Now that Summer grilling is in full swing, many customers are stopping by the store for wild-caught Louisiana Alligator meat and frogs legs. Many people ask, "How do you cook it?"
There are dozens of recipes online if you google on alligator or frogs legs. One of my trusted sources for recipes is the Food Network. Many enjoy alligator bites, battered and fried, just as they prepare them in the taverns down south. Others like to put them on the grill with some Cajun seasoning.
We enjoy alligator bites stir-fried with onions and hot peppers in a garlic-black bean sauce, served over a bed of steamed rice. If you want to enjoy an "unadulterated version" of alligator, just toss a few medallions in a skillet to brown both sides and cook them through. Be careful not to overcook it or else it will be chewy and tough. Seafood cooks rather quickly. It will have the consistency of a tender pork chop. Try making a sandwich with the alligator topped with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and mayonnaise. If you like cheese, provolone is a good choice.
Frogs legs also are good lightly battered and fried. I like mine with cocktail sauce. Another favorite way to prepare frogs legs would be in a creole dish. Cut the pair of frogs legs into two legs and then sauté them in butter and garlic until almost done, just a few minutes per side. Then add a diced tomato and some Cajun seasoning that includes paprika and ground hot pepper. Simmer a few minutes to blend the seasonings. Chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon can be added when you serve this and it goes nicely with steamed rice.
Frogs legs are also very good on the grill. The larger size frogs legs may be better for the grill as they are easier to turn and less likely to get overcooked.
If you have a recipe to share, please stop by the store and let me know!
