Cornmeal-Fried Florida Alligator Bites
with Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

Alligator

• 1 pound Florida alligator nuggets (defrosted or fresh)
• 4 cups cornmeal
• 2 cups buttermilk

Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce

• 6 tablespoons Florida honey
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Cayenne pepper to taste
• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
  

Instructions

1. Alligator: Heat fryer to 350 degrees F.
2. Place cornmeal and buttermilk in separate bowls.
3. Dip each alligator nugget into the cornmeal, then into the buttermilk. Let the buttermilk drain off slightly, then dip the buttermilk-coated nugget back into the cornmeal. Lightly shake off any excess cornmeal.
4. Place the coated nuggets into the fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd your fryer with too many nuggets.
5. Repeat the process until all the alligator nuggets are coated.
6. Cook the nuggets in the fryer for 2 to 3 minutes until they float and the meat is completely cooked. Take care not to overcook the alligator meat as it can become too chewy.
7. Let the nuggets drain in the fryer basket, then transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel.
8. Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce: In a mixing bowl, add all ingredients. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Recipe and photo credit (used with permission): Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services