how to cook alligator fillets

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. Place alligator meat in a medium bowl, and mix with vinegar, salt, and pepper. The legs are available online, along with several other cuts and processed alligator (patties, nuggets, pistolettes) and several brands of sausage. 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. Alligator sausage can be prepared by making a kind of cured sausage that combines alligator and pork. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. In fact, its been legal to do so for about 100 years. Instructions. If you cant afford the tenderloin, this cut is your next best bet. 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. There are a few ways to tell when alligator is done. 3. This is because it has a light flavour, mild and easy on the tongue. To each his own! It looks like a dunce cap, long and skinny. Alligator is a popular dish in the southern United States. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. 7. How long does it take to cook alligator meat? Avoid overcrowding the oil with pieces of meat. Instructions. Check the steaks' internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165 degrees before serving. Cut the steaks across the grain to make them easier to chew. Try this recipe featuring alligator that has been marinated in cajun seasonings, battered in buttermilk and seasoned flour and then fried until golden. Meat is the number 1 healthiest meat in the world, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition. You can treat alligator meat just like you would chicken or beef. You have permission to edit this article. The tenderloin comes from the tail. Other parts of the alligator are double-tenderized, he explained. I called the guy who always handlesa live alligator at the Louisiana Restaurant show every summer: Harlon Pearce, of Harlon's Louisiana Seafood. Some in the industry consider this portion of the alligator to be the equivalent of fillet mignon. The meat of the jowl is quite tender on its own, too, he said. It can be cooked by different techniques including grilling, deep frying or baking. Brush with extra marinade for the initial 5 minutes. One of the best dishes is alligator sausage. overcooking alligator can make it tough and dry. Place a small section of aluminum foil on the pellet smoker's grill grates and spray with pan coating to prevent sticking. The way you cook the food affects how it is cooked, and what it tastes like. Cajun Fried Alligator. Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. Sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients all contribute to blue-green algae blooms, environmentalists said. 4. Now that you have chosen alligator, the next step is to prepare the meat. The cut determines the cooking method. COPYRIGHT 2023, WOMG. Cover, and refrigerate about 10 minutes. 6. An ideal way to prepare alligator is to boil it. 11. 2 pounds alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? 2. Alligator tenderloin somewhat resembles veal and tastes like a cross between frog legs and turtle meat. 9. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Welcome back to our Channel! first and foremost, alligator meat has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for overall health. 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. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes. 32. Place the cleaned and dressed 30lb whole gator in an empty cooler. Alligators have a lot of tough connective tissue, so it can take some time for the meat to become tender. This will help ensure that they will cook evenly and not get too tough or dry. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Second, the alligator meat should be very moist and tender. Lets take a closer look. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. The only time it is not safe to eat catfish is when it is undercooked. 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. Just like when you slow-cook a roast, poaching fish causes the flesh to flake away from the bones. This will also help to tenderize the meat. Other recipes are cooked on a grill using charcoal. Fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. If desired, remove foil for last 15 minutes so top can brown. Add the eggs and water to a separate shallow bowl. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) AdventureSomeKitchen All Rights Reserved. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. The worlds top food is the best healthiest food, according to a study released Tuesday. Boneless Turtle Meat 2 lb bag $69.99. If you don't want to buy fish batter, you can. The alligator should be cut into pieces after boiling. 3. Fry the alligator for 3 minutes or until all of the pieces are floating in the oil.The meat will cook quickly in the hot oil, so keep your eye on the pan. Spray all sides with Cooking Spray. I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. You can also grill alligator fillet. Use a slotted spoon to lift the calamari rings out of the buttermilk. That said, there are a few things you can do to make sure your alligator meat turns out delicious. The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. AliGator meat came on time, fresh and ready to cook whatever way you want. The alligator fillets are best served at room temperature. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes of cooking on each side to sear alligator meat and develop a golden-brown crust. Remove alligator filets from the skillet and transfer to a baking dish. Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. In our opinion, the texture and taste of the white meat is where its at! Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. This is the section that earns folks say tastes like chicken, meaning it's mild and white. All Rights Reserved. You will have more of the Chili Garlic Mayo than you need for this recipe. Like most hunters, they deliver. 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. 10. There are various cooking methods that you can use to cook alligator. However, the tradition has continued, and many people in the southern United States still soak alligators in milk. Grill the alligator for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. 2. Cochon's James Beard Award-winning chef, Stephen Stryjewski, shared the recipe for one of the restaurant's most popular appetizers. 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. Boiling involves placing the alligator fillet in a pot and boiling it. '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! There are many different ways to cook, and there are many different types of food that you can cook. 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. Their diet consists mostly of fish, but they will also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. When the oil is hot, carefully drop in each piece and . Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States. Until it's fried, alligator gets good grades for nutrition, especially in the protein department. Alligator Tenderloins are a great addition to a traditional gumbo recipe as well! If it is tough or chewy, it is not done. Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. 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. Avoid overloading your kabobs. First, be sure to season your alligator meat well before cooking it. Pour lemon juice over filets. However, the health of meat animals has not been taken into account when producers have made this decision. There are a few key things to look for when cooking alligator meat. You can order gator meat online. Season with salt as soon as it comes out of the oil. Andrews' work has appeared in Food and Wine, Fricote and "BBC Good Food." Omega 3s, this low-calorie fish is a healthy choice. Season the alligator with kosher salt if you didn't use salt or salty ingredients in the marinade. Grilled alligator is cooked by applying a light coating of oil and grilling on a grill or hot pan. Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. You won't end up eating fried alligator. Keep the bag in the coldest part of the fridge while you prep the coal and grill. Blackened Alligator. Alligator fillets are a bit of a different beast when compared to fillets of more common fish. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. 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 . Fried Gator. Shake to coat. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Use a pair of tongs to flip them over so that the batter is evenly cooked on both sides. In Florida, its legal to catch and eat an alligator. But hey, there are people that eat the red meat. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! Cooking the belly is a process that has been used for years to tenderize tough cuts of meat. Start with the larger pieces. The alligator tail tastes very mild. Microwave half a cup of butter for 30 seconds. Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. Marinate the steaks in a buttermilk-based marinade for 2 to 3 hours. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It's processed and naturally hickory-smoked in wood-burning ovens at Crescent City Meat Company in Metairie. Its believed that this is because the spices release pheromones. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. Meat consumption has increased significantly in the last few decades, and with that, the demand for meat. Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2021. Continue to mix. Please do not run out into the swamp and try to cut yourself off some alligator tail meat. Transfer the alligator steaks to a plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. You can also cook alligator steaks on the grill. The alligator is a large, herbivorous alligator that can reach up to 6 feet in length and weigh between 400 and 1,000 pounds. Florida Alligator Meat is not only delicious but is low in fat and cholesterol and a wonderful source of protein. 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. Another way to tell is to cut into the alligator and look at the inside. 2. Farm-raised alligators are smaller and less fatty than wild ones, Pearce said, adding, "Wild is still great. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Finally, alligator meat can be cooked slowly over low heat. Put the drained alligator into the large mixing bowl with the herbs and 1/4 cup of the chili garlic sauce. Another way to tell is to feel the alligator. 4 alligator fillets. Want to see how its done? 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Exotic Meat. parsley; 1 cup water; 1- 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste; Instructions . But this is not the case. Carve with pressure toward the cutting board, in long strokes the length of the knife. Cover and allow marinating for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. 1. Next, toss the alligator pieces with olive oil and seasoning, then set aside at room temperature for 40 minutes. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! Leave in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours . 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. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. But how do you know when alligator meat is done? "I think one reason people like it is that it's its own form. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat. Try to leave a little gap of space between the meat and the vegetables to allow them to cook evenly over the grill. And you know what that means football parties, Cajun cook-offs, and an infinite supply of good times! You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. 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? 2. Add stock as needed to keep the steaks at least halfway submerged at all times. Instructions. Hola T&LeeFam! Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Add the alligator tails to the bowl and toss to coat. 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. Place the skewers directly onto grill and grill for 2 minutes per side. Ovens vary in their temperature, so be sure to measure the temperature of your alligator before putting it in the oven. Alligator meat is typically slightly salty and has a distinctive flavor. The tail also has white meat in it that isnt a part of the tenderloin. Cooking the kabobs for a total of 6 minutes will leave you with meat that is a medium level of doneness, and cooking for 8 minutes will produce medium-well meat. Out of stock. 5. Its been proven that you can use the alligator meat as a natural salt substitute. Season it immediately with salt and pepper. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. The vinegar works to make the meat slightly more tender before it's placed in the oil to cook. Meanwhile, clean, oil, and preheat your grill to high heat (450F to 650F). Alligator is very good to eat. And man, do them Cajuns eat it up, cher! When ordered, they are fried to a crispy brown, then tossed into a smoked tomato gastrique to coat the exterior. When the oil is ready, add the alligator pieces to the skillet in batches, shaking off any excess flour before adding them to the oil and being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options with oil. Remove the alligator from the marinade and thread onto skewers. If desired, sprinkle top with shredded cheese after baking. By Ace Champion | Add Kosher or sea salt, brown sugar and white sugar to the water in the cooler and let the gator sit in the brine for 16 hours. The belly, which is the part of the cut that contains the fat, is cut into bite-sized portions. This will make it tender. Season the alligator fillets with salt pepper and other spices of your choice. Report abuse. Preheat the grill to 400F. Set next to the lemon sauce. Remove the pan when the steaks reach the desired tenderness. This helps break down the collagen in the skin, resulting in a texture thats similar to steak. Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. But the most important thing to remember is that all the techniques you can use to cook are basically the same. 2. 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. For another, alligator fillets are so large that they require a large cooking surface. Cooking alligator may be old hat for many home cooks, and it's quite apparentchefs are cooking it all over the place. What Temperature Should You Cook Chicken? Cube the alligator meat and add to the butter mixture, stirring to coat the alligator. Cooking Spray. How do you know when alligator is done cooking. Grilled Cajun Style Gator Tail. Don't hunt? Marinate the alligator steak for 2 to 3 hours. For this reason, when buying alligator, it is important to make sure that it is a fresh meat. Lay the alligator steaks in the pan, giving each steak at least 1/2 inch of space. Season the alligatorfillets with salt and pepper before cooking them. If it's your first time purchasing alligator meat, look for cuts from the tail. Here, well take a look at some of the best meat options for everyday. Heat your grill to high. Rub the spice mixture onto the alligator fillets. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, mix all the seasonings well. Here's how to cook alligator fillets: 1. Test the alligator by cutting into it with a knife and see if its easily breaking down. Grey101. Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! Preheat oven to 400 degrees. After all, it wouldnt be considered Cajun without a kick. Catfish is low in calories is filled with many healthy nutrients such as omega-3 . It is similar to veal because of its tenderness. The ribs, nuggets and wings are a darker meat with a stronger flavor and a texture similar to pork. I cover the tray in a lot of olive oil. Fruita, Colorado. surface of the mixture. This is better because you can make more use of the alligator. My parents are both great cooks, and they taught me a lot about the kitchen. To cook the best thick pork chops, all you need is a gas grill. Be sure to carefully lower the meat into the oil. But I cooked it the first time recentlyin sauce picante for our "In Judy's Kitchen" video series. Alligator fillet is quite similar to chicken fillet in taste and appearance. 2. At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. Whisk well. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. Cooking alligator fillets can be a fun and easy experience if you follow these simple steps. Weve got you covered, cher! When the coal is white-hot, place the Alligator gar fillets on the oiled grill. By using our site, you agree to our. Simply remove them, and eat them immediately. 1 Pat the alligator meat dry. 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. Braise the steaks for another 30 minutes and check their tenderness with a fork. Enjoy! Of course, you can also cook using different food types. "It's a fully cooked product, but the best way to cook it is on the grill," he said. Nuisance alligator removal permits spike in St. Lucie after 85-year-old woman dies. Oil extracts the essential oils from fresh herbs and peppers, while buttermilk doesn't. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. If the pieces can't move around in the oil, they won't cook evenly. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! Heat oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees. Turn off the heat and let it sit for as long as you boiled it. It's available in a variety of cuts including tail fillets, ribs, nuggets and wings. 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. 1. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Flip the filets and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired doneness. It is a type of meat that is considered to be a delicacy in some parts of the world. Bring the liquid to a boil and thicken it with roux or a cornstarch slurry and simmer for about 10 minutes. Ever wondered how alligator steaks are made? For the Alligator. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. We find out his secrets for cooking alligator and how to clean it before cooking. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. The most popular and best portion of the gator is the tenderloin, which is found in the alligators tail. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. That alligator will eat you. You can also cook using boiling water, a microwave or an infrared oven. The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. Features: The alligator is a real American legend, and almost every state has its own alligator restaurant. "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the alligator fillets. In the same pan that you cooked the alligator . Im here to talk about food and cooking, and to share some of my favorite recipes with you all! Let it boil for five minutes (or more depending on the amount of fish. Making Fried Alligator. 6. This will make for a better meal. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. Youll just want to be choosy about which recipes you use for the different cuts. For example, some recipes are cooked on the stove using oil or butter. When it boils down to it, it basically tastes like the chicken of the swamp, hence the white meat reference. Sonnier has made many alligator dishes in his career. When you think of alligator fillet, you may think that its tough and chewy. Good. Now cut your meat in to generous cube chunks and drop them in to the mixture making sure they receive a good coating. The figure is even higher for beef, with 71% of all cattle being used to produce beef. There are many different ways to cook an alligator, but the most popular is to fry it. You slice that and pound it like veal, and you cannot tell the difference. The answer to this question depends on what youre looking for. Dispose of any extra marinade. How do you know if catfish is safe to eat? Sep 18, 2010. No worries. Place a 20lb bag of ice over the gator to weight it down and keep it cold during the brine process. That fish, caught in the Tensaw River, weighed a little over 151 pounds. If you let it sit for longer than 2 hours, the consistency of the meat might begin to change. Alligator meat can be a delicious and nutritious food, but it can also have a slightly gamey taste. 4. Quick and easy way to fix up gator bites for your friends. 4. Boneless Turtle Meat 5 lb bag . So, if you want to cook alligator fillet for dinner, you can try my recipe. The process of cooking alligator fillets is a delicate one, so be careful not to overcook them. Leave the better stuff for your more gourmet dishes. Im Brian Danny Max, a chef and a writer at cookingtom.com. It takes around 10 minutes for the oil to heat to an appropriate level for frying, so be patient. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or oil and butter in a Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet or pan. With the meat-side up, start cutting gently along the width at one end of the fillet until you can lay your knife sideways in the slit. Youll be glad you did. Stir everything gently so you do not knock off the crispy exterior. Then back into the flour and shake off. Today, milk processors have made it easier to process milk, so there is no need to soak alligators in milk. Not sure where to buy your meat? In a cooking pot add oil and lightly brown the alligator meat. Remove to paper towels, and serve hot. Fill a deep pot halfway full with oil. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); 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. Cook the alligator, using tongs to turn occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Florida-based YouTube starsRobert Arrington and his wife Sarah will teach you how to properly prepare, grill and fry an alligator tail. 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. 3. To prepare dipping sauce, mix together in a small bowl the mayonnaise, horseradish, brown mustard, and red wine vinegar. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; Another bonus about this meat is that it's not only tasty and versatile, but virtually fat free and high in protein. If it was longer than five feet, the meat will be tough. While alligator meat is not as common as chicken or beef, it is a delicious and healthy protein choice. js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; Alligator gar can also be barbecued or roasted - prepare some fillets and get them to cook. Season to taste with the sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Blackened Louisiana Alligator Slider. Repeat the process until all is done. Alligators eat what they want, when they want, so they have minimal fat reserves, and their meat is lean. You can get frozen alligator meat online. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Christie Girls Can Grill. Alligator Stew. Mix it with a tablespoon of white vinegar along with a dash of salt and pepper. Grilled alligator is more popular because of the meats texture. This makes the alligator fillet tender, and the process of marinating makes the alligator fillet savory and flavorsome. Cook the fillets for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, making sure they are grilled all the way through. 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. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. 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. Pull up a seat at the table. 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. Cut alligator into 1-inch chunks and season with salt and pepper. That isnt to say you wont be able to use it in your gator recipes. 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.

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how to cook alligator fillets