January 31, 2008
Spice Up Your Dining Experience with Exotic Florida Alligator
Long considered a gourmet treat with an exotic flair, alligator is increasingly showing up on the menus of top-rated restaurants around the country. Chefs are grilling, sautéing or frying the meat as an entrée or an appetizer. The unique flavor, delicious taste and versatility make Florida alligator meat an exciting choice for any meal.
Florida alligator has a firm, white meat that is extra lean, with a light-grained texture and mild flavor similar to veal. The darker meat has a stronger flavor and a texture that resembles pork shoulder. Alligator is also a good choice for healthy eating. Compared to other meats, it is low in fat and cholesterol and high in protein.
To the inexperienced cook, the thought of preparing alligator at home might seem like a colossal feat. However, cooking alligator meat is actually quite simple.
Alligator is available in a variety of cuts, including tail-meat fillets, ribs, nuggets and wings. Cook using either a short cooking time with high heat (like searing, pan frying or deep frying) or try a long, slow method (like simmering in a sauce, stewing or braising). The meat can also be chopped fine or ground to make patties, sausage or taco filling. For extra tenderness, use a meat mallet to tenderize fillets and flatten meat to the desired thickness. It can be used as a substitute in recipes calling for veal, chicken or fish and goes great in jambalayas, soups and stews.
In 2006, over 600,000 pounds of American alligator meat -- both wild and farm-raised -- was produced in Florida alone. The American alligator was once on the endangered species list. Today there are over 1 million of the reptiles living in the wild throughout the state thanks to a number of government programs and active involvement from the alligator industry. Since the early 1970s, the population of wild Florida alligators has steadily increased. There are currently 14 active farms in Florida that raise alligators, with over 56,000 alligators on hand.
Florida alligator meat can be purchased from a number of online vendors who will ship the meat to you. Or ask your local seafood retailer or grocer if they carry fresh or frozen alligator. For a list of alligator meat suppliers in Florida, visit www.FL-Seafood.com.
If your favorite restaurant currently does not serve an alligator dish, express your desire for one -- it may be on the menu the next time you visit! In the meantime, try these delicious Florida alligator recipes at home.
Florida Gator Bites Sampler
canola oil for frying
2 cups self-rising flour
4 tablespoons hot Everglades seasoning (or to taste)
2 pounds Florida alligator nuggets
1/3 cup bottled jerk sauce
1/3 cup bottled teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup bottled sweet and sour sauce
Heat the oil in deep fryer to 360 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients; mixing well. Add a small amount of alligator nuggets to the flour mixture; coat well. Remove and toss in a colander to remove excess flour. Deep fry the nuggets in small batches for 3 minutes until golden brown; remove from hot oil and drain on absorbent paper. Divide cooked bites into three bowls; add one flavored sauce to each bowl. Toss to coat evenly. Serve as an appetizer. Yield: 8 servings as an appetizer.
Nutritional Value Per Serving: Calories 426 , Calories From Fat 46, Total Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fatty Acid 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Total Carbohydrates 37g, Protein 55g, Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.00g
Florida Alligator Scaloppini with Sauce Dijon
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Florida alligator fillets, thin sliced or pounded thin
2 tablespoons Florida shallots, finely chopped
1/4 cup brandy
1 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons coarse-grain Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chopped Florida parsley
Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add alligator meat and sauté quickly 1 minute per side. Remove and keep warm. Add shallots to skillet and sauté 2 minutes. Add brandy to skillet and deglaze by stirring to loosen browned bits from bottom of pan. Stir in soup, milk, mustard and parsley. Simmer over low heat until sauce is smooth and thick. To serve, spoon Dijon sauce over alligator scaloppini. Yield: 4 servings.
Nutritional Value Per Serving: Calories 428, Calories From Fat 135, Total Fat 15g, Saturated Fat 3g, Trans Fatty Acid 0g, Cholesterol 10mg, Total Carbohydrates 8g, Protein 53g, Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.01g
Grilled Florida Gator Kabobs
1/2 cup Florida orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup Florida orange juice
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 pound Florida alligator meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
assorted Florida vegetables or fruit, cubed
For the marinade, combine orange concentrate, orange juice, soy sauce, sugar and spices in a medium glass bowl. Reserve half for basting. Add alligator cubes; stir to coat well. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for increased flavor. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. Thread marinated alligator cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetable or fruit cubes. Heat the grill to high heat and grill kabobs for 6-8 minutes; turning once. Brush with extra marinade for the first 5 minutes. Discard any leftover marinade. Yield: 4 servings.
Nutritional Value Per Serving: Calories 352, Calories From Fat 45, Total Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fatty Acid 0g, Cholesterol 0mg, Total Carbohydrates 21g, Protein 53g, Omega 3 Fatty Acid 0.00g
For a list of alligator meat suppliers and more Florida alligator recipes, visit www.FL-Seafood.com.
For more information:
Sarah Primm
(850) 488-0163
primms@doacs.state.fl.us
