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Cajun BBQ Alligator Recipe

Cajun BBQ Alligator Recipe

199kcal
5 from 1 vote
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Prep 4 hours
Cook 40 minutes
Total 4 hours 40 minutes
The Cajun BBQ Alligator Recipe is a popular dish in Cajun cuisine. It is made from alligator meat, which is marinated and cooked with Cajun spices and barbecue sauce.
Servings 8 People
Course Main Course
Cuisine United States

Ingredients

  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • ½ tbsp. Frank’s hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp. paprika smoked
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. onion powder
  • 2 tsp. Kosher salt
  • 5 lbs. alligator ribs approximately 10-12 small racks
  • ¼ cup yellow mustard
  • ½ cup dry rub of your favorite barbecue dry rub seasoning
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • 2 cups barbecue sauce your favorite

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • Grill
  • Brush for basting
  • Meat thermometer

Method

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of buttermilk and ½ tablespoon of Louisiana hot sauce . Mix well to create a marinade for the alligator ribs.
  1. a. Pour 2 cups of buttermilk into the bowl.
  2. b. Add ½ tablespoon of Louisiana hot sauce.
  3. c. Thoroughly mix the buttermilk and hot sauce together.
Add 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, and 2 teaspoons of Kosher salt to the buttermilk mixture. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
  1. a. Measure and add 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika.
  2. b. Measure and add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
  3. c. Measure and add 2 teaspoons of onion powder.
  4. d. Measure and add 2 teaspoons of Kosher salt.
  5. e. Stir the spices into the buttermilk mixture until well combined.
Place 5 pounds of alligator ribs (approximately 10-12 small racks) into the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
  1. a. Place the alligator ribs in the marinade.
  2. b. Ensure the ribs are fully submerged in the marinade.
  3. c. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap.
  4. d. Refrigerate the marinating ribs for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 350-375°F or 175-190°C).
  1. a. Start your grill and adjust the temperature to medium-high.
Remove the marinated alligator ribs from the refrigerator and drain off the excess marinade.
  1. a. Take the marinated ribs out of the refrigerator.
  2. b. Allow any excess marinade to drip off the ribs.
Brush each rack with ¼ cup of yellow mustard, coating them evenly.
  1. a. Use a brush to apply ¼ cup of yellow mustard to each rack.
  2. b. Ensure an even coating of mustard on the ribs.
Sprinkle ½ cup of your favorite barbecue dry rub seasoning over the mustard-coated ribs, making sure to cover them thoroughly.
  1. a. Evenly sprinkle ½ cup of dry rub seasoning onto the mustard-coated ribs.
Place the seasoned alligator ribs on the preheated grill (h). Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
  1. a. Put the seasoned ribs on the grill grates.
  2. b. Grill each side for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and charred.
During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the ribs with ½ cup of apple juice. This will add a hint of sweetness and moisture to the meat.
  1. a. Use a brush to baste the ribs with ½ cup of apple juice during the final minutes of grilling.
In the final moments of grilling, brush 2 cups of your favorite barbecue sauce onto the ribs, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
  1. a. Brush 2 cups of barbecue sauce onto the ribs just before removing them from the grill.
Remove the Cajun BBQ alligator ribs from the grill when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  1. a. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribs.
Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
  1. a. Allow the ribs to rest briefly before cutting them into portions.

Nutrition

Calories199kcalCarbohydrates40gProtein4gFat3gSaturated Fat1gPolyunsaturated Fat1gMonounsaturated Fat1gTrans Fat0.001gCholesterol7mgSodium1396mgPotassium373mgFiber2gSugar29gVitamin A1290IUVitamin C1mgCalcium153mgIron3mg

Notes

Marinate the alligator ribs for at least 4 hours for better flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the alligator ribs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Let the ribs rest before slicing to retain juices.
Customize the dry rub seasoning and barbecue sauce to your taste.
Maintain medium-high grill heat for even cooking.
Baste with apple juice and apply barbecue sauce in the final minutes of grilling.
Use yellow mustard as a flavor base before applying the dry rub.

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