"" Writer's Wanderings: Alligator For Dinner

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Alligator For Dinner


Yes, you read that right. Alligator. It is raised as a food product in Florida and available at many local restaurants. We had some alligator tidbits--kind of like chicken nuggets--at one restaurant we went to. Our grandkids wanted to try it. Our three year old granddaughter really liked it. I didn't think they had much taste apart from the spices used to enhance the flavor.

Alligator is a lean meat, low in fat and cholesterol and high in protein. Tail meat is said to be the choicest cut and is a mild flavored white meat with a texture similar to veal.

At a fish market where we bought some snapper to make the Sundowners Poached Fish (poached in coconut milk-really good!!), I happened to see a rack of pamphlets with recipes for various seafood and one was dedicated to the alligator. So, if you are ever able to pick up a pound of alligator, here's a recipe for you.

Grilled Gator Kabobs

1/2 cup Florida orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup Florida orange juice
2 Tbsps light soy sauce
2 Tbsps brown sugar
1 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp 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, brown sugar and spices in a medium glass bowl. Reserve half for basting. Add alligator cubes and 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 vegetables and/or fruit.

Heat grill to high heat and grill kabobs for 6-8 minutes; turn once. Brush with extra marinade for first five minutes. Discard any leftover marinade.

4 servings

Okay, so if you can't get alligator, the recipe works with chicken, veal or pork as well.

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