19+ Alligator Thanksgiving Recipe Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 11, 2024
Looking for a unique and delicious twist on your traditional Thanksgiving menu? Look no further than this alligator thanksgiving recipe! While it may not be a commonly used protein for the holiday, alligator meat is a lean and flavorful option that will impress your guests. Plus, it's a sustainable choice that supports local seafood and wildlife. So put aside your traditional turkey and give this alligator dish a try this Thanksgiving, your taste buds will thank you!
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Sugar, Clove, Cinnamon Sticks, Allspice
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food and drinks. And what better way to kick off the holiday feast than with a refreshing Thanksgiving Cider Sangria? This recipe combines the flavors of fall with a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice, making it the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving gathering. So grab your favorite pitcher and let's get started!
2of 20
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Loaf, Cornbread, Butter, Large Onion, Celery
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a hearty and flavorful stuffing. This traditional side dish is a staple on every Thanksgiving table, and for good reason. Made with toasted bread, savory herbs, and other delicious ingredients, this Thanksgiving stuffing is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's the perfect way to use up any leftover bread from your Thanksgiving dinner.
3of 20
Fried Alligator Bites
Main Ingredients: Alligator, Milk, Mustard, Creole Seasoning, Fry Mix
Looking to add a little bit of Southern flair to your Thanksgiving spread? Look no further than these Fried Alligator Bites. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these bites are a unique and tasty appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more. And don't worry, if you can't find alligator meat, this recipe can also be made with chicken or pork.
4of 20
Louisiana Buttermilk Fried Alligator with Spicy Tomato...
Main Ingredients: Alligator, Canola Oil, Onions, Jalapenos, Tomatoes
For a more elevated take on fried alligator, try this Louisiana Buttermilk Fried Alligator with Spicy Tomato Remoulade. The combination of tender alligator meat and a tangy, spicy sauce is a match made in heaven. This recipe is perfect for those who can handle a little heat and want to add some Cajun flavors to their Thanksgiving meal.
5of 20
Fried Alligator with Srirancha
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Buttermilk, Sriracha Sauce
Love the flavor of Sriracha? Then you'll love this Fried Alligator with Srirancha recipe. The spicy and tangy Sriracha sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the crispy fried alligator bites. Serve them up with some cooling ranch dressing for a delicious and flavorful appetizer that will get your guests' taste buds tingling.
6of 20
Alligator Corn Hush Puppies
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Alligator, Buttermilk, Corn, Corn Kernels
If you've never tried hush puppies before, you're missing out. These small, savory fritters are a Southern staple and are the perfect accompaniment to any Thanksgiving meal. And for a unique twist, try this recipe for Alligator Corn Hush Puppies. Made with a combination of alligator meat and sweet corn, these hush puppies are a delicious and unexpected addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
7of 20
Cajun Grilled Alligator with Comeback Sauce
Main Ingredients: Alligator Sirloin, Olive Oil, Spices, Garlic Powder
For a healthier alternative to fried alligator, try this Cajun Grilled Alligator with Comeback Sauce recipe. Marinated in a flavorful blend of Cajun spices and then grilled to perfection, this alligator dish is a tasty and lightly charred on the outside, tender on the inside option for your Thanksgiving meal. And the tangy and creamy comeback sauce is the perfect accompaniment to enhance the flavors of the alligator.
8of 20
Geekswhoeat
Main Ingredients: Red Curry Paste, Soy Sauce, Garam Masala, Garlic, Lime
Looking for more unique and creative alligator recipes? Check out the blog Geekswhoeat for even more inspiration. From alligator sliders to alligator tempura, this blog has a variety of delicious and out-of-the-box recipes that will spice up your Thanksgiving meal.
9of 20
Alligator Sliders with Roasted Red Pepper Remoulade
Main Ingredients: Alligator Sirloin, Sweet Red Peppers, Mayonnaise
Sliders are always a hit at parties, and these Alligator Sliders with Roasted Red Pepper Remoulade are no exception. The tender alligator meat is topped with a flavorful and colorful roasted red pepper remoulade, making for a delicious and eye-catching appetizer. Plus, these sliders are perfect for those who want to try alligator meat but may be hesitant to dive into a full plate of it.
10of 20
Alligator Tempura
Main Ingredients: Alligator Fillets, All Purpose Flour, Water, Egg
For a unique and tasty twist on traditional tempura, try this Alligator Tempura recipe. The alligator meat is lightly battered and fried to create a tender and crispy bite. Serve it up with a side of soy sauce for dipping, and you have a delicious and Asian-inspired appetizer for your Thanksgiving meal.
11of 20
Grilled Cajun Alligator Bites
Main Ingredients: Alligator Sirloin, Olive Oil, Cajun Seasoning
For a simple and flavorful alligator dish, try these Grilled Cajun Alligator Bites. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick to the tender alligator meat, making it a great option for those who like a little heat in their food. And since these bites are grilled, they are a healthier alternative to fried alligator.
12of 20
Christie
Main Ingredients: Alligator Sirloin, Olive Oil, Spices, Garlic Powder
Another great resource for alligator recipes is the blog Christie. This blog features a variety of delicious and creative alligator dishes, including Alligator Gumbo and Alligator Jambalaya. These recipes are perfect for those who want to add a little bit of Louisiana flavor to their Thanksgiving meal.
Of course, no Thanksgiving meal would be complete without the star of the show – the Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey. This recipe features a juicy and flavorful turkey that is sure to impress your guests. And don't forget to save the drippings to make a delicious gravy to go along with your turkey.
14of 20
Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Cranberry Juice, Maple Syrup, Orange Juice
Cranberry sauce is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving, and this homemade recipe is sure to be a hit. Made with real cranberries and a touch of orange zest, this sauce is both sweet and tart, making it the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey.
15of 20
Thanksgiving Sides
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Whole Milk, Grated Nutmeg, Ground
While the turkey may be the star of the show, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without a variety of delicious sides. From mashed potatoes to green bean casserole, there are so many options to choose from. Get creative and try new recipes, or stick with traditional favorites – either way, your Thanksgiving sides are sure to be a hit.
Speaking of sides, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without a big bowl of creamy and delicious mashed potatoes. This recipe for The Best Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Made with real potatoes, butter, and cream, these mashed potatoes are a crowd favorite and the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving turkey.
17of 20
Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, French Bread, Vidalia Onion, Celery
If you're a fan of traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, then this recipe is for you. Made with toasted bread, celery, onions, and savory herbs, this stuffing is a classic and delicious addition to any Thanksgiving meal. Don't be afraid to add your own twist by incorporating different ingredients like sausage or cranberries.
18of 20
OREO Cookie Balls - Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Semi Sweet Baking
Looking for a fun and festive dessert for your Thanksgiving feast? These OREO Cookie Balls shaped like turkeys are the perfect sweet treat. Made with crushed OREO cookies and cream cheese, these little bites are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
19of 20
Thanksgiving Punch
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Caramel Syrup, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon
For a refreshing and festive drink to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering, try this Thanksgiving Punch. Made with cranberry juice, apple cider, and ginger ale, this punch is both sweet and tangy, and the splash of orange juice gives it a nice citrus kick. Cheers to a delicious and fun Thanksgiving!
If you're looking for a lighter side dish to serve alongside your Thanksgiving meal, try this Thanksgiving Slaw recipe. Made with shredded Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds, this slaw is both tasty and healthy. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate some seasonal ingredients into your Thanksgiving spread.
Preparing the Alligator Meat
Step 1: Acquire Fresh Alligator Meat
Before you can start cooking, you'll need to get your hands on some fresh alligator meat. You can usually find it at local seafood markets or specialty butcher shops. Make sure to purchase high-quality meat from a reputable source.
Step 2: Marinate the Meat
Alligator meat can be quite tough, so it's important to marinate it before cooking. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own using ingredients like garlic, honey, and fresh herbs. Let the meat marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Season and Grill
Once the meat has marinated, it's time to season it with your favorite spices. Cajun seasoning or a mix of paprika, cumin, and black pepper work well with alligator meat. Grill the meat over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Side Dishes to Complement the Alligator
While the alligator meat will surely steal the show, why not add some delicious side dishes to complete your Thanksgiving meal? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, and they pair perfectly with alligator meat. Simply peel and chop the sweet potatoes, toss them with olive oil, honey, and cinnamon, and roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
Cornbread Stuffing
Instead of traditional bread stuffing, try making a cornbread stuffing to go with your alligator. Simply follow your favorite cornbread recipe, let it cool, and then crumble it into a bowl with chopped celery, onion, and sage. Add chicken broth until the mixture is moist, then bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
Cranberry Chutney
Add a tangy and sweet element to your meal with a homemade cranberry chutney. Cook cranberries, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and orange zest in a saucepan until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Serve it warm with your alligator meat.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, give thanks, and enjoy a delicious meal together. This alligator thanksgiving recipe is a unique and sustainable option that will surely impress your guests. So why not switch things up this year and add some alligator to your holiday menu? Your taste buds (and the environment) will thank you.