Gator Burgers
 
Makes 8
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped white onion
  • 3 tablespoons chopped green onion
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ pounds fresh or frozen alligator meat, thawed if frozen, patted dry, and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 ounces pork belly, trimmed of rind, cut into ½-inch pieces
  • 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup fresh bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • Toasted buns, garlic-chile mayonnaise* sliced tomatoes, onion, lettuce, and french fries, to serve
  • Garnish: Creole seasoning
Instructions
  1. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add white onion, green onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from skillet; let cool.
  2. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  3. In the work bowl of a food processor, pulse alligator, pork belly, Creole seasoning, salt, and cayenne until finely ground.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine onion mixture, alligator mixture, bread crumbs, and egg until well blended. (Do not overmix.) Divide into 8 portions. Shape each portion into a ½-inch-thick patty. Refrigerate on prepared pan for 1 hour.
  5. In a large cast-iron skillet, pour oil to a depth of ¼ inch, and heat over medium heat. Add patties in batches, and cook until browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 160°, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Serve on toasted buns with desired toppings and french fries. Garnish with Creole seasoning, if desired.
Notes
*To make garlic-chile mayonnaise, in a small bowl, stir together 1 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons garlic chile sauce until blended.
Recipe by Louisiana Cookin' at https://louisianacookin.com/gator-burgers/