How to Cook a Rattlesnake

You may turn a little green at the idea of eating a rattlesnake, but rattlesnake meat is a delicacy in the southwestern United States and is even available in some restaurants. Most aficionados disagree agree that rattlesnake meat tastes like chicken, but would claim that it has more of a wild taste akin to frog legs, pheasant or elk.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 4 fresh jalapeno peppers, chopped
• 1 15 oz. can tomato paste
• 1 28 oz. can chili beans
• ¼ cup chili powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 2 lbs. rattlesnake meat
• Juice of ½ lemon

Barbecued Rattlesnake

1. Make a marinade by mixing teriyaki sauce, ginger and honey in a small bowl.
2. Marinate the rattlesnake meat chunks in a zip-seal bag or sealable bowl. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
3. Roll the meat chunks in sesame seeds.
4. Cook over a medium heat grill until done.

Rattlesnake Fajitas in Pita Bread

5. Make a marinade by mixing teriyaki sauce, seasoned salt and Mexican seasoning.
6. Marinate meat in sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
7. Sear meat in olive oil in a large, heavy pan. Add onion, garlic, tomatoes and bell pepper and sauté for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, but not soft.
8. Cut pita bread in half, butter the inside, and toast until crisp.
9. Spoon the meat mixture into the pita bread. Top with cheese and serve with salsa, sour cream and guacamole on the side.

Spicy Rattlesnake Chili

10. Cook rattlesnake in water and lemon juice over medium heat for one hour.
11. Remove rattlesnake meat from the bones.
12. Place rattlesnake meat and remainder of ingredients in a crockpot.
13. Cook on slow for 6 to 8 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to use a crockpot, you can simmer the rattlesnake chili in a large soup pot for 2 hours.

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