Anyone know the IT for alligator?

[plume-o-smoke]

I'm grilling some alligator tenderloins tonight. Anyone know the internal temp I should shoot for? Is this like steak, sear the outside and leave the middle mid-rare? Or more like pork chop/chicken, cooked throughout?

Eatin' some Florida gator in Denver while watching the Av's beat down of Tampa Bay. (Or at least enjoying some good eats)

 

[TNJAKE]

I've only had it fried but I wouldn't cook it like a steak. They got parasites and bacteria. USDA says minimum 160°.

 

[Winterrider]

155°

Whole Smoked Alligator Recipe

After having lived in Florida for over 13 years, it is about time we have a smoked alligator recipe on this site! And while I have cooked a decent amount of alligator, I have yet to put a gator recipe on this site, even after my husband Scott had a successful gator hunt a few years ago. Truth be...

grillgirl.com

Of course this is brined and smoked.

 

[bauchjw]

I've only had it fried but I wouldn't cook it like a steak. They got parasites and bacteria. USDA says minimum 160°.

Somehow I knew either you or indaswamp would answer first!

 

[TNJAKE]

Somehow I knew either you or indaswamp would answer first!

Lol I ain't a Cajun but being born at Ft Polk makes me an honorary Cajun lol.

 

[bauchjw]

155°

Whole Smoked Alligator Recipe

After having lived in Florida for over 13 years, it is about time we have a smoked alligator recipe on this site! And while I have cooked a decent amount of alligator, I have yet to put a gator recipe on this site, even after my husband Scott had a successful gator hunt a few years ago. Truth be...

grillgirl.com

Of course this is brined and smoked.

That is crazy! I’ve had Cajun fried tail….but a whole alligator!!!! Wow!

 

[civilsmoker]

Treat it like chicken, need to kill the bugs. I've never smoked it but have cooked many ## pan fried with spicy red sauce. Very tasty that way!

 

[plume-o-smoke]

I dusted them w/ my cajun spice, salt, garlic, lemon juice & oil for a few hours. Grilled w/ 2-zone, smoked w/ apple for ~30 min, finished on hot side. Bugs were killed at 160. Sliced it thin and served. Leftovers = tacos tomorrow.

I successfully achieved cooking them w/o making them taste like chicken. Texture was... tough pork chop-like. Cajun seasoning was a hit. All in all, I don't need to buy gator again, but now I know. Didn't get to watch my team hoist the cup but I had some good eats and good brews with good friends.

 

[SmokingUPnorth]

Back to Tampa they go! Tired of seeing them win.

 

[SmokinAl]

Gator Gumbo here! Just let it simmer in the gumbo until probe tender.
Al

 

[JckDanls 07]

I believe an overnight/24 hr soak in buttermilk helps to tenderize them ...

GOOOOOO BOLTS

 

[Bearcarver]

I believe an overnight/24 hr soak in buttermilk helps to tenderize them ...

GOOOOOO BOLTS

We don't have them in PA, but in the movies it looks like they prefer soaking in a "Red Sauce". (I believe they call it Human Blood)

Bear

 

[GaryHibbert]

I've eaten gator a few times, but just wasn't impressed by it enough to find out how to cook it.
Gary

 

[Sven Svensson]

I’ve seen a lot of firsts on this forum. This is the first time I’ve seen the IT for alligator discussed.

 

[PolishDeli]

more like pork chop/chicken, cooked throughout?

^ this

I used to hunt gators.
Grinding the meat is the way to go, if you ask me. Mix it 50/50 with poultry and/or pork. Then make burgers, taccos, empanadas,...

Soaking in milk, or making a cube steak never really worked for me.

 

[gmc2003]

I know I'm a little late, but here a thread from a few years ago.

Smoked Whole Alligator! Long Read... but Pics!

BBQ Bucket List Item Checked Off! Also, I apologize in advance to all y'all Cajuns if I messed this up! I come in peace :emoji_handshake: I have always wanted to smoke a whole gator and finally got around to doing so. I have eaten my fair share of gator, mostly tail, but the allure of...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Chris