The gator is still young and has lots more growing to do, but it's not too young to cook up! Unfortunately, the man in the photo with the gun and badge made sure this critter was released in another pond somewhere else. Most gator eaten here is fried pieces of tail, but the ribs make for tremendous grilling fodder. Here's a recipe from foodreference.com.
2 pounds alligator ribs
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon season salt
1/2 teaspoon season black pepper
Place ribs in a shallow glass dish or large resealable plastic food storage bag. Pour vinegar over ribs; toss to thoroughly coat all pieces well. Cover dish or close bag; marinate in vinegar for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
Combine juice, oil, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Reserve 1/8 cup marinade for basting.
Add remaining marinade to ribs. Turn and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator for 45 minutes. Remove ribs from marinade; discard marinade.
Grill over medium coals about 45 minutes or until ribs are tender, basting frequently with 1/8 cup marinade.
