RECIPES OF VIETNAM

Ech Xao Xa (Stir-Fried Lemongrass Frog's Legs)

Ingredients :

4 to 6 pairs

1/4 cup

1/3 cup

3 tbsp

2 stalks

2

Frog's legs (depending on the size, about 1 pound)

Sugar

Fish sauce

Vegetable oil

Lemongrass

Unripe star fruit (thinly sliced into stars)

Scallion oil

1. Remove the outer leaves and tough green tops, trim the root ends, and finely grind stalks of the lemongrass
2. Rinse, drain, and blot dry the frog's legs thoroughly with paper towels
3. Then split them in half through the pelvic bone so you have single legs
4. Whisk together the sugar and fish sauce in a bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved
5. Stir in 1 tablespoon oil and the lemongrass
6. Transfer the frog's legs and marinade to a plastic bag, seal it, and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours, turning the bag over every 30 minutes
7. On each plate, overlap 8 to 10 star fruit slices in a circle
8. Working in batches if necessary, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a nonstick pan over high heat
9. Add the frog's legs and sear until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes per side
10. Cover and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes
11. Transfer 3 single frog's legs to each plate, carefully placing them in the center of the star fruit garnish
12. Drizzle with scallion oil and serve hot