Not sure where this should go - I got an alligator, now how do I smoke it?

[JMuseum]

I just ordered a frozen 19-24 lb whole alligator. Planning on cooking it in early May.... any suggestions on where I can find a good recipe? I tend to buy first, figure what to do with it second

[ecowper]

Here's a article I read and bookmarked for some reason on smoking a whole gator. Not sure why since I don't expect to ever do this. but might help you as a starting point

https://howtobbqright.com/2020/08/21/whole-smoked-gator-recipe/

[ecowper]

Have to admit, I’m still not sure why I bookmarked that.

[Steve B]

I used to like MR. Now I’m a little freaked out. But I guess this is normal for where he’s from. 😳

BTW. MR is still a great cook and fun to learn from.

[PaynTrain]

JMuseum Where did you order an alligator please and thank you!

[JMuseum]

https://www.cajungrocer.com/whole-alligator-(large)

[FireMan]

Well, ya need some really big papers to roll it in......

[bardsleyque]

clip the tail light the nose!

[bbqLuv]

pair it with and PBR

[Steve B]

Hahahahaha

[Jim White]

Very carefully.

[Troutman]

Make boots and a belt .... ?

[FireMan]

Aren’t we just a load of help!

[fracmeister]

Soups vide and sear.....just need big bags

[barelfly]

Dry age it with Umai Dry bags????

[bbqLuv]

a source for alligators: Amos Moses

Now Amos Moses was a Cajun
He lived by himself in the swamp
He hunted alligator for living
He'd just knock them in the head with a stump
And just use one hand
That's all he got left cause an alligator bit it
Left arm gone clean up to the elbow

The sheriff caught wind that Amos
Was in the swamp trappin' alligator skins
So he snuck in the swamp gonna get the boy
But he never come out again
Well I wonder where the Louisiana sheriff went to
Well you can sure get lost in the Louisiana bayou

[gilbertpilz]

Are you talking about Doc Millsap's boy? Wasn't there some sheriff trying to bust him for illegally hunting alligators?

[Bkhuna]

The tail should be treated like chicken/pork loin or it will turn into rubber. The jowl (gator cheeks) are better than the tail and are best treated like scallopini. The best part of the gator is the ribs. But that gator is to small to have any meat on the ribs.

[jhoskins]

I just told my wife about this idea. She is disgusted. I, however, am intrigued

[JCBBQ]

Fellas, just cook it without her seeing and when she eats it tell her it’s chicken. I understand that’s what it tastes like ...

[jhoskins]

I am in no way disciplined enough to keep from slipping to her that I bought an alligator before it arrives, let alone while I am cooking it :P

[Bruceski44]

The local zoo had a Chinese Alligator. Chinese Alligator? my son asked. Yeah, I said, it tastes like KungPao Chicken!

[jerrybell]

I had to stare at the picture for a bit to figure out what was going on. I like that they tell you how to re-attach the head in the event it becomes detached during shipment. I've purchased turducken from Cajun Grocer. It was well packed with no signs of defrosting when it arrived. I do have to say it was November, however. Their seasoning packets for jambalaya and red beans and rice are also quite good.

[bbqLuv]

How about Gator nuggets and cheese Fondue?
Gator chowder, Gator and Chips (aka fish and chips)
Talking about missed opportunities when in Florida.
I Know they will pair well with PBR. Oh, that reminds me, PBR battered gator.

[JMuseum]

It came today - going to smoke it May 8th, will keep you all posted.

[Bkhuna]

We got lizards down here bigger than that.