Alligator in Indianapolis

Why ours

Real alligator, a genuine Cajun specialty you won't find at most Indy markets. Try our golden fried gator bites, or take the meat home to cook your own.

Real Gulf gator: fillet & tail meat, mild and tender
Whole alligators: available by special order
Tastes like chicken with a firmer, meatier bite
Our fried gator bites are the easy way to try it
A true conversation piece for parties and game day
Take it home raw or order it fried from the kitchen

Quick facts

What it is
alligator tail meat

Tastes like
Mild, a bit like chicken, firmer texture

Best way to try
Our fried gator bites

Where
Ask at our markets & kitchens

Order online

Cooking guide

How to cook alligator

A few foolproof ways to do it right at home, or let our kitchen cook it for you.

Fried gator bites

Cut tail meat into 1-inch cubes, soak in buttermilk, dredge in seasoned flour, and fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until golden.

Blackened

Coat strips in Cajun seasoning and sear hard in a cast-iron skillet 2–3 minutes per side.

Grilled skewers

Marinate cubes, thread on skewers and grill over medium-high 4–5 minutes, turning, until just cooked through.

Don't overcook

Gator is lean, pull it as soon as it's cooked through or it turns rubbery. Tail meat is the tenderest cut.

Sauces

Serve with remoulade, comeback sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

Let us fry it

Skip the work, order our fried gator bites hot from the kitchen.

Make it a meal

Pairings & tips

Gator bites are made for dipping, remoulade, comeback sauce, or hot honey. Serve with fries, slaw and hush puppies for a Cajun spread, with a cold beer to wash it down.

Where to get it

Fresh at our markets

alligator is a rotating specialty, ask at our markets and Seafood Kitchens. The easiest way to try it is our fried gator bites off the menu.

The Seafood Market Order online

Good to know

Questions, answered

What does alligator taste like?

Mild, a little like chicken with a firmer, meatier bite. Tail meat is the most tender cut.

How do you cook alligator?

Most people love it fried as gator bites, but it's also great blackened or grilled on skewers. Keep it lean and don't overcook it.

Is alligator healthy?

Gator is a lean, high-protein meat. Fried bites are an indulgence, but grilled or blackened it's quite lean.

Where can I get alligator in Indianapolis?

Caplinger's carries real alligator, ask at our markets, or order fried gator bites from the kitchen.

Do you sell raw alligator to cook at home?

Often yes, availability rotates, so call your nearest location to check.