Frog Leg Curry with Coconut Milk and Lemongrass

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Cambodian-style curry simmering tender frog legs in creamy coconut milk infused with lemongrass and spices for a comforting meal. This cambodian-inspired curry ready in about 30 minutes pairs frog legs, coconut milk, red curry paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Cambodian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 600 g frog legs and pat dry. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 tbsp red curry paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add the bruised and chopped 2 lemongrass stalks and stir for 30 seconds to release aroma.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 400 ml coconut milk and 100 ml water, stirring to combine the curry paste.
  4. Step 4: Add the frog legs into the pot, simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until the frog meat is cooked through and tender.
  5. Step 5: Season the curry with 2 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tbsp palm sugar, stirring well to balance salty and sweet flavors.
  6. Step 6: Turn off heat and stir in 10 thai basil leaves and 1 sliced red chili for fresh herbal and mild heat notes.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Frog Leg Curry with Coconut Milk and Lemongrass take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Frog Leg Curry with Coconut Milk and Lemongrass?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep frog legs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Frog Leg Curry with Coconut Milk and Lemongrass?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Frog Leg Curry with Coconut Milk and Lemongrass for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Frog Leg Curry with Coconut Milk and Lemongrass?

Cambodian curry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.