Saturday, June 5, 2010

BBQ Frog Legs

let me just start by killing the myth that frog legs taste just like chicken.

i don't know where you get your chicken from , but...

THEY DO NOT TASTE JUST LIKE CHICKEN

they are, however, worth the challenge...if you're up for it. i've been wanting to get my hands on some of these ever since i went to the LA County Fair last year and had deep fried frog legs (as seen here). i read about the vendor in the LA Times and drove out there all by myself just to get some of these infamous legs..and deep fried no doubt! (of course i went for the chocolate covered bacon too...click here for pics) it was worth the trip just to say i ate Frog Legs from Chicken Charlies at the LA County Fair. i know i'll go again this year for a second round. the BBQ aroma as you drive up is mesmerizing in itself...here's a little more from last year's excursion.

like i said...these are worth a try, but be ready to bring some flavor to the table. i found that they really don't have much flavor. if anything they tasted just a bit fishy? the chicken reference is true with the texture. the actual taste is like a bland fish...kind of nondiscript...kind of watery. mine were bought frozen (where on earth was i gonna find fresh legs besides the Back Bay) so that could have affected the flavor. i could almost liken it to Talapia that was frozen and not thawed/dried properly. so far doesn't sound too good...huh? don't get me wrong, i liked them, however, i will once again be eating them alone. not such a big hit at the dinner table with Big Al and Fancy P. Big Al used to catch them as kid in Michigan and eat them all the time so i thought he might get a kick out of these (pardon the pun), but i guess he's had his fill of frog legs for a life time and doesn't really want to see them again. oh well, i can't wait to try them again. i bought 2 packages and i think i might do the typical fried method next.

for my first go around i just wanted to throw them on the BBQ. i must admit, i knew i wanted to get a photo in so i went the easy route. i googled around and found all sorts of ways to cook these little legs, but i thought if everybody says they taste like chicken, well then, i'll treat them like chicken.



i chose the Hoisin Garlic glaze by "Soy Vay". if you haven't tried this particular sauce i suggest you get some. it's found in the Asian section. one of the favorites around here is pork tenderloin, sliced and marinated in a ziploc for a few hours then put on the grill...same thing with chicken or just brush a little on your salmon, swordfish or shrimp.

oh...the small pic to the right is one way to protect the little skinny calves and feet from getting too cooked. i read this suggestion and wrapped one, then quickly abandoned the idea after it felt like i might be getting too one on one with the legs...you know what i mean?...i have found that when cooking strange things such as ears, tails, trotters and the like...you just don't want to get too too involved with the preparation. it becomes less of a meat and more of a question..."can i really be eating this?"

not such a great photo above, but just a reminder that they shouldn't be on direct heat for the full cooking time. i put them on direct heat to get some grill marks, then moved them to the foil untill i thought they were done. whoose to say when they are "done". since i'm just a tad inexperienced with the frog legs i had to guess...it's like chicken...right? i bet i could have left them on a bit longer. maybe it would have removed some of the moisture or watery texture i was talking about. next time if i BBQ them again, i think i'll use alot more glaze as well...maybe even marinade them first because like i said...they need some flavor.

FROG LEGS...
below are just a few of many sites i found helpful...

where to find?...most likely you will find them in an Asian market. if you live in So. California i suggest to high tail it to a 99 Ranch Market near you. so much FUN!!! click HERE for locations in the Los Angeles area

14 comments:

Viv said...

Those pics caught my eyes on foodgawker!
Rather scary looking I must say...haha but good to know that it doesnt taste like chicken as everyone else who claims to have eaten frog legs before ;)

Eunice said...

I'm not sure if you live near a Chinese market but some of these markets sell fresh frogs. They actually carry live frogs and will butcher them once you order your frog legs. One such market is located in Alhambra, California (99 Ranch Market).

Happy frog hunting!

Unknown said...

jules - this is gross honey...

Unknown said...

but i love you quite a bit and i love your photography andlog. too funee hunee. kiss the baby.
x

Jenn said...

this would probably look good on a halloween bbq, they look like tiny human legs...

Jules and Ruby said...

Jenn...you're so right. they look like bodybuilder's legs. great halloween food...trick or treat? i have more in the freezer, maybe i'll bring them out. thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

I agree your photgraphy is great. I would like to put more of my creations in my blog but I cannot handle cooking and photography at the same time. So, I found a local place that sells frog legs ( Delaware) I am going to try HOT legs.. you know like Hot wings.

Jules and Ruby said...

Anonymous...OH MY !!!!...hot legs sound fabulous!...i have some in the freezer. i might have to try that

Mara D said...

Jules,
I am also a food writer and very much impressed with your style and creations! My husband wants to try the Frog Legs and I'd be happy to link to your post after trying this recipe. It looks amazing!
Might we be able to link share? If time allows please check out Hint of Thyme on blogspot.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Regards,
Mara

Jules and Ruby said...

Mara D...thanks for the great comment. i hope you try the frog legs. they're pretty good and definitely fun to eat. i would love to hear your report back. i will definitely check out your blog...thanks again...jules
PS. i don't really know what link share is...

Anonymous said...

It's "who's" (for who is to say). Not "whoose" (it's spelled "whose").

Jules and Ruby said...

Anonymous...yeah, thanks. i'll let Ruby know she made a mistake...

paizley said...

Frog legs taste like frog legs. If they taste like chicken to someone, then they are wasting their money buying frog legs. They might as well just eat chicken. Those people can have my share of the chicken since I don't like chicken. My local grocer always carries them for just 6.29/lb. I prepare them many ways such as in scampi sauce, white wine and butter, New Orleans BBQ shrimp sauce, and marinated and grilled. I tend to prepare them in the manner of shellfish. I dislike chicken but love frog legs. Just don't overcook them!

Jules and Ruby said...

hi vncbme...wow...i love all your preparations. i should branch out and try one of those. i wish i could get fresh, but most of the time the ones i get are frozen solid...even with freezer burn. oh how i wish i could get fresh. thanks so much for sharing. AND you are so right...frog legs taste like frog legs

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