Grilled Jerk Frog Legs

I grew up watching Reading Rainbow – bear with me – and on LeVar Burton's “My Little Island” episode, he visits the Caribbean island of Montserrat. There, he visits the sandy beaches, discovers exotic fruits and vegetables at the street market, and most interestingly, LeVar follows a local into the rainforest to look for the “mountain chicken.” 

Leptodactylus fallax, commonly known as the mountain chicken or giant ditch frog, is a frog species endemic to the Caribbean islands. True to its name, the mountain chicken was highly sought after for its meat, and as a result, the species is now critically endangered on Montserrat. After one good look in the jungle, LeVar and his guide let the frog go. 

I was probably 7 or 8 years old when I saw this episode, and I never forgot it. While no mountain chickens were harmed in this recipe, I can’t say the same for our American bullfrog. Fortunately, Lithobates catesbeianus are doing well and thriving – invasive, even, in some areas.

If you've yet to try frog legs, this dish is your excuse to remedy that. Make a plan, keep this recipe handy and get out in the next few weeks. You won't be disappointed. 

To view this Grilled Jerk Frog Legs recipe we created for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, visit: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/grilled_jerk_frog_legs?fbclid=IwAR1hWOKKvumUp7YoEgqKZk7msjd8Rc1Ts8NTCQE7Lia7eiaZJm78vyjvwk0