How to Cook Gator Meat

Serve alligator for supper.

The exotic alligator meat that makes it to your dining room table probably came from an alligator farm. Depending on what part of the alligator, the meat might taste similar to chicken or pork. Information provided by the Minnesota Extension Service recommends cooking alligator meat to well done, as its microbial profile is similar to beef. Because it tends to be tough, they recommend cooking in small pieces. Alligator can be used in place of beef in stew, just prepare it the same way you would the meat called for in the recipe. Another way to prepare alligator is cooking it like fried chicken.

Things You'll Need

• Fillet knife
• Flour
• Frying pan
• Cooking oil
• Tongs

Instructions

1. Cut the alligator meat into 3 by ½ inch pieces.

2. Coat each piece in flour.

3. Fry the pieces in hot oil, in the same way as frying chicken. Turn the pieces while cooking, until golden brown. Keep the temperature at a medium high heat.

Tips & Warnings

• Cook until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F.

• Marinate the meat in milk (in the refrigerator) to help remove some of the gamey taste.

• Alligator meat can be grilled, roasted, fried and stewed.

References

• Minnesota Extension Service: A bulletin of nutrition, food, and health information
• Texas Barbeque: Grilled Alligator Meat
• Gator Haters Nation: Recipes
• USDA: Farm Raised Game