Snake meat is an adventurous alternative to fish or chicken. With it's light and flaky texture and taste mildly reminiscent of chicken, snake can be used in many recipes or just enjoyed by itself. With the right seasonings and preparation, it can replace turkey as a healthy pork and beef substitute in meals such as chili, and you can buy snake steak sausages for an interesting breakfast treat.
If you'd like to buy snake steak sausages, the Internet is probably your best choice for a retailer, as the local grocery store is not likely to carry such an alternative meat source. There are several places on line to find snake steak sausages or unprocessed snake steaks if you'd like to make your own. Snake meat can also sometimes be found or specially ordered at a local butcher.
If you are unable to buy snake steak sausages due to availability and/or expense, try this easy recipe for snake sausage Benedict by chef Norman Van Aken: Combine one pound ground rattlesnake meat, one pound ground pork butt, and one-half pound pork fat. All of these can be purchased or special ordered at a butcher shop, where they will also grind it for you.
In a smaller bowl, combine 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1-1/2 teaspoons dried sage leaves, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce. Add this mixture to the combined meats, mix well, and refrigerate overnight. Form the meat into patties and fry in 2 tablespoons of oil until golden brown and cooked through. Serve on a toasted English muffin with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.
Whether you buy snake steak sausages or just order snake steaks or ground snake meat to make your own, a memorable breakfast, lunch, or dinner is just around the corner. Step back into the days of the wild west when rattlesnakes were prized for both their skin and flesh, and a meal of fire-roasted snake was considered a fine end to a busy day or a satisfying beginning before setting out on the trail. Snake steaks are not for the weak of heart, but definitely an experience not to be missed!
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