how to cook alligator fillets

Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. The cornstarch in the buttermilk batter makes the coating crispy. 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. Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. ", 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.". Alligator sausage can be prepared by making a kind of cured sausage that combines alligator and pork. Place alligator meat in a medium bowl, and mix with vinegar, salt, and pepper. overcooking alligator can make it tough and dry. Fry a few pieces at a time until the alligator just begins to float and is golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. It's really that simple. In a cooking pot add oil and lightly brown the alligator meat. 4 cups alligator meat, cut into small bite-size pieces; 1/2 cup oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped; 1 large bell pepper, chopped; 2 Tbs. This will make for a better meal. Alligator Sauce Piquante Over Creamy Stone Ground Grits. If it is still pink, it is not fully cooked. And the fat on alligator is outside the pieces, not striated throughout the meat like, for instance, beef or pork. The most popular way to enjoy catfish is as pan-fried and breaded fillets. The frying method involves frying the alligator fillet in a mixture of salt, pepper and oil. Alligator Meat's popularity has grown exponentially throughout the world. (function(d, s, id) { The skin should be removed first and discarded. 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. 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. Try to put 5-6 pieces of meat and vegetables on every skewer. . 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 . Its important to watch alligator fillet closely, to ensure that it doesnt overcook. Braise the alligator steaks in the oven for 1 hour and turn them over. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. The figure is even higher for beef, with 71% of all cattle being used to produce beef. Prep Time: 5 minutes. Next, layer the gator with bacon covering all parts with bacon except for the head. Add spices and herbs to stock, if desired. Let it boil for five minutes (or more depending on the amount of fish. Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. For one thing, the cooking temperature needed to get the best results is significantly higher than that for other types of fish. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. Allow the frozen alligator to thaw for about a day before putting it in a small ice cooler and covering it with enough water to submerge the gator. The taste is delicious, and its one of the most expensive dishes in the market. By Ace Champion | Add the Breading/Batter Mix to a shallow bowl. So delicious! Don't miss a story! Youll be glad you did. The chef compared cooking alligator with turtle. The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. 2. Whisk well. 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. Mm-mm! 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. This can be done with a knife, or by placing the alligator in a large bowl of ice. 2023 Acadia Crawfish. packs of alligator tail meat tenderized and ready to go! Place the skewers directly onto grill and grill for 2 minutes per side. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. In Florida, its legal to catch and eat an alligator. 2. Cut off the head and the tail, then gut and scale it. Lets take a closer look. 6. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! How do you know when alligator meat is done? Boneless Turtle Meat 2 lb bag $69.99. Finally, ensure that your food choices are organic whenever possible. Here, well take a look at some of the best meat options for everyday. If you're new to gator, don't be intimidated it tastes like chicken! The meat should have soaked up the rest of the liquid. If its not, then its likely still in its first stage of cooking. Like some of its more land-dwelling counterparts, alligator meats flavor will be enhanced by the seasoning you slap on it. The legs are available online, along with several other cuts and processed alligator (patties, nuggets, pistolettes) and several brands of sausage. Microwave half a cup of butter for 30 seconds. Flip the filets and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired doneness. Don't drop any of the pieces of meat into the oil. After its been cooked, the meat is placed into a cold storage area for the meat to cool. It's similar to chicken, but it has that little seafood taste component. Lay the alligator steaks in the pan, giving each steak at least 1/2 inch of space. Hello, Louisiana: How do you cook and eat alligator? Cooking alligator can be tricky, so it is important to pay close attention to the color and texture of the alligator to make sure it is cooked all the way through. When ordered, they are fried to a crispy brown, then tossed into a smoked tomato gastrique to coat the exterior. Add the eggs and water to a separate shallow bowl. 10. If you've ever wondered how to cook alligator but didn't know where to begin, this is for you. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. Second, the alligator meat should be very moist and tender. 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. It's also super juice and tender. 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. 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. Cooking alligator may be old hat for many home cooks, and it's quite apparentchefs are cooking it all over the place. Size: 8 vacuum sealed 5 lb. Some in the industry consider this portion of the alligator to be the equivalent of fillet mignon. First, season the chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the grill to high heat and grill kabobs for 6 . The alligator "wings" at Kingfish are baked in fat to tenderize them, then drained well, refrigerated and chilled. Quick view Choose Options. 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. Omega 3s, this low-calorie fish is a healthy choice. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes of cooking on each side to sear alligator meat and develop a golden-brown crust. Cover and allow marinating for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. Now that you have chosen alligator, the next step is to prepare the meat. 3. 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. Alligator fillets are a bit of a different beast when compared to fillets of more common fish. Please do not run out into the swamp and try to cut yourself off some alligator tail meat. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. The alligator fillets are best served at room temperature. Check out Acadia Crawfish for the tastiest alligator, crawfish and Cajun seasonings South Louisiana has to offer. Eating alligator meat is not typically seen as being healthy, but there are some benefits to consideration if you decide to do so. We prefer to poach the tenderloins, and let them cool, then shred the meat by hand. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! If you can, you want to find out how big the gator was. Portioned into steaks or fillets, alligator tails are definitely considered a delicacy, and can be . I simmer carp in a mixture of milk and white wine until it is barely cooked and then separate the meat from the bones. In the same pan that you cooked the alligator . Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. One way to get the gamey taste out of alligator me is to cook it slowly in a pot over medium heat. If you are new, we're so glad you joined the family! Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. Turn off the heat and let it sit for as long as you boiled it. Weve got you covered, cher! Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. Alligator Sampler $71.50. 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. Meat was also found to be the most nutrient dense food out there. Start with the larger pieces. Then I put a tray on the grill. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or oil and butter in a Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet or pan. If you're using a pellet grill, set it for around 400F degrees. Bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30-40 minutes. The best way to know for sure if alligator meat is done is to cut into a piece and take a bite. It's not cheap: Each bag was $14.99. Fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. This is the section that earns folks say tastes like chicken, meaning it's mild and white. Then back into the flour and shake off. These alligator fillets are so easy to make, youll be surprised. Leave the better stuff for your more gourmet dishes. Cut the meat into 1-inch thick slices. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. Fruita, Colorado. How do you know when alligator is done cooking. Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. I cooked it together on the grill to give it a good flavor. Sonnier has . For alligator meatballs or tacos, go with ground gator meat. What I bought was the tenderloin, the most tender meat, from the tail of the alligator. 1 lb alligator sirloin. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Cook Worcestershire Marinated New York Steak. The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. But how do you know when alligator meat is done? There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. The study, which was conducted by the World Health Organization, found that foods with healthy fats and fibers are the healthiest among all foods. Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. When oil is hot, place meat pieces into oil, being careful not to overcrowd. The Best Alligator Meat Recipes on Yummly | Geekswhoeat, Louisiana Buttermilk Fried Alligator With Spicy Tomato Sauce, Seminole Sauteed Alligator Tail ~ Native American . Preheat your pit to 250. Braise the steaks for another 30 minutes and check their tenderness with a fork. For this reason, when buying alligator, it is important to make sure that it is a fresh meat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for increased flavor. This can be done by placing it in a large pot of water and boiling it for about an hour. If you want to batter all of the pieces before you fry them, place the dipped pieces on a plate while you finish battering the rest of them. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings well. Put 1 pound (0.45 kg) of alligator meat into a bowl and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The tail also has white meat in it that isnt a part of the tenderloin. Avoid overcrowding the oil with pieces of meat. In fact,], many studies have shown that the health of cows and other meat-. Add the skewers to the grill and cook them for about 5 minutes per side. NEW !!!! boneless alligator, fresh or frozen. Check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer after you take it out of the pan, and make sure it measures at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the alligators favorite prey items is the American beaver. But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. The pheromones are chemicals that act as signals to other animals, such as other people. 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. "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.". Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. 3. tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. A lot of alligator recipes calls for marinades, but that's not really necessary for tender alligator tail meat. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved, alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. Furthermore, the meat is flavored with spices like salt and pepper, which helps it to taste delicious. Barkemeyer said he sells 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of the sausage a year, and he ships it around the country. In a large bowl, combine alligator, oil, salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning, stirring until well coated. 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. Shake to coat. 1. I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. Fill a deep pot halfway full with oil. If desired, remove foil for last 15 minutes so top can brown. Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. Grilled alligator is also a very good source of protein, vitamin B12 and phosphorus. Pull up a seat at the table. Quick and easy way to fix up gator bites for your friends. First prepare your marinade by combining the chopped red chilli, light soy sauce, chopped garlic, grated ginger, cayenne, salt and pepper, and mixing well. Instructions: Cut the Gator Meat into strips. I hope youll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you! You can get frozen alligator meat online. 9. Heat vegetable shortening in a large cast-iron skillet until it registers 350F (176C) or use a recommended electric deep fryer. If you have leftover fried alligator, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. Put some crab boil spices in water according to direction. This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. If it's your first time purchasing alligator meat, look for cuts from the tail. That fish, caught in the Tensaw River, weighed a little over 151 pounds. Thread alligator onto skewers. Farm-raised alligators are smaller and less fatty than wild ones, Pearce said, adding, "Wild is still great. "It's a fully cooked product, but the best way to cook it is on the grill," he said. It is also much easier to slice if it is boiled first. Out of stock. There are a few different ways to cook alligator meat, but the most common way is to fry it. Mix it with a tablespoon of white vinegar along with a dash of salt and pepper. The process requires that the meat be immersed in boiling hot water for at least two minutes. First, you need to clean the alligator. Florida Alligator Meat is not only delicious but is low in fat and cholesterol and a wonderful source of protein. In this video we go to New Orleans to meet a man who makes alligator fillets. Here are four methods to tell if your alligator is fully cooked: 1) Check the meat for tenderness. 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. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. The price for shipping was great but the price for the meat can be a little bit cheaper. Bring the liquid to a boil and thicken it with roux or a cornstarch slurry and simmer for about 10 minutes. You have permission to edit this article. first and foremost, alligator meat has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for overall health. . Another way to tell is to feel the alligator. Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. Then I pan sear each side of the marinated alligator fillets for three minutes per side. 4. Amount is based on available nutrient data. Some others prefer grinding all the meat before making patties, which are quite tasty due to the game flavor. how to cook chicken and rice in a crockpot? In another shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, spices, salt and pepper. Stir everything gently so you do not knock off the crispy exterior. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish. Continue to mix. You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. I cover the tray in a lot of olive oil. It can be cooked by different techniques including grilling, deep frying or baking. Its believed that this is because the spices release pheromones. the exception of the casing. By using our site, you agree to our. 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. Here are a few tips on how to cook alligator fillets: 1. 4. Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil, making sure the oil does not get too hot. Leave in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours . 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. And man, do them Cajuns eat it up, cher! Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. Pat the fish dry. It is great fried like fish or made into a sauce piquant. Add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. First, the alligator meat should be a deep red color. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. 2. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Directions. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat. I tried to convince him to eat alligator fillet. You could classify it as a lighter meat. Add cup of blackened seasoning to the melted butter and stir to combine. Alligators are a common sight in the southern United States, and many people may wonder why they are often seen soaking in milk. The way you cook the food affects how it is cooked, and what it tastes like. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. If desired, sprinkle top with shredded cheese after baking. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the alligator until it is golden brown and crispy. "You can stew it, or take the center cut of tail and grill it up like chicken, or definitely fry it.". Then add into the buttermilk mixture and shake off. The ribs, nuggets and wings are a darker meat with a stronger flavor and a texture similar to pork. Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. Next, toss the alligator pieces with olive oil and seasoning, then set aside at room temperature for 40 minutes. The alligator tail tastes very mild. However, the tradition has continued, and many people in the southern United States still soak alligators in milk. Alligator is sold in the market as a whole or as a fillet. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options . 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. However, if you eat raw or undercooked alligator meat, you may experience serious health consequences. In a small bowl combine olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper. 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. Put the alligator back into the flour mixture, and again try to shake off as much extra flour as possible. After all, it wouldnt be considered Cajun without a kick. When cooking alligator, you should consider using a grill pan or grill rack, but dont use a direct flame. Add alligator cubes; stir to coat well. But I cooked it the first time recentlyin sauce picante for our "In Judy's Kitchen" video series. Spray all sides with Cooking Spray. After the gator has been on the smoker for about 3 hours, add the glaze. This will make it tender. 15 feet casing for stuffing. Follow @chefchampion See recipe, cuts, tips and tricks, sauce picante for our "In Judy's Kitchen" video, Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position, How to wrestle alligator meat into beef, pork, chicken, turtle recipes, 3-course interview: cooking alligator with Chef Nathan Richard, How to butcher an alligator: Kingfish chef demonstrates, 1/4 cup packed chopped mint and Italian parsley leaves, 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced, 1 tablespoon Heavenly Chef brand chili garlic sauce. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Several cuts of alligator meat correspond with beef, like the tenderloin. Mix mayonnaise, chipotle, chili garlic sauce and siracha in a small bowl. Remove the pan when the steaks reach the desired tenderness. Cover with a layer of diced onions and sprinkle with garlic and parsley. In large mixing bowl, combine all of the above ingredients with. You will have more of the Chili Garlic Mayo than you need for this recipe. When the coal is white-hot, place the Alligator gar fillets on the oiled grill. For another, alligator fillets are so large that they require a large cooking surface. Remove the alligator from the marinade and thread onto skewers. Put 2 cups (240 g) of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground black pepper into a mixing bowl. The answer to this question depends on what youre looking for. Check the steaks' internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165 degrees before serving. To each his own! "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". In 2013, I wrote about Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position during Lent. To cook the best thick pork chops, all you need is a gas grill. Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. 3. 2. Grilled alligator is cooked by applying a light coating of oil and grilling on a grill or hot pan. Coat a large casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Brush with extra marinade for the initial 5 minutes. How to Cook Bone-In Pork Strips in the Grilling a Top Sirloin Filet in a Cast How to Sear Tenderloin Steak and Cook A.J. 1. It is similar to veal because of its tenderness. Dip the floured alligator in buttermilk and remove with a slotted spoon, allowing as much buttermilk as possible to drip off.

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how to cook alligator fillets