CAJUN FRIED ALLIGATOR TAIL

Prep Time: 1 Hour
Yields: 6–8 Servings

Comment:
Cajun “popcorn” made its way to appetizer and bar menus throughout Bayou Country in the early 1980s. However, this popcorn is not exploded corn kernels; instead, it is deep-fried crawfish tails, lump crabmeat, small shrimp or even diced alligator.

Ingredients:
3 pounds alligator tail, cut into ¾-inch cubes
1 onion, sliced
2 cups salad oil
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tsp dried tarragon
3 cups cold water
vegetable oil for frying
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
1 cup water
salt and cayenne pepper to taste
granulated garlic to taste
3 cups seasoned corn flour or fish fry mix

Method:
In a large mixing bowl, combine onion, salad oil, red wine vinegar, basil, tarragon and cold water and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Add alligator, cover and refrigerate 24 hours. In a home-style deep fryer such as a FryDaddy, preheat oil to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, blend eggs, milk and remaining water and season to taste with salt, cayenne pepper and granulated garlic. Remove alligator from marinade, drain well and dip into egg batter. Coat pieces in seasoned corn flour then fry until golden brown. Serve hot with Louisiana Seafood Cocktail Sauce or Louisiana Tartar Sauce (see recipes)