Tender bites of alligator simmer in a zesty tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, celery, and onions for a bold Louisiana-style meal that’s equal parts comfort and adventure. Thickened with a light flour dredge and punched up by Rufus Teague’s spicy rub, this dish balances smoky depth with a bright kick from jalapeño and hot sauce. Served over rice, it’s a plate that captures the spirit of the bayou in every bite.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp Rufus Teague spicy meat rub
- 2 lbs alligator meat, cut into bite size pieces
- vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup white onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 14 oz peeled tomato, drained
- ½ jalapeno, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- salt and pepper, to taste
- cayenne pepper, to taste
- green onion, sliced as garnish
Directions:
- Combine the flour, meat rub, and alligator meat in a large bowl and toss to coat.
- Heat a large saute pan on medium heat, then add enough oil to coat the pan.
- Add the gator meat to the pan and turn every so often to allow for light browning on all sides, 4-6 minutes
- Transfer fried gator to a paper towel lined plate. Add the onion, celery, and red bell pepper to the pan, stirring regularly for 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, and hot sauce. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in your chicken broth and bring to a slow boil, mixing occasionally for 20-30 minutes.
- Return the gator to the pan with the other ingredients and warm up for 4-5 minutes.
- Plate over white rice and enjoy!
In Cajun and Creole cooking, “piquante” means sharp or tangy. The combination of tomatoes, peppers, and hot sauce gives the stew its signature acidity and heat. Gator meat is low in fat, high in protein, and has a texture somewhere between chicken and firm fish. The tail meat is the most tender, while leg meat has richer flavor for stews like this. Rustic, fiery, and full of depth, Alligator Sauce Piquante turns a wild ingredient into a refined Cajun classic worthy of any adventurous table.
