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Test Kitchen Approved

Gator Bites with Swamp Sauce

Gator Bites with Swamp Sauce

Gator Bites with Swamp Sauce

Recipe By Miranda Barnett, Savory Spice Test Kitchen

Yields

6 to 8 servings

Recipe By Miranda Barnett, Savory Spice Test Kitchen

They say gator tastes like chicken, but honestly, this is even better.

Recipe Notes

*Cooked alligator should reach a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees.

Ingredients

For gator spice blend:


1 Tbsp. brown sugar


1 Tbsp. paprika of choice:





For swamp sauce:


3 Tbsp. mayonnaise

1 Tbsp. gator spice blend

1 Tbsp. honey

1 Tbsp. ketchup


For gator bites:

3 cups buttermilk

4 Tbsp. gator spice blend, divided

2 lbs. alligator tail, diced into 1-inch cubes

Vegetable oil, to fry

2 cups all-purpose flour

Savory Spice ingredients in this recipe

  • Mayan Sea Salt

    Mayan Sea Salt has a clean appearance and flavor but is also an interesting tie to the ancient Mayan way of life. Straight from the sea to your tab...

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  • Onion & Garlic Tableside Sprinkle

    We call our blend of garlic and onion seasoning Onion & Garlic Tableside Sprinkle, because these two kitchen staples should always be by your s...

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  • Smoked Spanish Sweet Paprika

    Our Smoked Sweet Paprika is made with sweet, Spanish red peppers dried over an oak fire to impart delicious, smoky flavor. This popular Spanish smo...

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  • Smoked Spanish Hot Paprika

    Smoked Spanish Hot Paprika seasoning adds the perfect amount of hot, smoky flavor and great color to almost any dish. Use smoked hot paprika to sea...

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  • Cayenne Pepper Chile Powder

    Cayenne Chile Powder is our version of cayenne pepper. Cayenne chiles are ground into a fine red pepper powder that's great for adding a zesty, spi...

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  • Rubbed Sage

    Rubbed Sage is a woody and warm-flavored herb seasoning that's probably most commonly known as a seasoning used in stuffings served during the holi...

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  • Aleppo Pepper Hot Sauce

    Our exclusive Aleppo Pepper Hot Sauce has mild kick, with medium-low heat. It's an Aleppo sauce that is filled with fresh, earthy and warm fruit...

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  • Worcestershire Sauce

    Our blend of Worcestershire Sauce is gluten-free, vegan, anchovy-free and destined to become your new secret ingredient. Made so that everyone can ...

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Directions

For gator spice blend: In a small bowl, add all spice blend ingredients and whisk to combine. Reserve.

For swamp sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Aleppo Hot Sauce, mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp. gator spice blend, honey, ketchup, and Worcestershire Sauce.

For gator bites: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and 2 Tbsp. gator spice blend. Marinate alligator in buttermilk mixture on counter for 30 min. In a Dutch oven, heat 4 to 5 inches of vegetable oil to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and 2 Tbsp. gator spice blend. Remove alligator from marinade and shake off excess. Dredge alligator pieces in flour mixture and fry in oil for 4 to 5 min. or until golden brown and crispy*. Remove from oil and drain on a clean paper towel. Serve with swamp sauce.