Louisiana Whole Skinned Alligator per Pound

(51 reviews)

Price range: $239.99 through $779.99

DESCRIPTION

Photo Credit @blacksugarribco

*Not available for shipping to Texas*

Bring the bold flavor of the bayou to your kitchen with our Louisiana Whole Skinned Alligator, a true centerpiece for adventurous cooks and Southern-style feasts. Expertly skinned and cleaned, this whole alligator is ready for roasting, smoking, grilling, or slow cooking — perfect for large gatherings, festivals, or specialty menus. This lean, protein-rich meat offers a mild flavor and firm texture, making it a low-fat alternative to traditional meats like pork or beef. Whether you’re preparing a Cajun-style roast or a smoked delicacy, this whole alligator is sure to impress.

  • Authentic Louisiana Alligator
  • Whole, skinned, and cleaned for easy preparation
  • Frozen for Freshness and convenient storage

Size & Length Guide

Use the guide below to choose the right alligator size for your cooking setup and crowd size.  Note: Alligator weights follow a non-linear growth curve, so body mass increases faster than length as they grow.

Size Weight Range Approx. Total Length Usable Meat (~40%)
Est. Servings (8 oz meal)
XS 10 – 15 lbs ~4.0 – 4.5 ft 4 – 6 lbs 8 – 12 servings
S 16 – 20 lbs ~4.5 – 5.0 ft 6.5 – 8 lbs 13 – 16 servings
M 21 – 25 lbs ~5.0 – 5.2 ft 8.5 – 10 lbs 17 – 20 servings
L 26 – 30 lbs ~5.2 – 5.5 ft 10.5 – 12 lbs 21 – 24 servings
XL 31 – 35 lbs ~5.5 – 5.8 ft 12.5 – 14 lbs 25 – 28 servings
XXL 36 – 40 lbs ~5.8 – 6.0 ft 14.5 – 16 lbs 29 – 32 servings
XXXL 41 – 45 lbs ~6.0 – 6.3 ft 16.5 – 18 lbs 33 – 36 servings

 

Cooking Tips:

  • Brine Overnight: For maximum tenderness and moisture retention, brine your alligator for 12–24 hours in a mixture of salt, ice water, citrus, and cajun spices before cooking.
  • Protect the Ends: Wrap the head, tail tip, and paws tightly in aluminum foil during the first half of cooking to keep thinner areas from burning.
  • Bacon Wrap: Drape bacon strips across the torso to self-baste the lean meat as it smokes.
  • Target Temp: Cook low and slow at 225°F–250°F until internal temperature reaches 160°F in the thickest part of the tail.

  • What size whole alligator do I need?

    Use the following information to accurately determine the expected meat yield and appropriate size for your order.

    Usable Meat and Composition

    • Usable Yield: The average usable meat yield for a whole skinned alligator is approximately 40% of the gross weight.
    • Meat Sources: Usable meat is primarily harvested from the tail, legs, tenderloin, and ribs.
    • Tenderness: The tail meat is considered the most tender cut.
    • Tenderloin Note: A line of fat typically encases the tenderloin and is usually trimmed off after cooking.

    Yield Calculation and Serving Guide

    To calculate the usable meat quantity, multiply the alligator’s gross weight by 40%:

    Gross Weight x 0.40 = Usable Meat (lbs)

    Example: A 30 lb. alligator x 40% = 12 lbs. of usable meat.

    Usable Meat (lbs.)Serving SizeEstimated Servings
    12 lbs.8 oz. (Meal Size)24 servings
    12 lbs.4 oz. (Appetizer Size)48 servings

  • What is the serving size for alligator meat?

    8oz (1/2lb) serving size as a meal

    4oz (1/4lb) as an appetizer.

  • What part of the alligator do the meat, nuggets, and tenderloin come from?

    Alligator Meat Cut Descriptions

    • Alligator Meat and Nuggets: This white meat is sourced directly from the tail section of the alligator.
    • Alligator Tenderloins: These cuts are derived from the back of the alligator and typically present as a darker colored meat.

  • What does alligator meat taste like?

    Alligator meat is often described as a mild-flavored white meat with a texture similar to chicken or firm fish. The flavor is slightly gamy, especially in the darker cuts, but much of its final taste is determined by the marinade and cooking method.

    While it is often compared to chicken, alligator meat is much leaner and denser. Because it lacks fat, it can dry out quickly, so it requires fast cooking methods (like frying or grilling) or slow, moist methods (like stewing).

  • What is the best cut of alligator meat?

    The most popular and tender cut is the tail meat, often sold as “alligator tail meat filets” or “alligator nuggets”. Leg and body meat are leaner, firmer, and excellent for slow-cooking, stewing, or grinding.

  • Do I need to tenderize or marinate the meat?

    Marinating is highly recommended, especially for the leaner, tougher body and leg sections. Marinating for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in a mixture containing acid (like vinegar or citrus juice) helps tenderize the fibers and infuse flavor.

  • What is the best way to cook alligator tail meat?

    Because tail meat is tender, it’s best suited for quick, high-heat methods. Cubed tail meat is famously used for deep-frying (creating alligator nuggets). It is also excellent grilled or pan-seared, cooked just until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

  • How do I prevent the alligator meat from drying out?

    Since alligator is very lean, avoid overcooking it. If grilling or searing, quickly sear the exterior and remove it from the heat once it’s firm to the touch (160°F internal). For tough cuts, slow-cook it submerged in liquid (like a gumbo or chili) to keep it moist.

  • How should I thaw frozen alligator meat?

    The safest way is to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator. Place the vacuum-sealed package in the fridge and allow 12-24 hours per pound. For faster thawing, you can place the sealed package in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Never thaw meat on the counter at room temperature.

  • How long can I store alligator meat in the freezer?

    Properly vacuum-sealed and frozen alligator meat can last in the freezer for 6 to 12 months without significant loss of quality. Once thawed, use it within 1-2 days.

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Customer Reviews

52 reviews for Louisiana Whole Skinned Alligator per Pound

  1. Highsmith –

    We purchased a 37-pound whole, skinned alligator, smoked him for 17 hours over a maple wood fire, and ate him up! It was a great experience, and the Louisiana Crawfish Company did us right on all counts! I have an annual tradition of throwing a party for the people I work with and my friends at J&J Barbeque Experience here in Rochester, MN smoke a whole beast – almost always a mammal (pig, boar, lamb, goat). But this year we decided to step out of our comfort zone and try a gator. I called about 2 months ahead of the time and told them what size a gator I was interested in. I received a call back within a couple of days that one had come in and they said they would hold it frozen for me if I wanted. Talk about excellent customer service! We talked about when I wanted it delivered – and 2 months later, right on cue, there was big Styrofoam cooler waiting for me on my front porch when I came home! The gator was still frozen solid – so there were no concerns about any spoilage. We brined/thawed him for about 30 hours in salt, sugar, Zatarain’s crab boil, and plenty of ice. We stuffed him with about 10 cups of Andouille stuffing (from Paul Prudhomme’s turducken recipe on his website) and 2 deboned ducks – each stuffed with about a cup of the stuffing. After we tied him up with butcher’s string and put him on his back in the smoker, we draped him with 5 pounds of good apple wood smoked bacon to make sure he didn’t dry out. We held his jaw open with a block of wood and wrapped the head and paws (the parts that still had the hide on them) in aluminum foil to keep the skin from burning. Then it was low and slow – 17 hours at about 230 degrees F with a charcoal and maple wood fire. Just in case some of the party guests were sicked out about eating a reptile – we also put on 2 whole chickens about halfway thru the process. That also gave us an opportunity to mimic an Australian photo of a smoked gator, draped in bacon, with a smoked chicken in his mouth (which is why we wanted to cook him with his mouth open). So, after 17 hours – we took him out to rest. The original plan was to turn him over so we could pose the gator with the chicken in his mouth – but it turned out that it was so tender that the head just slide off, and we could just turn the head over to pose the jaws and chicken, With the crispy bacon on his underside and the head turned around – you’d need to be an expert in alligator anatomy to realize that the pose was not possible in real life! Needless to say, an alligator barbeque is not an everyday occurrence in Minnesota – so there was lot of Oh’s and Ah’s when people saw him! But after we finished admiring the artistic pose – we pulled him apart and started eating! I have had fried gator when I lived in New Orleans, but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect – but it was delicious! Gator is a fairly light white meat that takes the smoke well and tastes more similar to turkey than anything else (IMHO!). Between the long, slow cooking, the bacon, and the stuffing, the meat was tender and moist. Rave reviews from a bunch of Minnesotans! So a big thanks to the Louisiana Crawfish Company! The service was great, and the gator was perfect. I’m already thinking about the party next year. Hmmm. Maybe a crawfish boil.

  2. Ashley Brigham –

    We have been wanting to do a whole gator for a couple of years now & we finally did it! And we are soo happy we did! It was the talk of the party & absolutely delicious!!

  3. JAMES JARAMILLO –

    EXCELLENT SERVICE. GOT A CALL FROM YOU GUYS SAID FED EX WAS RETURNING THE PRODUCT DUE TO DAMAGED BOX. GATOR WAS STILL FROZEN AND PLASTIC BAG WAS STILL SEALED SO GOOD CALL ON YOUR PART. VERY HAPPY.

  4. Jon Over –

    Alligator was just as described

  5. Zachary –

    Absolutely great service packing presentation and an all around great meal.

  6. Ed Mehring (verified owner) –

    Great product ! Great service !

  7. Matt Johnson (verified owner) –

    This was the second whole alligator we have ordered, and they were both excellent and we couldn’t have been happier with it! We will definitely be ordering again!

  8. Nadiene Broadhead (verified owner) –

    This was an absolute hit. We had so much fun. We will order another gator for July 4!

  9. Conner G (verified owner) –

    Great pricing and it tasted amazing. I can not wait to do another alligator smoked.

  10. Rochelle Stokes (verified owner) –

    arrived on time, frozen, just what I ordered. Very satisfied, AGAIN!!

  11. Anita Robinson (verified owner) –

    Exceeded expectations

  12. Robert Lorge (verified owner) –

    I ordered the 22 lb gator. I’ve ordered a few others in the past from different companies. La Crawfish has an awesome product and packed very well in a foam container with the La Crawfish sticker on the side. No doubt about whats in the box. The shipping was unbelievable, I ordered on Wednesday at 2:00pm my time and it was delivered in less than 24 hours from Louisiana to Rhode Island. Highly recommend this company and will continue to buy from them in the future.

  13. Rick Albaugh (verified owner) –

    This was a huge hit at my ” Gulf of America” Bash. It smoked to perfection!

  14. Eric Lapierre (verified owner) –

    I purchased a whole alligator and had it shipped overnight but FedEx dropped the ball and the package, the alligator was delayed in shipping for a day and damaged, before the day was over Louisiana crayfish Co. Had another one on the way.No worries no hassle, great service

  15. Derek (verified owner) –

    What a show stopper. Everyone wanted to see the Gator. The most surprising was how much everyone loved it. We ate it all. 3 hours in the smoker and pulled it at 160. Came completely frozen in a very clean box. Great Job!!

  16. Brian B Holoubek (verified owner) –

    We order two gators a year from y’all… always a great product and delivery.

  17. Mark Kreiser (verified owner) –

    Everything was as advertised, starting with friendly service, fast on-time delivery and tasty product. Will always go to lacrawfish.com to fill my needs.

  18. Jeffrey Schuchmann (verified owner) –

    These guys joined #4 waiting for the Combat Vets Charity Benefit Ride. Smoked 2 for them last year, this year they asked for 3! They must be good!

  19. Jeffrey Schuchmann (verified owner) –

    Resting nicely in the freezer waiting for the cookout

  20. Daniel (verified owner) –

    My buddies and I tossed around the idea of smoking an alligator and ordered our 31lb alligator and we were very impressed. The shipping was next day in time to thaw for the weekends big game. We took our time and all necessary steps to prepare the gator for the cook and man was it good! We highly suggest ordering a skinned alligator from Louisiana Crawfish Co. It was by far one of our most memorable cooks along with the crawfish we order from them. Very tasty.

  21. Jeremy S Hooker (verified owner) –

    SHOWED UP ON TIME AND TASTED GREAT! WILL BUY AGIAN

  22. Matt (verified owner) –

    The whole alligator that I purchased showed up the day I requested and was still frozen solid. I brine mine and smoked it and it was great. Also being up in northwest Colorado it was something completely different from the rest of the holiday weekend grilling parties. I definitely will be buying more alligator from you.

  23. Anthony –

    Amazing customer service, alligator was delivered on time and in great condition. Styrofoam box was broken, but was still 1/2 frozen and very cold. Put right into my fridge as soon as I opened it. Definitely was thawing already. I’m thinking it was in the shipping process and not who packed it. Our party was great. Thank you!!!

  24. Anthony (verified owner) –

    Amazing customer service, alligator was delivered on time and in great condition. Styrofoam box was broken, but was still 1/2 frozen and very cold. Put right into my fridge as soon as I opened it. Definitely was thawing already. I’m thinking it was in the shipping process and not who packed it. Our party was great. Thank you!!!

  25. Adrienne M Mcham (verified owner) –

    This is our 5th year ordering a gator, we LOVE it our family and friends ask who we get it from proud we say Louisiana crawfish co
    Thank you for such a great product

  26. Jeffrey Schuchmann (verified owner) –

    Got two of these 24 lbs babies and 30 lbs of cleaned alligator meat to give a good taste to 200 riders supporting combat vets. Huge hit!

  27. luke welsh (verified owner) –

    Great service bus station alligator we’ve had appreciate you guys

  28. Brandon W Adams (verified owner) –

    As always, just what I ordered! Came frozen and fresh and was a big hit at our Memorial Day Bash!

  29. Jeffrey Schuchmann (verified owner) –

    Stuffing this one with corn bread, boudin and crayfish. I’m sure it will be even better than my last one stuffed with Stove Top Stuffing, with bacon blanket wrap in a smoker.

  30. Timothy J Lawrence (verified owner) –

    this is like our 5th from here and we have loved everyone of them

  31. Khalil Abdel (verified owner) –

    Great service and product quality. Very happy with purchase…

  32. Justin Seymour (verified owner) –

    Great gator for a UGA FL event I catered. If you know how to prepare one, you will be pleased with this product!

  33. Timothy Schutte (verified owner) –

    Taste great. Arrived perfectly frozen and safe. Awesome job

  34. Tara Vanhorn (verified owner) –

    They were absolutely amazing

  35. Sean Finley (verified owner) –

    We love the gators from LA Crawfish.
    Makes our clients really smile here in SD. Long way from gator country.

  36. Erik Lapierre (verified owner) –

    I have bought 5 of the whole alligators over the past few years,always fantastic and service was always great,looking forward to the next one

  37. Bruce Kern (verified owner) –

    Tasted like chicken or pork. Easy to cook and butcher. Came frozen and thawed out in refrigerator. I emailed a few questioned and they were answered immediately. Great job and thank you

  38. Nita (verified owner) –

    Everything the website said is what we got!

  39. Brian Holoubek (verified owner) –

    Been purchasing whole alligators and crawfish from LA Crawfish for over a decade. Always big, fresh, & packaged well.

  40. Ashley Gravelle (verified owner) –

    I do not even know where to start. We ordered this gator and we slow grilled (here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula) we had friends over and everyone loved the food. I think you’ll be seeing more orders for here. I really can’t put into words how great not only the gator was but also this company. Thank you!

  41. Victor Perez (verified owner) –

    Very Meaty

  42. Cassandra Walker –

    We gotta 26 pounds skin hole alligator man if I tell you We grind seasoned and smoked that baby he was the best wouldn’t buy a gator from no one else thank you Louisiana crawfish company you are the best package sit sealed and delivered Our party was the talk of the talk of the month looking to book with you again thank you so much

  43. Tim Andres (verified owner) –

    Alligator was delivered on time and was perfect. The meat was very clean with no ‘swampiness’. It was definitely the perfect centerpiece for our Graduation celebration.

  44. Leigh Fleshman (verified owner) –

    This is the first time we ordered a gator from Louisiana Crawfish Company and we were impressed! It was delicious and everyone asked where we got it from. We will be ordering again in the near future. Thank you all for helping make our party one our guests won’t forget!

  45. Brian Wilson –

    This is the first time I’ve ever grilled a whole gator. It was delicious! The delivery was on time everything was still frozen when I finally got home three days later. It could ask for a better experience

  46. The Reverend –

    Absolutely what I wanted. Fit perfectly on my smoker. Was a huge hit at my party. Can definitely tell this is something I’ll purchase again.

  47. Hector Ontiveros –

    Ordered an 18 pound gator. It came quick and still frozen! It was my first time smoking a gator and came out amazing! Got a good 6 pounds of meat out of it, minus the pound and a half with my wife and I eating as were taking the meat off. From ordering to receiving to smoking and eating, everything went smooth and accordingly!

  48. Ricardo –

    Ordered a 33lb gator for niece's b-day. Brined it for 2 days in 15gal water & ice, 3lb kosher salt. Stuffed it with sausage & seasoned it with olive oil McCormick Montreal chicken rub. Smoked it in the traeger with hickory pellets at 265 for 4 hours. Needless to say it was hit. Might have to make this a yearly thing.

  49. andy mann –

    We bought a Whole Alligator in 2014, smoked it for 5 hours stuffed with Alligator sausage and cornbread dressing. It was Excellent. Going to call and order another one and have company over. They shipped in normal FedEx but we are close enough . They saved me about $90 just in shipping. Anybody who asks about where to buy Cajun food , I say Louisiana Seafood Company

  50. Stacey –

    We ordered the 35# alligator along with crawfish & frog legs. This alligator was amazing. Everyone loved it and it added an extra amount of conversation. So we had great food, fun and fellowship thanks to LA Crawfish. I didn't get my anniversary shirt :-( but I still sent in the picture of the alligator for proof that it was a magnificent specimen to behold. I have recommended so many friends and family to your company. Love it, definitely ordering more from you in the future.

  51. Sherrie –

    We ordered a 5 foot alligator last July. The customer service and product Boys recipe and stuffed the gator with crawfish andoille corn bread stuffing. It was perfect. We loved it so much that we are planning our 2nd annual alligator roast for next month! Thank you!

  52. BBQ Pit Boys –

    A 5 footer was delivered to us overnight. Thawed it, seasoned, and then stuffed it with Andouille sausage and Crawfish Cornbread. Low and Slowed it for about 5 hours at 250f. Served it with some of your sides. Wow..par excellence..! Thanks guys. You’re the best in the biz..! -BBQ Pit Boys

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