A delicious change-up from the usual Gumbo - Alligator Gumbo has all the usual flavors you would expect from a Cajun Gumbo, but with Alligator added. The smoked sausage helps give that extra profile that you just can't get from anything else and throw in some shrimp, because - why not!? C'est Bon!
Traditionally we eat Gumbo during the colder months. As soon as the first cold front comes through Louisiana out comes the Gumbo Pots! Any excuse really. To be honest, we do sometimes make it in the summer too because it's just too good. That's one of the great things about Cajun food.
This was inspired by my Louisiana Seafood Gumbo and my Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, which are also super delicious. This recipes is very similar but instead of using a more seafood base (and stock) I chose to go with a meaty base.
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🧅 Ingredients
- Alligator Tenderloin
- Buttermilk
- Shrimp
- Smoked Sausage
- Andouille Sausage
- All Purpose Flour
- Vegetable Oil
- Onion
- Green Bell Pepper
- Celery
- Garlic
- Chicken Stock
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Creole Seasoning
- Oregano, dried
- Bay Leaves
See recipe card for quantities.
🥣 Instructions
- Step 1: Soak the alligator meat in seasoned buttermilk overnight.
- Step 2: Add the flour and oil to a large Dutch Oven (or heavy bottomed pot) and cook the roux until dark.
- Step 3: While the roux is cooking, chop all your vegetables and sausages, but DON'T BURN THE ROUX!
- Step 4: Add the smoked sausage and cook a few minutes until caramelized (golden brown).
- Step 5: Add the trinity of onion, bell peppers and celery and cook until translucent. Then add the garlic and cook another 2 mintues.
- Step 6: Add the chicken stock turn up to a medium-high heat and stir until well combined.
- Step 7: Add the seasonings then cover. Cook on a medium-low heat for one hour - stirring occasionally.
- Step 8: Drain the alligator meat and add to the pot. Stir well and cover again. Cook 1 hour.
- Step 9: Add the shrimp and cook another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Step 10: Serve with white rice and potato salad. Offer some hot pepper sauce and Gumbo File.
Hint: Chopping the smoked sausage and the andouille sausage into different shapes help identify it when serving. Andouille can sometimes be hot/spicy and the kiddos don't appreciate it. By cutting it smaller it's easier to eat without too much spice at one time.
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
- Okra - instead of making the roux you could use okra instead. This was the original way to make Gumbo yesteryear and it thickens the soup.
- Eggs - Add a few boiled eggs at the end for some surprise treats. The egg soaks up the flavor of the alligator gumbo and becomes super delicious.
- Seafood Stock - use seafood stock instead of chicken stock for it to have a more seafood taste.
- Crab Meat - if you choose to make it more seafood based you could add crab meat too.
- Spicy - add hot sauce to the dish if you like it spicier.
- Picky Kid friendly - don't add the andouille sausage.
- Green Onions - Add at the end for a little extra (and for garnish)
For ideas on what to serve with seafood gumbo check out this compilation.
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If you like the Cajun dishes try these popular dishes on my site:
🔌 Equipment
For this recipe I like to use my Dutch Oven, but sometimes my Gumbo gets a little too big for it. In which case, I switch over to my big stock pot. It inevitably happens, I think I'll fit it, then end up having to transfer! See recipe card below for a link.
🧊Storage
Once cooled completely store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.
It will freeze ok, add to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
💡 Top tip
Expert Tip: For best results don't skimp on time to soak the alligator meat, it's important for it to be as tender as possible. I like to give it a good 24 hours in the seasoned buttermilk. Also, alligator meat tends to be very bland so don't skimp on the seasonings in the buttermilk too, add as much as you feel comfortable - then add a little more.
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Alligator Gumbo
Delicious Cajun Alligator Gumbo with shrimp and sausage. Tasty, smoky and full of seasoning this dish is a surprising change from the usual.
Ingredients
- 3lb Alligator Meat
- 1 Quart Buttermilk
- 2lb Small Shrimp, peeled, de-veined tail-off
- 2lb Smoked Sausage, cut into coins
- ½lb Andouille Sausage, diced
- 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1-½ Cups All Purpose Flour
- 2 Yellow Onions, diced
- 2 Stalks Celery, diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 6 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 8 Cups Chicken Stock
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Onion Powder
- 4 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Oregano, dried
- 2 Large Bay Leaves
Instructions
- Add the alligator to an airtight container and cover with buttermilk, 1 Tablespoon of Onion Powder, 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder and 2 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning. Soak in the refrigerator overnight.
- Start making your roux. Add the flour and oil to a large soup pot. Cook on medium heat stirring about every minute or so to make sure you don't burn it. You want your roux to look as dark as Hershey Chocolate.
- Add the smoked sausage and andouille sausage and cook in the roux for a few minutes, to caramelize the sausage.
- Add the trinity of onions, green pepper and celery. Cook until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook a further 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken stock, stirring, until combined.
- Add 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder, 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder, 2 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning, 1 Tablespoon Oregano and 2 Bay Leaves. Stir and cover the pot. Turn the heat to low to allow a good simmer.
- Cook for 1 hour like this.
- Drain the alligator from the buttermilk and add to the gumbo. Cover again and cook another 1 hour.
- Add the shrimp cook to a rolling simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and serve on rice, with potato salad.
Notes
Have some gumbo file handy to offer when serving.
It is important to soak the alligator meat as it tends to be quite a tough type of meat. Soaking in the buttermilk overnight will ensure it's soft.
I used the tenderloin (from the tail) - it's the most tender part of the alligator.
Traditionally Okra is used to thicken soups (back in the day). Gumbo actually translates to Okra. I however am not a fan and prefer to use a roux.
American alligators are in abundance in the south and you can pick up alligator meat from a local meat market - or if you're lucky like we are - happen to know some alligator hunters. This is something you have to be licensed for though, it's not something anyone can just go out and do.
If you find your Gumbo is a little too thick you can add some boiling water or extra stock.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 18 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 599Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 24gCholesterol 179mgSodium 2012mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 1gSugar 6gProtein 43g
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