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Alligator Bites

Tender pieces of alligator meat marinated in seasoned buttermilk, coated in a cornmeal crust, and fried until crisp.

50 minMediumServes 4380 cal/serving

Southern AmericanAppetizerStovetopHigh ProteinNut-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 lb alligator meat, cubed
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk 1 cup buttermilk and 1 tbsp hot sauce together in a medium bowl.

  2. 2

    Add 1 lb cubed alligator meat to the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

  3. 3

    In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.

  4. 4

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.

  5. 5

    Dredge the marinated cubed alligator meat in the flour mixture to coat evenly.

  6. 6

    Fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Questions

Can I make Alligator Bites dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1 cup buttermilk. Swap the buttermilk for plant milk soured with a teaspoon of vinegar per cup. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Alligator Bites gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Alligator Bites keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Alligator Bites?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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