It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
Alligator Meatballs
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If you're looking for a tasty new dish, look no further. This alligator meatball recipe will be the star (and talk) of your next dinner party.
serves/makes:
ready in:
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs
ingredients
1 pound alligator meat, finely chopped (can substitute ground pork, veal, or chicken)
1 egg
1 tablespoon minced onion
2 tablespoons diced celery
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup bread crumbs
flour as needed to dredge
1 cup cooking oil
directions
Combine the alligator, egg, onion, celery, parsley, shallots, lemon pepper, salt, and bread crumbs in a bowl. Mix well to combine but don't overwork the meat. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for one hour.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It should be about 350-360 degrees F.
Dredge the meatballs in flour, shaking off any excess. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook, turning gently, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Cook the meatballs in batches if needed to keep from crowding them in the pan.
Remove the meatballs from the oil with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper toweling. Serve hot as an appetizer, or add to your favorite recipe calling for meatballs.
recipe tips
For more bite to the meatballs, add some minced garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
If you find the mixture too wet, add a bit more bread crumbs to get the right consistency.
When forming meatballs, wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking.
To make sure they cook evenly, try to make all the meatballs the same size.
For a healthier version, use a leaner meat like ground chicken or turkey.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the meatballs to prevent them from absorbing too much oil.
Let the meatballs drain on a wire rack over paper towels after frying.
Try different seasoning in place of the lemon pepper. Italian, Greek, or BBQ spice blends all work well in this recipe.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of meat if I can't find alligator meat?
Yes, ground pork, veal, or chicken can be used as substitutes and will still have delicious results.
What can I use instead of bread crumbs for a gluten-free option?
You can use gluten-free bread crumbs or finely ground oats as a substitute.
Is it necessary to chill the meatballs before cooking?
Chilling helps the meatballs hold their shape better when cooking, but if short on time, you can cook them immediately. Just make sure to be gentle with them while cooking so they don't fall apart.
Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, you can put them on a rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan bake them at 375 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
How can I tell when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are done when they are browned on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Can these meatballs be made ahead and frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the formed uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, adjusting cooking time as needed.
What are some serving suggestions for these meatballs?
Serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces or add them to pasta, sandwiches, or soups.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
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