Alligator Meat, Skins and Hides
Attributes, Handling, Cooking and Nutrition
The white meat has a fine, light-grained texture that many people compare favorably to pork and chicken.
Buying, Storage and Handling
Remember to purchase seafood last and keep it cold during the trip home.
Frozen: Alligator is usually purchased frozen. Alligator meat is sold frozen as a bone-in, deboned, or deboned and tenderized product. Handle the meat as you would any other frozen product; mark the package with the date you purchased it and make sure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the meat in the refrigerator and use promptly. Do not re-freeze once thawed.
Fresh: Remove all excess fat on the outside of the cut and between the meat layers. For extra tenderness, use a meat mallet or a cuber and then cut across the grain of the meat to yield meal-sized portions. For freezer storage, wrap tightly with cellophane and freezer paper to prevent freezer burn for up to four months.
Preparation
Keep raw and cooked seafood separate to prevent bacterial cross-contamination.
After handling raw seafood thoroughly wash knives, cutting surfaces, sponges and your hands with hot soapy water.
Always marinate seafood in the refrigerator.
Discard marinade; it contains raw juices which may harbor bacteria.
When marinade is needed for basting reserve a portion before adding raw seafood.
Cooking
Alligator has its own unique flavor that is easily enhanced with seasonings and sauces. Many of your favorite recipes for veal, chicken and seafood can be successfully prepared with alligator.
Nutrition
Nutritional values for approximately 3.2 ounces (100 grams) of raw, edible portions
| Nutritional Values - Alligator | ||
| Description | Amount | Unit |
| Calories | 232 | cal |
| Calories From Fat | 38 | cal |
| Total Fat | 4 | g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 | g |
| Trans Fatty Acid | 0 | g |
| Cholesterol | 0 | mg |
| Sodium | 0 | mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0 | g |
| Protein | 46 | g |
| Omega 3 Fatty | 0 | g |
