Discover how to make crispy, golden alligator nuggets with this easy recipe that’s perfect for adventurous food lovers!

Alligator nuggets are a unique, mouthwatering dish with tender alligator meat coated in a seasoned breading and fried to crispy perfection. This adventurous recipe combines a savory crunch with juicy, flavorful bites, making it the ultimate appetizer or snack for game day or backyard BBQs. Pair these golden nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable treat!

Feeds 4-6 people 

Prep time 4 hours 

Cook time 15 minutes

Why A Buttermilk Brine Works

Tenderizes the Meat: Buttermilk’s natural acidity breaks down proteins, making alligator meat more tender and juicy.

Enhances Flavor: Marinating infuses the meat with a tangy richness, complementing its mild, sweet flavor.

Improves Coating Adhesion: The buttermilk creates a sticky surface, helping the breading adhere evenly for a crispier texture.

Neutralizes Gamey Notes: Buttermilk mellows any slight gamey flavors, ensuring a more balanced taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Alligator Tenderloin 
• 1 cup all purpose flour 
• 1 cup buttermilk 
• 3 tablespoon cajun seasoning 
• 3 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning 
• Chives & lemon slices for garnish 
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Ingredients For Cajun Remoulade Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream 
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 
• 1 tablespoon honey 
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish 
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard 
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce 
• 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning

Alligator Nugget Process

Prep the Alligator Meat: Start by slicing your alligator meat into bite-sized nuggets, ensuring uniform sizes for even cooking.

Create the Buttermilk Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, 1 ½ tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and 1 ½ tablespoon of Italian herb seasoning. Whisk everything together until well blended.

Marinate the Nuggets: Add the alligator nuggets to the buttermilk mixture, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Make the Cajun Remoulade Sauce: While the alligator is marinating, assemble your Cajun remoulade sauce. Refrigerate the sauce until it’s time to serve.

Season the Flour: After 4 hours, prepare your breading by seasoning all-purpose flour with 1 ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning and 1 ½ tablespoon Italian herb seasoning.

Coat the Nuggets: Remove the alligator nuggets from the buttermilk and coat them thoroughly in the seasoned flour. Set them aside on a tray.

Heat the Frying Oil: Preheat your frying oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot.

Fry the Alligator Nuggets: Carefully drop the coated nuggets into the hot oil and fry for 5–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Drain and Season: Remove the nuggets from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle them with salt for added flavor.

Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle the fried nuggets with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and garnish with chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your crispy alligator nuggets with the Cajun remoulade sauce on the side and enjoy this flavorful, crunchy snack!

If you are looking for another wild game recipe i recommend trying Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Quail

Yield: 15

Alligator Nuggets

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Alligator nuggets are a unique, mouthwatering dish with tender alligator meat coated in a seasoned breading and fried to crispy perfection. This adventurous recipe combines a savory crunch with juicy, flavorful bites, making it the ultimate appetizer or snack for game day or backyard BBQs. Pair these golden nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable treat!

Prep Time: 4 hours

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Alligator Tenderloin
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 tablespoon cajun seasoning
• 3 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
• Chives & lemon slices for garnish
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Instructions

• Slice up all your alligator meat into desired nugget size 

• Grab a mixing bowl and add buttermilk, hot sauce, 1 ½ tablespoon of cajun seasoning, & 1 ½ tablespoon of italian herb seasoning 
• Mix everything together till well combined and then add your alligator nuggets to the buttermilk marinade 
• Let the alligator nuggets marinade for 4 hours 
• While the alligator is marinating assemble your cajun remoulade sauce and place in the refrigerator till the end of the cook 
• After 4 hours season your all purpose flour with the rest of your cajun seasoning & italian herb seasoning 
• Dip your alligator nuggets from the buttermilk marinade to the all purpose flour then set aside
• Once all your alligator nuggets are coated in flour set your frying oil to 350 degrees(175°C)
• Deep fry alligator for 5-8 minutes till crispy 
• Once fried place on a paper towel to drain the excess oil, Sprinkle salt over the finished nuggets 
• Hit the nuggets with some fresh squeezed lemon juice and garnish with chopped chives 
• Dunk in your cajun remoulade sauce & enjoy!

Notes

Why Buttermilk Brine For Alligator Works

Tenderizes the Meat: Buttermilk's natural acidity breaks down proteins, making alligator meat more tender and juicy.

Enhances Flavor: Marinating infuses the meat with a tangy richness, complementing its mild, sweet flavor.

Improves Coating Adhesion: The buttermilk creates a sticky surface, helping the breading adhere evenly for a crispier texture.

Neutralizes Gamey Notes: Buttermilk mellows any slight gamey flavors, ensuring a more balanced taste.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 800Total Fat: 13.6gSodium: 650mgCarbohydrates: 23.4gProtein: 145g