How do you thaw alligator meat?

Store thawed alligator meat in the coldest part of the refrigerator at 32 degrees for up to two days. To freeze, wrap meat tightly to prevent freezer burn; date the package and store at 0 degrees for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How do you tenderize alligator meat?

You can treat alligator meat just like you would chicken or beef. Tenderize it using a standard meat mallet and for an extra delish result, sprinkle on your favorite meat tenderizer, too. For alligator meatballs or tacos, go with ground gator meat.

How long does cooked gator meat?

Meat should always be firm with a fresh aroma and no discoloration. You should safely store thawed alligator meat in the coldest part of your refrigerator for up to two days. Alternatively, you can freeze tightly wrapped meat for up to six months.

Do you soak alligator before cooking?

It is strongly recommended you soak any and all alligator meat in milk three hours before prepping and cooking it. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until gator floats in oil. Remove and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve as an appetizer with remoulade sauce, mustard sauce, or cocktail sauce for dipping.

Is alligator meat good for you?

We have some more good news: alligator meat is also healthy! Yes, who knew this scary beast could be good for you – you know, when it’s not coming at you with those pointy chompers. A 3.5-ounce serving has 143 calories, most of it from protein, just barely 3% total fat, 65 milligrams cholesterol, and 29 % protein.

What happens to alligator meat?

Hunters can take their alligator to a processing facility like Townsend and Sons in LaBelle, keep the meat for themselves and sell the hide. Hunters also sell to middlemen buyers, companies that wait at public boat ramps, buy alligators from hunters and then take them to processing facilities.

What does deep fried alligator taste like?

Alligator meat has been described as having a mild flavor and a firm texture. It tastes like quail, with a mildly fishy flavor, and is often chewy, depending on preparation.

What is the best alligator meat?

The best part of the alligator to eat is the tenderloin, the inner piece of the tail (each tail has two tenderloins), considered to be the “filet mignon” of the gator. The second most desirable part is the white tail meat, and third is the white leg and body meat.

How do you know when alligator is done cooking?

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. When the batter turns a golden brown and the meat floats to the top of the oil, the alligator is cooked thoroughly!

Can you get salmonella from alligator meat?

The bacterium of concern for alligator meat is Salmonella. Reptiles naturally harbor Salmonella, and cases have been reported of people becoming sick after handling contaminated reptiles. Salmonella food poisoning can cause many symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, mild diarrhea, fever and headache.

Can you thaw and refreeze alligator meat?

Alligator is usually purchased frozen. Alligator meat is sold frozen as a bone-in, deboned, or deboned and tenderized product. Thaw the meat in the refrigerator and use promptly. Do not re-freeze once thawed.

How long does alligator meat last in fridge?

You can store fresh alligator meat in the coldest part of your refrigerator, where it’s near 32 degrees F, for up to two days. If you plan to marinate the meat, do so before freezing it. Prepare meat for the freezer by wrapping it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

What do you soak alligator meat in?

How to Make Gator Bites. After you cut the tail meat into bite size pieces soak them in buttermilk for 2 hrs or more. Drain meat and then add to a bowl. Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning.

What temp should alligator be cooked to?

We will be cooking the alligator at 350 degrees, depending of the size you want to use 3 minutes per pound for a average time. But (most important is you meat temperature in the thickest part of the tail reaches 190 degrees) then it is ready.

Can you eat alligator raw?

Florida alligator meat is extremely versatile and can be used as a substitute for chicken, pork, veal or fish. It’s available fresh or frozen and can also be ground to make sausage, patties for burgers or taco filing.