Fried Gator Tail

Delight your taste buds with the bold and adventurous flavors of Fried Gator Tail, a Southern delicacy that’s equal parts crispy and tender. This recipe features succulent alligator tail meat marinated in tangy buttermilk and hot sauce, then dredged in a perfectly seasoned flour and cornmeal coating for a golden, crunchy finish. With spices like paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne, each bite delivers a satisfying kick. Perfectly fried to crispy perfection in hot oil, this dish is best served fresh with zesty lemon wedges and your choice of ranch or remoulade dipping sauce. Whether you're planning a Cajun-inspired feast, game day appetizer, or something unexpected for your next gathering, Fried Gator Tail is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Alligator tail meat
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Hot sauce
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 4 cups Vegetable oil
• 1 for serving Lemon wedges
• 0 optional for dipping Ranch or remoulade sauce

Directions

Step 1

Slice the alligator tail meat into bite-sized pieces (approximately 1-inch cubes).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the gator pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to marinate.

Step 3

In a separate large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Step 4

Heat a deep skillet or pot with the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure consistent oil temperature.

Step 5

Remove the gator meat from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the coating onto the meat to ensure an even coating.

Step 6

Carefully place the coated gator pieces in the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 7

Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the gator pieces are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8

Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried gator tail from the oil, and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 9

Repeat until all the gator pieces are fried.

Step 10

Serve immediately with lemon wedges, and optionally, ranch or remoulade sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2808.2 grams (2808.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	11368

Total Fat 914.50g	1172%
Saturated Fat 141.80g	709%
Polyunsaturated Fat 538.60g
Cholesterol 653mg	218%
Sodium 4331mg	188%
Total Carbohydrate 375.20g	136%
Dietary Fiber 23.40g	84%
Total Sugars 27.00g
Protein 474.40g	949%

Vitamin D 254IU	1269%
Calcium 730mg	56%
Iron 45mg	252%
Potassium 4274mg	91%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.8%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 12.9%