Video ‘Iguana tacos’: Man puts to good use freezing temperatures, non-native species in Florida
As temperatures plunge in South Florida, iguanas plummet from the trees—and wind up cooked. Observe how one man transforms this introduced species into crunchy, no-waste "chicken of the trees" tacos utilizing a special egg-based condiment.
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A Florida content creator has become widely known for preparing iguana tacos using a cold-incapacitated reptile.
Gray Davis, 23, of Fort Lauderdale, recently shared a video of himself catching and cooking an iguana that was made immobile during Florida’s recent subfreezing temperatures.
“When we experience these cold snaps, and [the iguanas] start falling, many individuals will go out and gather them to assist in controlling the population’s size,” Davis stated.
“But they’re called ‘chicken of the trees’ since they’re truly delectable. So instead of letting this one go to waste — we’re going to whip up some tacos,” he mentions on camera.
In the video, which has accumulated over 20 million views and garnered more than 8,000 comments, Davis guides viewers through the process of preparing the iguana meat.
Davis cooked the iguana meat in a cast-iron container on the stovetop with onions, garlic, salt and bay leaves — and allows it all to gently boil on low heat for 30 minutes.
Gray Davis, 23, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, dispatched a cold-stunned iguana that he then utilized to create iguana tacos. (Gray Davis/@gray_davis)
“It’s fortunate I managed to remove this one when I did because inside, I discovered upwards of 20 eggs,” Davis revealed.
“So, by removing this solitary iguana [from the outdoors], we’ve actually spared the environment from over 20 iguanas come springtime. And you folks know that I prefer to minimize waste,” he added. “Therefore, in addition to preparing the tacos, I’m also going to attempt to preserve its hide.”
Davis employed the eggs to fashion a dipping sauce for the tacos. He incorporated the eggs into the water to lightly boil them, and then combined them in a blender with avocado, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt and lime juice.
The result? A verdant dipping sauce finished with black pepper and lime.
Davis discovered more than 20 eggs within the cold-stunned iguana, which he used to make a sauce for the meat. (Gray Davis/@gray_davis)
Subsequently, he detached the meat from the bone, included some seasonings and browned it in a frying pan.
Ultimately, he added the meat to some crispy tortillas, topped it with pickled red onions, jalapeño and cilantro, “and then drizzled on our sauce.”
“I have numerous recipes [using] non-native species, including iguana, python, lionfish and more.”
The response was varied on social media, with certain individuals praising the cooking method and others seemingly disgusted by incorporating the eggs into the dish.
“So kind of you to reunite the mom and kids in one plate,” one person commented.
“Why am I OK with the meat but not the eggs,” another person questioned.
“About to head outside and gather some protein,” one inspired commenter declared.
Davis showcased his completed dish, referring to it as a “Florida man taco.” (Gray Davis/@gray_davis)
“Not the iguana eggs!” another person remarked.
Florida law permits residents to humanely eliminate the invasive iguanas, which damage the state’s native ecosystem.
Davis informed Fox News Digital he’s “created numerous recipes over the years” utilizing iguana meat.
“My entire account concentrates on local eating and sustainability as well as venturing outdoors,” he stated.
Florida law permits residents to humanely eliminate the invasive iguanas, which damage the state’s native ecosystem. Above, a green iguana chomps on lettuce. (iStock)
“I have numerous recipes with non-native species, including iguana, python, lionfish and more.”
The video concludes as he’s seen taking an initial bite of the tacos.
“Now that right there is a Florida man taco,” he said. “If you can’t defeat them, consume them.”