauce or marinade. Spray all sides with Cooking Spray. 4 alligator fillets. Alligator gar can also be barbecued or roasted - prepare some fillets and get them to cook. "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". Meat was also found to be the most nutrient dense food out there. In fact, one of the best ways to cook it is to brine it. Meat is the number 1 healthiest meat in the world, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition. 6. Fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. The ribs, nuggets and wings are a darker meat with a stronger flavor and a texture similar to pork. It is great fried like fish or made into a sauce piquant. Making Fried Alligator. Helpful. Mm-mm! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Continue to 6 of 8 below. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings well. Thread alligator onto skewers. 5. 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. And the fat on alligator is outside the pieces, not striated throughout the meat like, for instance, beef or pork. June 16, 2017 12:52 pm Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; Cooking the belly is a process that has been used for years to tenderize tough cuts of meat. Its been found that people tend to like to eat the fat and skin in these portions. 4. The answer to this question lies in the alligators diet. 06 of 08. There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. 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. Good. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. It is a type of meat that is considered to be a delicacy in some parts of the world. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. Christie Girls Can Grill. The most popular way to enjoy catfish is as pan-fried and breaded fillets. The alligator is done cooking when the inside is cooked all the way through. Cover with a layer of diced onions and sprinkle with garlic and parsley. Alligator meat can be a delicious and nutritious food, but it can also have a slightly gamey taste. Amount is based on available nutrient data. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. Besides the monstrous alligator gar and little florida gar, which are restricted to a few small areas of the country, anglers can pursue longnose, shortnose and spotted . Alligator is a large fish that is about four inches long and has a crispy skin. It can be cooked by different techniques including grilling, deep frying or baking. Award winning Chef Ace Champions passion for cooking began years before his culinary career. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. Be sure to carefully lower the meat into the oil. Alligator Sausage. Make a sauce using the stock and drippings in the pan while the steaks rest, if desired. Cover and allow marinating for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. Place the skewers directly onto grill and grill for 2 minutes per side. Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. 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. In the same pan that you cooked the alligator . Second, the alligator meat should be very moist and tender. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes of cooking on each side to sear alligator meat and develop a golden-brown crust. Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. First, be sure to season your alligator meat well before cooking it. In a small bowl combine olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper. 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. First prepare your marinade by combining the chopped red chilli, light soy sauce, chopped garlic, grated ginger, cayenne, salt and pepper, and mixing well. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Instructions. If it is tough or chewy, it is not done. It's almost impossible to tell if the oil is hot enough just by looking at it. If you don't want to buy fish batter, you can. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options . Keep the bag in the coldest part of the fridge while you prep the coal and grill. When you think of alligator fillet, you may think that its tough and chewy. parsley; 1 cup water; 1- 10 oz. Alligator is a type of meat that can be very hard to prepare properly. If it was longer than five feet, the meat will be tough. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Don't hunt? In particular, you can cook using meat, vegetables, fruit, grains, and more. use plenty of salt and pepper to season the meat as needed. Cook the alligator, using tongs to turn occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. 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. 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 . Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. There are a few ways to tell when alligator is done. How do you know when alligator meat is done? in a rolling motion until the fat content of the pork coats the. 1 hr. For extra crispy nuggets, dip them back into the buttermilk and then dredge in breadcrumbs again. 2) Use an oven thermometer. Marinate the steaks in a buttermilk-based marinade for 2 to 3 hours. Others may choose to eat chicken or turkey because they are considered healthier options. 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. Check out Acadia Crawfish for the tastiest alligator, crawfish and Cajun seasonings South Louisiana has to offer. Finally, ensure that your food choices are organic whenever possible. But cooking it? Another way to tell is to feel the alligator. If you want to make your own dipping sauces for a gourmet meal, you can mix a simply spicy mayo or. Alligator Stew. Get your smoker to 250 degrees. The tenderloin is the part of alligator that people compare to chicken. Alligators are a common sight in the southern United States, and many people may wonder why they are often seen soaking in milk. Use a pair of tongs to flip them over so that the batter is evenly cooked on both sides. Season the alligator with kosher salt if you didn't use salt or salty ingredients in the marinade. Youll just want to be choosy about which recipes you use for the different cuts. Lay the alligator steaks in the pan, giving each steak at least 1/2 inch of space. Season it immediately with salt and pepper. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). If you can, you want to find out how big the gator was. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. Put 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground black pepper into a mixing bowl. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish. In 2013, I wrote about Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position during Lent. 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. The fish weighed an astonishing 162 pounds! Size: 8 vacuum sealed 5 lb. Set aside. 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. You slice that and pound it like veal, and you cannot tell the difference. Cut off the head and the tail, then gut and scale it. Combine the orange juice, honey, bourbon and ginger to make a glaze. The legs are available online, along with several other cuts and processed alligator (patties, nuggets, pistolettes) and several brands of sausage. Carve with pressure toward the cutting board, in long strokes the length of the knife. 9. Combine the flour and pepper in a separate bowl. "It has a very high water content. The most popular and best portion of the gator is the tenderloin, which is found in the alligators tail. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. Start by placing the alligator meat in a bowl. Mix the alligator meat, salt, pepper, and vinegar in a medium-sized bowl. Microwave half a cup of butter for 30 seconds. "It's a fully cooked product, but the best way to cook it is on the grill," he said. You can also cook using boiling water, a microwave or an infrared oven. There are many factors to consider when making a decision about which animal to consume, but one that should be taken into account is their health. You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. ", 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.". I'm not a big fry person. In our opinion, the texture and taste of the white meat is where its at! But this is not the case. The process requires that the meat be immersed in boiling hot water for at least two minutes. Farm-raised alligators are smaller and less fatty than wild ones, Pearce said, adding, "Wild is still great. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. After its been cooked, the meat is placed into a cold storage area for the meat to cool. Eating alligator meat is not typically seen as being healthy, but there are some benefits to consideration if you decide to do so. I cover the tray in a lot of olive oil. For this reason, when buying alligator, it is important to make sure that it is a fresh meat. No worries. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. Instructions. Grilled alligator is also a very good source of protein, vitamin B12 and phosphorus. Dredge each piece in the Breading/Batter Mix and add to the oil. Stir or whisk to distribute the pepper. If it's your first time purchasing alligator meat, look for cuts from the tail. To each his own! Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. You can also grill alligator fillet. You want it done.) It adapts to many types of seasonings and the flaky, white meat can substitute for veal, seafood, or chicken in many recipes. Make sure there's room for the meat to float around while they cook. When it is cooked, the alligator will be firm to the touch. Ever wondered how alligator steaks are made? After all, it wouldnt be considered Cajun without a kick. Prepare a rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain the alligator. 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. Cube the alligator meat and add to the butter mixture, stirring to coat the alligator. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. "Turtle meat is more similar to beef or venison. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meat's . The skin should be removed first and discarded. Next, toss the alligator pieces with olive oil and seasoning, then set aside at room temperature for 40 minutes. In a cooking pot add oil and lightly brown the alligator meat. Learn more Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern part of the United States, and it's fairly easy to cook at home. Whole Skinned Alligator Tail (Boneless) $29.99 - $48.98. Simply remove them, and eat them immediately. I believe that anyone can cook a delicious meal, no matter their skill level. Put 1 pound (0.45 kg) of alligator meat into a bowl and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. 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. Use a slotted spoon to lift the calamari rings out of the buttermilk. Cochon's James Beard Award-winning chef, Stephen Stryjewski, shared the recipe for one of the restaurant's most popular appetizers. The alligator is very lean so you need to make sure to remove the fat from it. He shared the recipe for his favorite way to cook his alligator sausage indoors, which can be a main or side dish, for brunch or dinner or pot lucks. 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. This is because it has a light flavour, mild and easy on the tongue. If it is cooked properly, the meat will be tender and juicy. Gar Lobster. Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. This will help you determine whether or not its at its most done. Additionally, alligator meat is low in mercury and other harmful toxins. Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. 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. Once hot, add coated alligator filets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. Preheat the grill to 400F. Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! For one of my best friends in childhood, the only thing he likes to eat is chicken. An entire stick of butter fried in a pan with some garlic is all you need to coat the gator tail in flavoring before you add some salt and pepper and onions, and then take it to the grill for the . The best way to know for sure if alligator meat is done is to cut into a piece and take a bite. The health of beef animals is ][imported ][but ][it][does not stack up to] other types of animal consumed in human diets. The way you cook the food affects how it is cooked, and what it tastes like. Meat consumption has increased significantly in the last few decades, and with that, the demand for meat. Here's how to cook alligator fillets: 1. The flesh should flake when gently pressed. . Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. This will also help to tenderize the meat. It is also much easier to slice if it is boiled first. There are various cooking methods that you can use to cook alligator. Place a small section of aluminum foil on the pellet smoker's grill grates and spray with pan coating to prevent sticking. One way to get the gamey taste out of alligator me is to cook it slowly in a pot over medium heat. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. 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 milk helps to break down the food and makes it easier to digest. Cajun Alligator Chili. Alligator meat is typically slightly salty and has a distinctive flavor. What I bought was the tenderloin, the most tender meat, from the tail of the alligator. Boneless Turtle Meat 5 lb bag . Skewer the seasoned alligator bites and grill for 5 minutes per side, or . Oldie but goodie thank you for rocking with us we apprecia. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. Not sure where to buy your meat? 4. Cajun Fried Alligator. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! Remove the pan when the steaks reach the desired tenderness. In a couple of weeks, fall will descend upon us. Add 2.5 lbs of Alligator gar fillets to the bag and mix thoroughly to coat each piece. Put the drained alligator into the large mixing bowl with the herbs and 1/4 cup of the chili garlic sauce. 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. You can grill them with the hood of the grill up or down. However, the health of meat animals has not been taken into account when producers have made this decision. You won't end up eating fried alligator. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. If you're using a pellet grill, set it for around 400F degrees. The alligator tail tastes very mild. If you have extra kabobs, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Mix the flour, breadcrumbs, and Cajun seasoning. Stryjewski said the restaurant uses peanut oil for frying, but "lard works just as well.". 2. 11. Watch on. Grey101. Product Info. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! There are many different ways to cook, and there are many different types of food that you can cook. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options with oil. So, if you want to cook alligator fillet for dinner, you can try my recipe. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); 3. Grilled alligator is cooked by applying a light coating of oil and grilling on a grill or hot pan. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Cook Worcestershire Marinated New York Steak. Furthermore, the meat is flavored with spices like salt and pepper, which helps it to taste delicious. 3. These include olive oil, salmon, avocado, nuts and seeds. 3. Alligator fillets are a type of fish and are typically cooked in a similar manner to other fish dishes. Whisk well. Tough Step 1. 4. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. It's processed and naturally hickory-smoked in wood-burning ovens at Crescent City Meat Company in Metairie. There are a few key things to look for when cooking alligator meat. Put the alligator back into the flour mixture, and again try to shake off as much extra flour as possible. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Why not? Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. There are various cooking methods that you can use to cook alligator. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. It will be easier to handle this way. Season with salt as soon as it comes out of the oil. Heat the oil in a medium size saucepot and heat to 375F. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. [4] 5. 3. This will help to make the flavors more potent and keep the meat moist while it cooks on the grill. But I cooked it the first time recentlyin sauce picante for our "In Judy's Kitchen" video series. Cover the alligator steaks loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for at least 10 minutes before you serve them. Turn the heat off and pour enough stock in the pan to almost cover the steaks. I simmer carp in a mixture of milk and white wine until it is barely cooked and then separate the meat from the bones. There are many different types of cooking techniques. 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. The best cooking time is usually around 4 hours, so make sure you check them regularly. Heat vegetable shortening in a large cast-iron skillet until it registers 350F (176C) or use a recommended electric deep fryer. Features: Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. "The effect is a smoky taste outside and inside is true alligator," Sonnier said. Cut the meat into 1-inch thick slices. 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. 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. These tend to be a better texture and flavor than other cuts. For example, youll need to be careful about how you cook alligator fillets, so that they dont dry out too much and their texture remains moist. Prep the coals. This is because they contain the highest level of fatty acids, which are essential for the body. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. Never tried to smoke it but it sounds like someone ruined some good gator. Other parts of the alligator are double-tenderized, he explained. Heat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. First, season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper. For another, alligator fillets are so large that they require a large cooking surface. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or oil and butter in a Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet or pan. Cover dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 50 minutes to one hour, until potatoes are tender. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Another way to tell is to cut into the alligator and look at the inside. Hold the skin back with your non-dominant hand. Catfish is low in calories is filled with many healthy nutrients such as omega-3 . Pour the brine solution (recipe below) over the gator. Fill a deep pot halfway full with oil. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. "They probably live in the same environment and eat the same stuff, so it's really similar to that taste," Sonnier said. 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. There are many different ways to cook an alligator, but the most popular is to fry it. Still other recipes are cooked using a microwave. Step up your party spread this year with alligator dishes, sure to satisfy the bellies of Cajun Country! Follow @chefchampion The smaller, younger alligators produce the most tender alligator meat possible, without any use of preservatives or additives. Heat oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees. Mix the melted butter with the remaining Cajun seasoning. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. Meat tenderizers are made of enzymes or acids that break down the proteins in meat, making it more tender. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. Alligator Legs: Tender, lean, 2 lb. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 1. Shake to coat. Add cup of blackened seasoning to the melted butter and stir to combine. 3. Andrews received formal training at Le Cordon Bleu. Place a 20lb bag of ice over the gator to weight it down and keep it cold during the brine process. Read More . Season the alligatorfillets with salt and pepper before cooking them. Avoid overcrowding the oil with pieces of meat. Grilled Cajun Style Gator Tail. Rub the spice mixture onto the alligator fillets. 6. 1. Gotta agree 110% with the EMAN on this one - aligator sauce piquant is one of my favorites! Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. If you've ever wondered how to cook alligator but didn't know where to begin, this is for you. Cows are the top meat producers in the world, accounting for more than 50% of all meat production. It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. Alligators have a lot of tough connective tissue, so it can take some time for the meat to become tender. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, spices, kosher salt, mayonnaise and 9 more. "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.". Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. This will make for a better meal. If the pieces can't move around in the oil, they won't cook evenly. 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. It looks like a dunce cap, long and skinny. The cut determines the cooking method. You can cook using your oven, stove, grill or microwave. To preserve the alligator fillets, you can marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar and orange juice. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through.