Deep Fried Spicy Gator Balls - Ethnic Foods R Us

Deep Fried Spicy Gator Balls are especially loved in the southern regions of North America. But they are served and enjoyed in homes and restaurants all over the country, as well. Make sure and get good quality, fresh (or fresh frozen) alligator tail meat – this makes for the best results.

(Photo Attributed to Author: Tanya Dropbear, from Adelaide, Australia)

Deep Fried Spicy Gator Balls Recipe-

Ingredients:

1 lb. alligator tail meat, chopped into chunks, steamed until tender, then forked apart into flakes
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced fine
1 medium sized white or yellow onion, peeled and diced fine
3 tbsp. cajun seasoning
1 tbsp. fine sea salt
¹⁄₂ tbsp. freshly ground black peppercorns
4 large cloves garlic, peeled and chopped fine
1 large egg
1 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1-2 tbsp. (to taste) of Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce
pure peanut oil, for deep frying

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, mix the flaked alligator flesh together with everything else (except the cornmeal and the oil) – combine together well.
Spread the cornmeal out in the bottom of a large, wide bottomed bowl, or a casserole dish.
In a separate, smaller mixing bowl, whisk the egg until frothy.
In a medium-sized to large, high-walled, heavy duty skillet, heat the oil over medium-high flame. The oil should have a depth that will cover a little more than half the size of the meatballs – about 1-1/4″ to 1-3/4″.
Shape the combined alligator mixture into balls – about 2″ to 2-1/2″ diameter is best, for deep frying, although you can go smaller if you like. Larger will make it hard to thoroughly cook the center without burning the outsides.
Now dip the balls and roll them in the whisked egg, coating thoroughly, then dredge, roll, and coat them well in the cornmeal.
Deep fry the balls, turning now and then, until a rich, deep golden brown all over.
Use a slotted spoon to fetch the balls out of the oil, and place them on a paper towel-lined platter or baking tray to drain off the excess oil.
Serve your Deep Fried Spicy Gator Balls while nice and hot. Good side dishes are boiled and quartered potatoes, and any favorite vegetable dish.