Fried and Blackened Alligator with Cajun Sumac Dipping Sauce

Yield: Serves 4

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Alligator:

• 1 lb alligator meat, tenderized with a meat mallet
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Cajun Sumac hot sauce
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

For the Blackened Alligator:

• 1 lb alligator meat, tenderized with a meat mallet
• 2 tbsp Panola blackened seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cajun Sumac Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Cajun Sumac hot sauce
• 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Directions

For the Cajun Sumac Dipping Sauce:

1. Mix: Combine mayonnaise, Cajun Sumac hot sauce, horseradish, and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.
2. Chill: Chill the sauce until ready to serve.

For the Fried Alligator:

1. Marinate: Soak the tenderized alligator in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. Season: Mix flour, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Dredge the marinated alligator in the flour mixture and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

For the Blackened Alligator:

1. Season: Rub tenderized alligator meat with blackened seasoning.
2. Cook: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the seasoned alligator for 3-4 minutes per side until blackened.

To Serve:

1. Arrange: Serve fried and blackened alligator on a platter with Cajun Sumac dipping sauce.