Frog legs may seem like an exotic delicacy, but they are surprisingly easy to find if you know where to look. While not commonly found in mainstream grocery stores, frog legs remain a popular menu item at many restaurants across the country.
If you’re curious to try this unique protein, read on to discover the best places to find cooked frog legs, as well as how to purchase them raw if you wish to cook them at home.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Frog legs can commonly be found on the menus of upscale restaurants, Cajun/Creole eateries, high-end seafood markets, and international grocery stores. They can also be specially ordered through local butchers.
Upscale and French Restaurants
Upscale steakhouses and fine-dining establishments
When it comes to finding frog legs in upscale settings, steakhouses and fine-dining establishments are a great place to start. These high-end establishments often pride themselves on offering a diverse and unique menu, showcasing delicacies from around the world.
Frog legs, with their delicate flavor and tender texture, are a perfect fit for these refined dining experiences.
Steakhouses, known for their prime cuts of meat, are increasingly adding frog legs to their menus as a luxurious option for adventurous diners. These establishments typically source their frog legs from reputable suppliers, ensuring the highest quality and freshness.
Some popular upscale steakhouses even offer frog legs as an appetizer or a main course, prepared in various delectable ways, such as sautéed, grilled, or breaded and fried.
Similarly, fine-dining establishments with a focus on French cuisine often include frog legs as a delicacy on their menus. French chefs have long been celebrated for their mastery of frog leg preparation, creating dishes that highlight the unique flavors of this amphibian.
From classic French preparations like frog legs Provençal, where the legs are sautéed with garlic, herbs, and white wine, to more innovative and modern interpretations, French fine-dining restaurants offer a range of options for those looking to indulge in this culinary delight.
French bistros and brasseries
For a more casual yet authentic French dining experience, exploring French bistros and brasseries is a must. These cozy and charming establishments often feature traditional French dishes, including frog legs.
Bistros and brasseries are known for their rustic and comforting atmosphere, making them the perfect place to enjoy this unique delicacy.
In these relaxed settings, frog legs are typically prepared in classic French styles, such as frog legs à la provençale or frog legs en persillade. The former involves sautéing the frog legs with garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, while the latter features them cooked with parsley, garlic, and butter.
These preparations highlight the simplicity and elegance of French cuisine, allowing the natural flavors of the frog legs to shine.
French bistros and brasseries can be found in many cities around the world, and their menus often reflect the regional influences and ingredients. By visiting these charming establishments, not only can you savor the deliciousness of frog legs, but you can also immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of France.
Cajun and Creole Cuisine
Cajun and Creole cuisine, renowned for its rich and flavorful dishes, is a true reflection of the cultural heritage of Louisiana. This unique culinary tradition blends French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, resulting in a diverse and tantalizing array of flavors.
Among the many delicacies that Cajun and Creole cuisine offer, frog legs stand out as a culinary gem.
Restaurants in Louisiana
If you find yourself in Louisiana, the birthplace of Cajun and Creole cuisine, you’ll have no trouble finding restaurants that serve delectable frog legs. From the vibrant streets of New Orleans to the charming towns of Lafayette and Baton Rouge, there are numerous establishments that specialize in this mouth-watering delicacy.
One highly recommended restaurant is Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, located in New Orleans. This legendary eatery has been serving authentic Creole cuisine since 1941 and is known for its delicious frog legs.
The perfectly seasoned and crispy frog legs at Dooky Chase’s are a must-try for any food enthusiast.
Another popular spot is Prejean’s Restaurant in Lafayette. This Cajun eatery is renowned for its lively atmosphere and flavorful dishes, including their signature frog legs. Prejean’s frog legs are seasoned to perfection and cooked to crispy perfection, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Regional Cajun/Creole eateries
Outside of Louisiana, there are also a number of regional Cajun/Creole eateries that serve delicious frog legs. These establishments bring the authentic flavors of Louisiana to different parts of the country, allowing you to indulge in this unique delicacy no matter where you are.
If you’re in Texas, head over to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. With locations in Houston, Dallas, and other major cities, this restaurant offers a wide range of Cajun and Creole dishes, including their famous frog legs.
The tender and succulent frog legs at Pappadeaux are sure to leave you craving for more.
For those on the East Coast, Acme Oyster House in New Orleans has expanded to include locations in Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida. Acme’s frog legs are renowned for their delicate flavor and crispy texture, making them a popular choice among seafood lovers.
Whether you’re in Louisiana or exploring regional Cajun/Creole eateries, these restaurants offer a delightful culinary experience with their delectable frog legs. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor this unique delicacy and immerse yourself in the flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine!
Seafood Markets
Independent fish markets
If you’re on the hunt for frog legs, one of the best places to start is at independent fish markets. These markets often specialize in providing a wide variety of fresh seafood options, including frog legs.
They source their products directly from local fishermen or reputable suppliers, ensuring the freshest and highest-quality seafood for their customers.
Independent fish markets are known for their expertise in seafood and their commitment to customer satisfaction. Their knowledgeable staff can provide advice on cooking methods and recipes for frog legs, helping you make the most out of your culinary experience.
So, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek recommendations when visiting these markets.
When searching for independent fish markets that offer frog legs, it’s a good idea to check online directories or review websites. These platforms often provide customer reviews and ratings, giving you an idea of the quality and service provided by different fish markets in your area.
Additionally, they might offer contact information and directions to help you find the nearest market.
Seafood counters at gourmet grocery stores
Another great option for finding frog legs is to visit the seafood counters at gourmet grocery stores. These stores pride themselves on offering high-quality and unique food products, making them an excellent place to find specialty items like frog legs.
At the seafood counters, you’ll find an assortment of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and sometimes even exotic options like frog legs. The staff at these counters are often knowledgeable about their products and can provide recommendations on cooking techniques and flavor pairings.
Some gourmet grocery stores also have online platforms where you can browse their seafood selection and place orders for pickup or delivery. This convenience makes it even easier to get your hands on frog legs without having to travel to the store.
When visiting these seafood counters, be sure to inquire about the availability of frog legs, as they may not always be in stock. You can also check the store’s website or call ahead to inquire about their current offerings.
Taking these steps will help ensure that you don’t leave empty-handed and that you have the opportunity to enjoy this delicacy.
International Grocery Stores
When it comes to finding frog legs, international grocery stores are often the best place to start. These stores specialize in carrying a wide variety of products from different countries, giving you access to unique and exotic ingredients, including frog legs.
Asian supermarkets
Asian supermarkets are a treasure trove for food enthusiasts looking for frog legs. These stores cater to the diverse Asian population and stock a wide range of ingredients from various Asian countries. Frog legs are a popular delicacy in many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai.
You can find them in the freezer section or sometimes even fresh, depending on the store.
One well-known Asian supermarket that you can check out is H Mart. With locations across the United States, H Mart offers a wide selection of Asian ingredients, including frog legs. Their website, www.hmart.com, provides information about their store locations and products available.
European delicatessens
European delicatessens are another great option for finding frog legs. These specialty stores focus on offering high-quality and unique European food products. In European cuisine, frog legs are particularly popular in countries like France, Belgium, and Italy.
If you’re in the United States, a well-known European delicatessen to visit is Eataly. With locations in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, Eataly offers a wide range of Italian food products, including frog legs.
You can find more information about their stores and products on their website, www.eataly.com.
When visiting international grocery stores, it’s important to keep in mind that availability may vary depending on location and season. It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check their websites for specific information on stock and availability.
So, whether you’re exploring Asian supermarkets or European delicatessens, you’re sure to find frog legs to add a unique touch to your culinary adventures.
Ordering Raw Frog Legs
For those adventurous foodies who want to try cooking frog legs at home, there are a few places where you can order raw frog legs. Whether you are looking for specialty meat purveyors or local butchers, you have options to choose from.
Specialty Meat Purveyors
Specialty meat purveyors are a great option for finding high-quality raw frog legs. These purveyors specialize in sourcing unique and exotic meats, including frog legs. They often have a wide variety of options and can provide you with the best quality frog legs for your culinary adventures.
One popular specialty meat purveyor is Exotic Meat Market. They offer a range of exotic meats, including frog legs, and ship them directly to your doorstep. You can visit their website to browse their selection and place an order.
Another reputable specialty meat purveyor is Marx Foods. They pride themselves on providing high-quality, sustainable meats, and offer fresh frog legs as part of their selection. You can check out their website to explore their offerings and make a purchase.
Local Butchers
Supporting local businesses is always a great idea, and your local butcher may be able to provide you with raw frog legs. While not all butchers carry frog legs, it’s worth checking with them to see if they can source them for you.
When visiting your local butcher, don’t be afraid to ask if they can order frog legs for you. They may be willing to accommodate your request, especially if there is a demand for it in your area. Plus, they can often provide you with tips and advice on cooking frog legs to ensure you get the best results.
If you’re unsure about where to find a local butcher in your area, a quick online search or asking for recommendations from friends and neighbors can help you discover the best options nearby.
Remember, when ordering raw frog legs, it’s important to handle them safely and cook them thoroughly to avoid any potential health risks. Enjoy your culinary adventure and savor the unique flavor of frog legs!
Conclusion
While frog legs may seem obscure, they can actually be found in many restaurants and markets if you know where to look. Upscale eateries, Cajun/Creole restaurants, gourmet seafood shops, international grocers, and specialty meat suppliers are good places to check.
With this guide, you should have no trouble hunting down this unique and tasty delicacy. Just be adventurous, keep an eye out on menus, and don’t be afraid to ask your local butcher. Bon appétit!
