Frogs are a specialty of the countryside in the Mekong Delta, rich in nutrients, and are often served as a supplement for malnourished children. In fact, frog meat is rich in protein, sodium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, providing a variety of nutrients for the human body. Therefore, frogs are prepared in various delicious dishes because the meat is gentle and easy to eat. Among them, fried frogs hiding in straw is a popular rustic dish due to its unique name and fragrant taste.
To make the frog crispy, it is crucial to choose fresh and good quality ingredients. Field frogs must be large, with brownish-yellow skin, slim heads, and bright eyes, and firm thighs. When preparing frogs, they need to be washed with alcohol or vinegar to remove the fishy smell. Remove all internal organs and spinal bones (as they often contain harmful anesthetics), then rinse with alcohol and rub with ginger. Marinate the frog meat with spices that suit your taste. Once the meat absorbs the spices well, it can be coated with a layer of crispy flour before frying until golden brown.
The straw in this dish is made from lemongrass. The lemongrass is cleaned, crushed, and torn into small strips along the length of the lemongrass. Then, mix the lemongrass strips with a layer of crispy flour or cornstarch, then fry until golden brown. The golden brown lemongrass looks like yellow straw. When the lemongrass is cooked, place a portion at the bottom, then place the frog meat on top, and add another layer of 'straw' to complete the delicious fried frogs hiding in straw dish. If fried properly, the sweet and crunchy frog meat will be complemented by the crispy 'straw,' which adds a rich, fragrant, and slightly greasy flavor of lemongrass, making the dish very appetizing.
In Can Tho, to enjoy the dish of fried frogs hiding in straw, visitors can visit eco-tourism destinations such as Lung Cot Cau Tourism Area (National Highway 61C, Nhon Thanh Hamlet, Nhon Nghia Commune, Phong Dien District) and Lu Gia Xeo Nhum Ecological Garden (1 Hong Loan Residential Area, Cai Rang District)..
Can Tho Newspaper - Translated by Chi Nguyen