How to Preserve Alligator

Alligator meat is a delicious treat that tastes like a cross between chicken and rabbit. The tail portion is the most sought after cut, and it is quite tender and juicy. If you're lucky enough to lay your hands on some alligator, it might be a good idea to preserve it, so you can enjoy it time and again.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Freeze your alligator meat for ultimate freshness. Like most other meats, alligator is easily frozen with only a few simple steps. Pack your meat in plastic freezer bags, squeeze out extra air, and place in your freezer. For added protection, wrap the plastic bag in tin foil.
2. Smoke the meat for a longer life. Alligator tail portions are especially well suited to the smoking process. Just as you might smoke a brisket or other hefty cut of meat, you can slowly cook it in a smoker using charcoal or wood to flavor the meat. Smoked meat will be slower to spoil, but should be frozen or otherwise cured within a week to a week and a half.
3. Dry your alligator meat into alligator jerky. If you have a food dehydrator it is a quick process to preserve alligator meat. Simply slice the meat thinly, marinate it in the flavor of your choice and dry the meat for a day or two. Alligator jerky should be good for up to 3 months.
4. Cure your alligator meat. Mix up a brine solution made of salt, water and vinegar, and soak your alligator meat for approximately one to two days. When you're done soaking, throw the water away, wrap the gator meat in a cloth and hang it in a cool, dry place. Cured meat is good for 2 to 4 months.