Popcorn Gator and Aioli
Dive into the bold flavors of the South with this irresistible Popcorn Gator and Aioli recipe! Perfectly tender alligator meat is marinated in a zesty buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, then coated in a crunchy blend of seasoned flour, cornmeal, and spices like paprika and cayenne for a delightfully golden crust. Fried to perfection, these bite-sized morsels are served alongside a creamy, tangy garlic aioli made with lemon juice and Dijon mustard, creating the ultimate dipping sauce. Whether you're looking to impress at your next gathering or simply want to indulge in an adventurous appetizer, this unique, crispy treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to savor the crispy texture, bold seasoning, and luscious dipping sauce of this Southern-inspired delicacy!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb alligator meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
Place the alligator meat into a bowl and cover with buttermilk and hot sauce. Stir to combine, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the alligator meat from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour and cornmeal mixture until fully coated.
Carefully drop the coated pieces into the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the fried gator pieces and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
To prepare the aioli, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth.
Serve the crispy popcorn gator with the garlic aioli on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2749 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 266.6 g | 342% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.7 g | 198% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 1017 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.7 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 42.4 g | 85% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 100 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 593 mg | 13% | |
*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.
