Doc Hopper's Frog Legs

Doc Hopper's Frog Legs Recipe: A Delicious Dish to Try Today

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Doc Hopper's Frog Legs is a classic Southern dish that is sure to impress your guests. This recipe features tender frog legs coated in a crispy, flavorful breading and fried to perfection. Whether you're a fan of frog legs or looking to try something new, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

History

Frog legs have been a popular dish in Southern cuisine for centuries. They are often associated with Cajun and Creole cooking, but can be found on menus throughout the South. Doc Hopper's Frog Legs is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

24 frog legs, skin removed
1 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup cornmeal
1 (4 oz (113 g)) packet saltine crackers, crushed
1 tbsp ground black pepper
2 tsp salt
1 tsp minced onion
2 eggs
0.5 cup milk
2 cup vegetable oil for frying
1 cup peanut oil for frying

How to prepare

Special equipment:

You will need a deep-fryer.
Preheat the fryer to 350°F (177°C).
In a bowl, combine the flour, chicken fry, garlic powder, seafood seasoning, seasoned salt, pepper, and House Seasoning. Mix thoroughly.
Prepare the wet batter by mixing 1.33 cups of dry ingredients with 1.33 cups of water in another bowl. Whisk thoroughly.
Dip the frog legs in the wet batter, then dip them in the dry mixture. Repeat this process once more.
Cook the frog legs in the oil in batches until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, which should take about 6 minutes.

House Seasoning:

Yield: 0.5 cup.
In a small bowl, stir together the garlic powder, black pepper, lemon pepper, seafood seasoning, and seasoned salt.

Variations

Add Cajun seasoning to the breading for a spicy kick.
Substitute the vegetable oil for coconut oil for a tropical twist.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal for a lighter, crispier coating.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the skin from the frog legs before cooking to ensure a crispy coating.

- Preheat the fryer to the correct temperature to ensure that the frog legs cook evenly and are crispy on the outside.

- Cook the frog legs in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can result in uneven cooking.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the frog legs reach an internal temperature of 145°F, which is the safe temperature for poultry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Doc Hopper's Frog Legs with a side of coleslaw, hush puppies, and tartar sauce for a classic Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying is the best cooking technique for Doc Hopper's Frog Legs to ensure a crispy, golden-brown coating.

- Make sure to cook the frog legs in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find frog legs, you can substitute chicken wings or shrimp.

- You can use buttermilk instead of milk for a tangier flavor in the wet batter.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dry breading mixture and wet batter ahead of time and store them in separate containers until ready to use. This will save you time when you're ready to fry the frog legs.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Doc Hopper's Frog Legs on a platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Doc Hopper's Frog Legs pair well with a crisp, cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover frog legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Doc Hopper's Frog Legs contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Doc Hopper's Frog Legs contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Doc Hopper's Frog Legs contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Doc Hopper's Frog Legs contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Doc Hopper's Frog Legs are a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and wheat.

Summary

Doc Hopper's Frog Legs are a delicious and nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for your next meal.

Summary

Doc Hopper's Frog Legs are a classic Southern dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a crispy, flavorful breading and tender meat, these frog legs are a delicious and nutritious choice for your next meal. Serve them with your favorite sides and enjoy a taste of the South.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who lived in a small town in Louisiana. She invited me over for dinner and promised to cook up something special. Little did I know that I was about to be introduced to the most unique dish I had ever tasted - Doc Hopper's Frog Legs.

As we sat down at the dinner table, Mrs. Jenkins placed a platter of golden brown, crispy frog legs in front of me. I was hesitant at first, as I had never tried frog legs before, but the enticing aroma of garlic, butter, and Cajun spices drew me in. Mrs. Jenkins explained that the recipe had been passed down from a local legend known as Doc Hopper, a renowned chef in the area.

I took my first bite, and my taste buds were immediately overwhelmed with a burst of flavors. The meat was tender and succulent, with a hint of sweetness from the marinade. The crispy exterior provided the perfect crunch, making each bite a delight to savor. I couldn't believe how delicious frog legs could be!

After dinner, Mrs. Jenkins shared the story of how she came to learn the recipe for Doc Hopper's Frog Legs. She had been a young woman, eager to explore the culinary traditions of her community. One day, she stumbled upon a small diner owned by a mysterious man known only as Doc Hopper. Intrigued by the tantalizing smells emanating from the kitchen, she decided to pay him a visit.

Doc Hopper was a tall, grizzled man with a twinkle in his eye and a passion for cooking. He welcomed Mrs. Jenkins into his kitchen and taught her the secrets of his famous frog legs recipe. The key, he explained, was in the marinade - a blend of Cajun spices, garlic, and butter that elevated the flavor of the frog legs to new heights.

Mrs. Jenkins watched in awe as Doc Hopper expertly seasoned the frog legs and cooked them to perfection. She took notes, asking questions along the way, determined to master the recipe herself. After hours of cooking and tasting, she finally got it just right - a dish that would become a staple in her own kitchen for years to come.

As I listened to Mrs. Jenkins' story, I felt a sense of admiration for her dedication to learning and preserving the culinary traditions of her community. Her passion for cooking was evident in every dish she prepared, including the unforgettable Doc Hopper's Frog Legs.

Years later, I still treasure the memory of that evening spent in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, savoring every bite of those delectable frog legs. Whenever I make the recipe for my own family, I think of her and the legacy of Doc Hopper that lives on through her delicious creation. And I am grateful for the opportunity to share this cherished recipe with others, passing down a piece of our shared culinary heritage for generations to come.