To cook a rattlesnake, you'll need to follow a few steps to ensure it is cooked properly and tastes delicious. Here's a detailed guide on how to cook rattlesnake:
1. Preparing the Rattlesnake:
– Start by ensuring the rattlesnake is properly cleaned and skinned. You can do this yourself if you have experience, or you can purchase pre-cleaned snake meat from a reputable source.
– Once the snake is cleaned and skinned, you'll want to remove the head and tail. This can be done by using a sharp knife and making clean cuts.
– Next, wash the snake meat thoroughly under cold water to remove any remaining debris or blood. Pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Marinating the Rattlesnake:
– Marinating the snake meat is essential to add flavor and tenderize the meat. You can choose from various marinades depending on your taste preferences.
– One popular option is to marinate the snake meat in a mixture of buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. Let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. Breading and Frying the Rattlesnake:
– Prepare the breading mixture by combining flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together some milk and eggs to create an egg wash.
– Take each piece of rattlesnake meat from the marinade and dip it into the milk mixture to coat it well. Then, dredge it through the flour mixture to generously coat the meat. Repeat this process to double coat each piece.
– Heat about 2 inches of frying oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
– Carefully place a few pieces of the snake meat into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy, which usually takes around 3-5 minutes per side.
– Once cooked, transfer the fried rattlesnake to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining pieces of snake meat.
4. Serving and Enjoying the Rattlesnake:
– Rattlesnake meat is often served as an appetizer or snack. It pairs well with dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or hot sauce.
– Serve the fried rattlesnake hot and crispy, and enjoy the unique flavor and texture that this unique meat offers.
– Keep in mind that rattlesnake meat can be quite lean, so be cautious not to overcook it, as it can become tough and dry.
Remember, when cooking with rattlesnake meat or any exotic meat, it's important to ensure that you are sourcing it from a reputable and legal supplier. Additionally, always follow proper food safety guidelines and ensure the meat is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature for safety. Enjoy your culinary adventure with rattlesnake!