Simmered Frog Legs in Spiced Soy Broth

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

Tender frog legs gently simmered in a fragrant broth of soy sauce, ginger, and star anise, inspired by the lively sounds of Jiangnan’s wetlands. This chinese-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs (about 400 grams) frog legs, tablespoons soy sauce, ginger slices for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 Chinese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 8 frog legs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice wine, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 5 slices ginger, and 2 whole star anise. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat.
  3. Step 3: Add the frog legs gently into the boiling broth, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the frog legs are cooked through and tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 stalks scallions cut into 2-inch pieces during the last 5 minutes of simmering to infuse fresh aroma.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve the frog legs with a small amount of the spiced broth poured over, garnished with fresh scallion slices if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Frog Legs in Spiced Soy Broth 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 Simmered Frog Legs in Spiced Soy Broth?

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 (about 400 grams) frog legs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Frog Legs in Spiced Soy Broth?

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 Simmered Frog Legs in Spiced Soy Broth for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Simmered Frog Legs in Spiced Soy Broth?

Chinese seafood 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.

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