how to cook alligator fillets

Alligator meat is a common dish in the southern United States, but it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. The alligator should be cut into pieces after boiling. Florida Alligator Meat is not only delicious but is low in fat and cholesterol and a wonderful source of protein. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Cook the alligator for about 15 to 20 minutes after you sear it if you're cooking a thin steak, and 25 to 30 minutes after you sear it if you're cooking a thick steak. The alligator is done cooking when the inside is cooked all the way through. Heat oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees. If you're new to gator, don't be intimidated it tastes like chicken! Alligator meat can be a delicious and nutritious food, but it can also have a slightly gamey taste. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Test the alligator by cutting into it with a knife and see if its easily breaking down. The alligators diet is not very digestible, so they have a habit of soaking their food in milk before eating it. parsley; 1 cup water; 1- 10 oz. That isnt to say you wont be able to use it in your gator recipes. Alligator fillet is actually very tender and delicious. I specialize in healthy, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home. Alligator Sausage. Mix it with a tablespoon of white vinegar along with a dash of salt and pepper. Prep the coals. Lets take a closer look. 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. The answer to this question lies in the alligators diet. 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 best cooking time is usually around 4 hours, so make sure you check them regularly. 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. Continue to 6 of 8 below. After the gator has been on the smoker for about 3 hours, add the glaze. 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. For a meat that is supposed to taste a lot like chicken, it's not always cheap, but it sure is popular. In fact, if you do soak alligator meat, you may end up washing away some of the flavor. It requires high amounts of fat, so it needs to be cooked well. To preserve the alligator fillets, you can marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar and orange juice. 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. The legs are available online, along with several other cuts and processed alligator (patties, nuggets, pistolettes) and several brands of sausage. Soaking alligators in milk is a tradition that dates back to the 1800s. In another shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, spices, salt and pepper. The answer to this question is a resounding No. You do not have to soak alligator meat prior to cooking it. When ordered, they are fried to a crispy brown, then tossed into a smoked tomato gastrique to coat the exterior. "Turtle meat is more similar to beef or venison. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Put some crab boil spices in water according to direction. Continue to mix. Season the steaks to taste and sear them on both sides until golden-brown. surface of the mixture. In a couple of weeks, fall will descend upon us. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. For extra crispy nuggets, dip them back into the buttermilk and then dredge in breadcrumbs again. Carve with pressure toward the cutting board, in long strokes the length of the knife. Cover dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 50 minutes to one hour, until potatoes are tender. Squeeze off excess liquid from meat, and add one handful of meat to the resealable bag. 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. Make a sauce using the stock and drippings in the pan while the steaks rest, if desired. Curious? 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. Quick view. }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Christie Girls Can Grill. 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. Place the alligator in a medium bowl and season with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. That's the tenderloin. Rub the mixture all over the alligator fillet. Unlike beef, though, which you can generally categorize as tender or tough, alligator meat has two levels of tenderness: tough and tougher. Set next to the lemon sauce. Ever wondered how alligator steaks are made? if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Flip the filets and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the steak reaches your desired doneness. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. You can treat alligator meat just like you would chicken or beef. Most people will choose to cook the whole alligator. Alligator meat is a popular dish in the southern United States. Alligator fleas lemon juice capers butter kumquat olive oil white wine chicken broth. It is a type of meat that is considered to be a delicacy in some parts of the world. It takes about 3 to 4 minutes of cooking on each side to sear alligator meat and develop a golden-brown crust. A new state-record catch of an alligator gar is now on the books in Alabama. Place a small section of aluminum foil on the pellet smoker's grill grates and spray with pan coating to prevent sticking. Pour the brine solution (recipe below) over the gator. The ribs, nuggets and wings are a darker meat with a stronger flavor and a texture similar to pork. Place the cleaned and dressed 30lb whole gator in an empty cooler. Alligator meat is often seen as healthier than beef, due to its high quality proteins and low levels of cholesterol. Although a grilling tray is preferable, a cookie sheet works too. Preheat your pit to 250. By Ace Champion | Alligator Stew. boneless alligator, fresh or frozen. The alligator fillet is a very lean cut of meat. Lower the heat to medium if the alligator steak measures 1/2 inch thick or less, and lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid if it measures 1/2 inch thick or more. Pat the alligator meat dry. You can build a marinade around oil and acid or cultured buttermilk. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? Ive been cooking professionally for about 10 years now, and Ive loved every minute of it! This will make for a better meal. The flesh should flake when gently pressed. 4. However, the health of meat animals has not been taken into account when producers have made this decision. This is what stores are for. 4. It adapts to many types of seasonings and the flaky, white meat can substitute for veal, seafood, or chicken in many recipes. For example, some recipes are cooked on the stove using oil or butter. Microwave half a cup of butter for 30 seconds. This will help to make the flavors more potent and keep the meat moist while it cooks on the grill. Place the alligator fillet on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. When the oil is hot, carefully drop in each piece and . Youll just want to be choosy about which recipes you use for the different cuts. 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). Preheat the grill to 400F. This will also help to tenderize the meat. Here, well take a look at some of the best meat options for everyday. What I bought was the tenderloin, the most tender meat, from the tail of the alligator. 2. 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. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. Mix the melted butter with the remaining Cajun seasoning. COPYRIGHT 2023, WOMG. Sunny days, warm water temperatures, still water conditions and excess nutrients all contribute to blue-green algae blooms, environmentalists said. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! It will also get a nice, golden-brown color. And of course, it always tastes great pan-seared or fried to a golden crisp! I hope youll check out my blog and my recipes, and I look forward to hearing from you! Heat vegetable shortening in a large cast-iron skillet until it registers 350F (176C) or use a recommended electric deep fryer. Its also reported that soaking alligator meat in milk makes it more digestible, which makes it easier to absorb nutrients. "The effect is a smoky taste outside and inside is true alligator," Sonnier said. The taste is delicious, and its one of the most expensive dishes in the market. Remove meat, shake off excess flour, and set on a plate. However, the tradition has continued, and many people in the southern United States still soak alligators in milk. That said, there are a few things you can do to make sure your alligator meat turns out delicious. This will ensure that you are getting the best cuts of alligator. If it's your first time purchasing alligator meat, look for cuts from the tail. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes. 2. Simply remove them, and eat them immediately. "It's kind of like a grouper cheek, a big piece of meat.". 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. In fact,], many studies have shown that the health of cows and other meat-. Their diet consists mostly of fish, but they will also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Repeat with remaining meat. The most popular and best portion of the gator is the tenderloin, which is found in the alligators tail. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat. "You can stew it, or take the center cut of tail and grill it up like chicken, or definitely fry it.". Dip the floured alligator in buttermilk and remove with a slotted spoon, allowing as much buttermilk as possible to drip off. 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. It is similar to veal because of its tenderness. The Flavors of FallBeyond Pumpkin and Pecan, 1 lb. Cover the Dutch oven or pan. When the batter turns a golden brown and the meat floats to the top of the oil, the alligator is cooked thoroughly! Marinate the steaks in a buttermilk-based marinade for 2 to 3 hours. It's also super juice and tender. Like most meats, it can be cooked in a variety of ways, though there are some general rules of thumb to follow to get the best results. After that, sprinkle some lemon juice on them to add some extra flavor. Put the herbs into a large mixing bowl. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 19,580 times. Demand is pushing the wholesale price of alligator meat to $12 to $15 a pound.. Turn the steak over every 4 or 5 minutes so it cooks evenly on both sides. Size: 8 vacuum sealed 5 lb. These include olive oil, salmon, avocado, nuts and seeds. The tail also has white meat in it that isnt a part of the tenderloin. Once hot, add coated alligator filets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the alligator from the bowl and squeeze out the excess liquid. All Rights Reserved. In Florida, its legal to catch and eat an alligator. Leave the better stuff for your more gourmet dishes. Quick view Choose Options. If you have extra kabobs, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week. "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.". The way you cook the food affects how it is cooked, and what it tastes like. Fry a few pieces at a time until the alligator just begins to float and is golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. "It has a very high water content. 3. 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 hr. % of people told us that this article helped them. Meat tenderizers are made of enzymes or acids that break down the proteins in meat, making it more tender. Add cup of blackened seasoning to the melted butter and stir to combine. Its important to cook alligator fillet at a low temperature, to avoid overcooking the meat and drying it out. Welcome back to our Channel! Grill the alligator for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Catfish is low in calories is filled with many healthy nutrients such as omega-3 . If youre looking to lose weight or simply want to eat more healthily, there are a number of options available to you each day. For this reason, when buying alligator, it is important to make sure that it is a fresh meat. 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. There are many different types of cooking techniques. There are various cooking methods that you can use to cook alligator. Wipe the buttermilk from the steaks and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. 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. Cooking alligator may be old hat for many home cooks, and it's quite apparentchefs are cooking it all over the place. He also noted that people "sell the heck out of it" at church fairs and similar events. Coat the alligator fillets in flour cornmeal or another type of breading. This is commonly done in small restaurants. Add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. You can also cook using boiling water, a microwave or an infrared oven. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Cook Worcestershire Marinated New York Steak. You may need to turn the pieces over in the oil if they don't do it on their own. The answer to this question depends on what youre looking for. For this, you need to ensure that it is well washed before boiling. Stir or whisk to distribute the pepper. It's almost impossible to tell if the oil is hot enough just by looking at it. Remove the skin as soon as it loosens. The health of beef animals is ][imported ][but ][it][does not stack up to] other types of animal consumed in human diets. Other recipes are cooked on a grill using charcoal. Remove the pan when the steaks reach the desired tenderness. You can handle and treat that like a good piece of meat, even grill it.". 4. 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. Whisk well. You slice that and pound it like veal, and you cannot tell the difference. In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk, mustard, and eggs. Heat to 360 degrees F. Coat the alligator meat with the fish batter. Repeat the process until all the Alligator is cooked. 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. Whole Skinned Alligator Tail (Boneless) $29.99 - $48.98. Place the alligator fillets onto a baking sheet and bake for about 20 . Just like when you slow-cook a roast, poaching fish causes the flesh to flake away from the bones. Oil extracts the essential oils from fresh herbs and peppers, while buttermilk doesn't. It's really that simple. Some others prefer grinding all the meat before making patties, which are quite tasty due to the game flavor. However, some have argued that alligator meat may not be as healthy as advertised. Coat the tilapia fillets with the seasoning mixture well until fully covered. Furthermore, the meat is flavored with spices like salt and pepper, which helps it to taste delicious. These alligator fillets are so easy to make, youll be surprised. Add one cup of ice water to the mixture. 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. 6. Of course, you can also cook using different food types. Heat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Season with salt as soon as it comes out of the oil. Place the skewers directly onto grill and grill for 2 minutes per side. Farm-raised alligators are smaller and less fatty than wild ones, Pearce said, adding, "Wild is still great. Alligator meat is typically slightly salty and has a distinctive flavor. Ive been interested in food and cooking since I was a child. If you are new, we're so glad you joined the family! This can be done by placing it in a large pot of water and boiling it for about an hour. based animals is poor compared to other forms of animal consumption. Grilling and frying are some of the most popular ways to cook alligator, and both methods are perfect for an aspiring chef. Set aside. To each his own! In our opinion, the texture and taste of the white meat is where its at! Thread alligator onto skewers. For instance, some anglers prefer cutting the fish into fillets and frying everything up. "I think one reason people like it is that it's its own form. 2023 Acadia Crawfish. For alligator meatballs or tacos, go with ground gator meat. You want it done.) Season to taste with the sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. The price for shipping was great but the price for the meat can be a little bit cheaper. You have permission to edit this article. At French Quarter restaurant Kingfish (337 Chartres St., 504-598-5005; www.kingfishneworleans.com), chef Nathan Richard pulls from his Cajun u. Alligator Ribs $35.34 - $308.37. Combine the flour and pepper in a separate bowl. One of the best dishes is alligator sausage. Here is a recipe for alligator fillet that is easy to follow. The study, which was conducted by the World Health Organization, found that foods with healthy fats and fibers are the healthiest among all foods. While you have the meat marinating, go ahead and pour some oil into a large skillet or frying pan. All Rights Reserved. Richard Johnson landed the previous state record alligator gar on August 13, 2009. [2]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWej_c8fz2U. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 inch, and heat over a medium-high flame. And the fat on alligator is outside the pieces, not striated throughout the meat like, for instance, beef or pork. Buttermilk is a better tenderizer than acid, but you have more flavoring options with oil. "They probably live in the same environment and eat the same stuff, so it's really similar to that taste," Sonnier said. Pat the fish dry. When cooking alligator, you should consider using a grill pan or grill rack, but dont use a direct flame. First, be sure to season your alligator meat well before cooking it. Another way to tenderize alligator meat is to use a meat tenderizer. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potatoes. 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. Nuisance alligator removal permits spike in St. Lucie after 85-year-old woman dies. 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 . It is best cooked by grilling. Each September, chef Nathan Richard joins his friends to hunt alligator in the swamps around Lafourche Parish. Quick and easy way to fix up gator bites for your friends. Add the eggs and water to a separate shallow bowl. In 2013, I wrote about Archbishop Gregory Aymond's position that alligator counts asseafood position during Lent. You will have more of the Chili Garlic Mayo than you need for this recipe. The fish weighed an astonishing 162 pounds! Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. There are mainly three methods, namely fried, boiled and grilled. The tenderloin is the part of alligator that people compare to chicken. Once the gumbo is done simmering, we add the meat back in. 06 of 08. I simmer carp in a mixture of milk and white wine until it is barely cooked and then separate the meat from the bones. I called the guy who always handlesa live alligator at the Louisiana Restaurant show every summer: Harlon Pearce, of Harlon's Louisiana Seafood. Alligators eat what they want, when they want, so they have minimal fat reserves, and their meat is lean. [4] 5. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the USDA doesn't have a doneness guide for alligator and neither does my meat buyer's guide. This will make it easier to get the best flavors of the alligator. Dredge each piece in the Breading/Batter Mix and add to the oil. Youll be glad you did. Remove to paper towels, and serve hot. 4. Use a pair of tongs to flip them over so that the batter is evenly cooked on both sides. (function(d, s, id) { Out of stock. how to cook chicken and rice in a crockpot? The figure is even higher for beef, with 71% of all cattle being used to produce beef. Add the alligator tails to the egg mixture and toss to coat. 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. I'm not a big fry person. Never leave a pan of oil or a grill unattended while you're cooking. Remove the filets from the air fryer, tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. One day last week he shipped 100 pounds to a woman in Vancouver, Wash., who serves the link on a bun for $8 or $10 with onions. In a small bowl combine olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper. The ice will slowly start to remove the skin. If you let it sit for longer than 2 hours, the consistency of the meat might begin to change. 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. For one thing, the cooking temperature needed to get the best results is significantly higher than that for other types of fish. The tenderloin comes from the tail. Spray all sides with Cooking Spray. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 4. Tail meat is a choice cut of white meat that is mild in flavor with a texture similar to veal. Add the Breading/Batter Mix to a shallow bowl. His number one tip for cooking alligator tail: Don't cook it too long, he said. Heat a few tablespoons of oil or a combination of oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The best way to know for sure if alligator meat is done is to cut into a piece and take a bite. Gar Lobster. 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). Add 2.5 lbs of Alligator gar fillets to the bag and mix thoroughly to coat each piece. Alligator is a type of meat that can be very hard to prepare properly. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Read More . Check out Acadia Crawfish for the tastiest alligator, crawfish and Cajun seasonings South Louisiana has to offer. This makes the alligator fillet tender, and the process of marinating makes the alligator fillet savory and flavorsome. Toss the rings in the dry mixture. 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Exotic Meat. The meat is quite fatty, which can be a problem when cutting the meat. The Best Alligator Meat Recipes on Yummly | Geekswhoeat, Louisiana Buttermilk Fried Alligator With Spicy Tomato Sauce, Seminole Sauteed Alligator Tail ~ Native American . And you know what that means football parties, Cajun cook-offs, and an infinite supply of good times! 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. In another bowl add the flour and season with some cajun seasoning as well. The rest of the alligator can then be removed from the bone. 2. The worlds top food is the best healthiest food, according to a study released Tuesday. Grilled alligator is more popular because of the meats texture. The meat of an alligator is high in protein and fat, providing both nutrients and calories for humans. Can I wrap bacon around the tail meat while grilling? 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. Today, milk processors have made it easier to process milk, so there is no need to soak alligators in milk. Add to a large resealable bag the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. 2 pounds alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. Amount is based on available nutrient data. The worlds top meat producer is probably the cow. When the coal is white-hot, place the Alligator gar fillets on the oiled grill. It's not cheap: Each bag was $14.99. Use a slotted spoon to lift the calamari rings out of the buttermilk. Meat was also found to be the most nutrient dense food out there. Still other recipes are cooked using a microwave. Pull up a seat at the table. The cut determines the cooking method. Add spices and herbs to stock, if desired. After all, it wouldnt be considered Cajun without a kick. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved, alligator meat, cut into bite-size pieces. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Im here to help you learn how to cook, and to show you that its not as difficult as you might think! That alligator will eat you. Braise the alligator steaks in the oven for 1 hour and turn them over. But how do you know when alligator meat is done? Add the skewers to the grill and cook them for about 5 minutes per side. Turn the heat off and pour enough stock in the pan to almost cover the steaks. When you remove the meat from the refrigerator, there should be a small amount of vinegar left at the bottom of the bowl. The chef compared cooking alligator with turtle. Instructions. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 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. This will make it tender.

Jb Mauney Married Samantha Lyne, Lebron And Savannah Wedding, Air Duct Cleaning Equipment For Truck Mount, Husky Stadium Concessions, Articles H