Smothered Louisiana Alligator over Brown Rice

Courtesy Louisiana Seafood for Life

“Smothered” is a classic Louisiana way to prepare everything from okra to turkey legs—here, alligator gets the delicious treatment.
Cook/Prep Time: 20 MinutesServings: 6, 393 Calories per serving

Ingredients

1¼ lbs. - Louisiana Alligator, cut into 1-oz. pieces, pounded thin
Cooking spray as needed
¾ cup - Red onion, medium-diced
¾ cup - Celery, medium-diced
½ cup - Green bell pepper, medium-diced
½ cup - Red bell pepper, medium-diced
¾ cup - Button mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbsp. - Cayenne pepper
4¼ cups - Clam juice
1 Tbsp. - Cornstarch
2 Tbsp. - Fresh basil, chopped
3 Tbsp. - Flat leaf parsley, minced, divided
¼ cup - Half & Half
2 cups - Brown rice, cooked, warm
1 Tbsp. - Parsley, minced

Directions

Spray nonstick sauté pan with cooking spray and heat.
Add vegetables, saute for 1 minute.
Add cayenne pepper; saute for 1 minute.
Add 4 cups of clam juice, reserving 1/4 cup; bring to a simmer.  
Mix 1/4 cup clam juice with cornstarch and stir; add to the simmering pan.
Add Louisiana Alligator, basil, 2 tbsp. of parsley and half & half, simmer until alligator is cooked, 5-6 minutes.
In individual serving bowls, place 1/2 cup of brown rice.  
Spoon alligator and sauce over rice.  
Garnish with 1 Tbsp. parsley.

Show off your culinary skills. Share pictures of your finished dish on social media and tag them with #LouisianaSeafood!