Whether it’s on the couch at home or in the stadium parking lot, few things go better with a good game than a heaping tray of buffalo wings—but did you know there’s something even better than chicken you can make them with? Whether you’re tailgating in the heart of Cajun country or just want to bring a bit of that Louisiana flavor to an away game, we’ve got a tailgating treat that’s bound to make an impact: fried buffalo alligator bites.

While some non-locals and, let’s face it, even some locals might be a little skeptical about fried alligator, we say: don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Fried alligator isn’t just a unique and poultry-like meat that fries up deliciously, it’s a deliciously tender and succulent delicacy that everyone should try at least once. Tailgating presents the perfect opportunity, not only to try it, but to share it with anyone else who hasn’t.

 

Preparing the Dipping Sauce

You can, of course, pair any sauce you like with buffalo alligator bites. From a basic ranch to a creamy blue cheese, there are plenty of options at your disposal, but this extra-flavorful take on a ranch dip is one we think pairs particularly well. Pro-tip: try dipping a boudin ball in it, too!

What you’ll need:

• ½ gallon buttermilk
• ½ gallon mayonnaise
• 2 3.2 ounce packets of ranch dressing mix
• 1 bunch green onions

The instructions are simple: simply chop the green onions, add all the ingredients to a large mixing bowl, stir until completely blended, and chill! The extra ranch dressing mix and chopped green onions give it an extra burst of flavor that complements the fried alligator and buffalo sauce perfectly. Feel free to pair it down if you require a smaller batch.

 

Preparing the Buffalo Sauce

Next, you’ll want to prepare your buffalo sauce to toss your alligator in once it’s cooked. As is the case with the dipping sauce, you are welcome to purchase premade buffalo sauce if you have a personal favorite, but we find this recipe particularly appealing. We also think it goes great with chicken balls, tasso, and even fried crawfish tails (you can fry them up exactly like the alligator)!

What you’ll need:

• 2 cups of hot sauce (we recommend Crystal or Louisiana hot sauce)
• ¼ cups of butter
• 3 tablespoons of hot honey (or just regular honey)
• ¼ cup of Cajun Power garlic sauce

To make the sauce, simply put the butter in a saucepan on low heat, and once it’s melted, combine the rest of the ingredients and stir constantly. After five minutes, remove from the heat and that’s it!

 

Preparing and Frying the Alligator

Once your dipping and buffalo sauces are ready, it’s time for the all-important step of battering and frying the alligator. As with any fried food, be sure to use extreme caution when cooking in hot oil. The alligator should be not only defrosted, but brought close to room temperature to avoid excess spitting when it’s dropped into the hot oil.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A large saucepan or pot
• Metal tongs or a frying basket
• Tenderized alligator meat
• All-purpose flour
• Cajun or Creole seasoning
• Buttermilk
• Yellow mustard
• Your preferred brand of hot sauce

First, you’ll want to prepare the alligator for frying by doing the following:

• Fill a bowl with buttermilk (roughly 2 ½ cups) and add a ½ cup of yellow mustard and ¼ cup of hot sauce. Stir well.
• Fill a second bowl with flour and add a few shakes of your seasoning blend.
• Dip your tenderized alligator meat in the buttermilk mixture before rolling it in the seasoned flour until it’s completely coated.

Finally, fry the alligator:

• First, preheat the oil to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
• Next, very carefully use tongs or the basket to lower the alligator into the oil. Don’t put too much in at once! It will lower the temperature of the oil which can result in soggy skin.
• Let them fry for 5-8 minutes. The batter should be golden brown and the internal temperature should be ~160 degrees fahrenheit. After they’re finished, let the oil drain off on a plate with paper towels.
• If cooking more than one batch, be sure to let the oil return to the ideal temperature before adding the next one.

 

Bringing it All Together

Once you’re done frying up the alligator, it’s ready to be sauced. Fill a large bowl with your buffalo sauce (it should still be warm—if it’s been allowed to cool, reheat it) and gently place the alligator bites in. Cover the bites in buffalo sauce and remove, being extra careful not to break the alligator or damage the batter. All that’s left now is to serve with your dipping sauce and a few stalks of celery!

 

Completing the Spread

Delicious though they may be, these buffalo alligator bites do not make a whole tailgating spread (as you probably already know). Be sure to grab lots of boudin, cracklins, sausage, steaks, burger patties and more!

If you’re out of state and having trouble tracking down tenderized alligator meat or any of your other southern favorites, there’s good news! Thanks to our online store, you can have alligator meat and so much more shipped anywhere in the US! If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other recipes for a boudin po-boy, Cajun roast beef, boudin chili, and more! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more recipes, news and more! Bon appetit!