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The Ultimate Delicacy: A Tale of Two Countries and Their Love for Frog Legs

Have you ever come across the mysterious and intriguing On-On Frog? Prepare to be startled by its unique appearance! Get ready to delve into the fascinating world of this extraordinary creature.

Administrator

28 July, 2024

Social media has undoubtedly become a playground, bringing everyone novel, unique, and bizarre news and information without having to go far. Recently, a particular dish that looks bizarre but is wildly popular in Thailand and Vietnam has left the online community in awe.

Netizens have been speculating about this peculiar dish. Some argued it was frog, while others claimed it was toad. In fact, this creature is called the ‘gluttonous frog’ – a species related to frogs with a distinctively bloated belly. Join us in discovering the delicious dishes made from this unique amphibian.

A bizarre dish from TikTok

1 What is a Gluttonous Frog?

After much debate and discussion online, the mystery creature has been identified as the ‘gluttonous frog’, known as ‘ếch òn’ in Vietnamese. In Thailand, it is called ‘ung’ in the local language. Gluttonous frogs are amphibians related to frogs and toads, distinguished by their large, swollen bellies and adorable appearance. They are considered a unique delicacy of the Cham people in Ninh Thuan province.

Gluttonous Frog

The name ‘gluttonous frog’ originates from its unique call. Unlike typical frogs and toads that croak ‘ribbit’, these frogs call out ‘òn ạch’ to attract their mates.

As the first rainfalls of the season arrive, hundreds and thousands of gluttonous frogs emerge from their underground dwellings in search of food, lay eggs, and mate. This is when local people eagerly go frog hunting, especially at night, as the frogs are less cautious then.

The gluttonous frog hunting season only lasts about two weeks, or longer if the rains are heavier. Locals seize this opportunity to earn extra income and stock up on food. For tourists, frog hunting is a unique and exciting experience.

For the Cham people, gluttonous frogs are a rare and precious delicacy. They are considered nutritious and delicious, with sweet and tender meat, making them perfect for family meals or as a tasty snack with drinks. They are also rare because they can only be caught in large numbers once a year during the rainy season (around May and June).

Gluttonous Frog

2 Delicious Dishes Made from Gluttonous Frogs

Gluttonous frogs are known for their abundant meat, which is tender, flavorful, and has soft bones. This makes them extremely versatile in the kitchen. Some popular dishes include boiled frog with dipping sauce, grilled frog with chili salt, fried frog, frog salad, and a special sour soup made with young tamarind leaves by the Cham people.

Grilled Gluttonous Frog

For grilling, the frogs are cleaned and left to air-dry for a day. They are then grilled over a fire until golden and crispy. They are typically enjoyed with a spicy dip made of chili and salt, or a tamarind dip with crushed wild curry leaves.

Grilled Gluttonous Frog

Sour Soup with Young Tamarind Leaves

The ingredients for this dish include gluttonous frogs, young tamarind leaves, toasted rice, tomatoes, onions, chili, and basic spices. First, the frogs are marinated with onions, chili, sugar, and fish sauce, then stir-fried. Next, a broth is prepared with toasted rice, tomatoes, young tamarind leaves, and the stir-fried frogs. This soup is then simmered until all the flavors come together.

This dish is not only economical and delicious but also captures the rustic charm of the South Central Coast during the rainy, windy season.

Sour Soup with Gluttonous Frog and Young Tamarind Leaves

Interestingly, many people are surprised to learn that this dish, thought to be a rare delicacy in Ninh Thuan, is also a cross-border specialty shared by Vietnam and Thailand.

Specifically, in Northeast Thailand, in the Khorat Plateau region, gluttonous frogs are also considered a nutritious and tasty treat, prepared in ways similar to the Cham people in Ninh Thuan. However, Thai cooks add traditional Thai spices to give the dish a unique twist.

Delicious Dishes Made from Gluttonous Frogs

Gluttonous frogs may look bizarre, but they are a precious delicacy for the Cham people in Ninh Thuan and Northeast Thailand. If you ever find yourself in these regions during gluttonous frog season, don’t miss the chance to join the locals in hunting these frogs and tasting this unique cuisine.

Frequently asked questions

The ultimate delicacy in question is frog legs, a dish that is revered and beloved in both France and the United States.

Frog legs are considered a delicacy due to their unique and delicate flavor, with a taste often compared to chicken, and their tender, juicy texture. They are also seen as a sustainable and healthy alternative to other meat sources, as frogs are typically wild-caught and have a lower environmental impact.

Frog legs can be prepared in a variety of ways, but they are often breaded and fried, grilled, or sautéed. They can be served as an appetizer or a main course, and are often accompanied by sauces or dips to enhance their flavor.

The love for frog legs can be traced back to the 12th century in France, where they were considered a delicacy among the nobility. Over time, the dish spread across Europe and eventually made its way to the United States, where it gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in the Cajun and Creole cuisines of Louisiana.

Definitely. In France, frog legs are often prepared with a light batter and fried, served with a garlic butter sauce. Meanwhile, in the United States, Cajun-style frog legs are popular, which involves a spicy breading and a deep-frying technique. Regional variations also exist within the US, with different sauces, spices, and cooking methods used across the country.

Reputable French restaurants or bistros are a great place to start for classic French-style frog legs. For Cajun-style frog legs, seeking out Cajun or Creole restaurants, particularly in Louisiana, would be a delicious choice. Additionally, some specialty food markets offer prepared frog legs for those who want to enjoy this delicacy at home.

Yes, frog legs are generally safe to eat when properly sourced and prepared. It is important to ensure that the frogs are caught from clean environments and that proper food safety practices are followed during preparation and cooking.