Indulge in the unique flavor of alligator meat with this crispy and delicious alligator fingers recipe. The tender alligator meat is marinated in a blend of spices, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture, and pan-fried to perfection. Serve these mouthwatering alligator fingers as an appetizer or a main dish and impress your guests with this exotic delicacy. This recipe takes just a short amount of time to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick and flavorsome meal. Try it today and experience the taste of the American South!
Ingredients
- 1 lb alligator meat, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Add the alligator meat strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the breading mixture.
- Remove the marinated alligator strips from the refrigerator and dredge them in the breading mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the breaded alligator strips to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the alligator strips for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the strips halfway through cooking.
- Once the alligator fingers are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the alligator fingers hot with your choice of dipping sauce. They can be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or as a main dish with side dishes like coleslaw or french fries.