Updated May 8, 2023
Frog legs are a popular delicacy in some parts of the world, especially in France and China … but can I eat frog legs while pregnant?
The answer is yes – you can eat frog legs while pregnant as long as you follow a few guidelines since they can carry parasites:
- Make sure you are aware of the quality and where the frog legs are from. As it is, it can be a challenge in certain countries to find frog legs for sale. As with many foods that are not raised, selected, or prepared properly, the risk of parasites (worms primarily) is an inherent risk.
- Cook thoroughly, this is important because of the risk of parasites. If cooked thoroughly at the recommended temperature, the risk of contracting any parasites is drastically reduced.
Once you have followed the safety guidelines in purchasing your frog legs, you can focus on making some delicious recipes for when you are craving this tasty treat
Can I eat frog legs while pregnant?
Yes, you can. As long as they are thoroughly cooked and eaten in moderation.
Frog legs are a good source of protein and contain many essential nutrients like vitamin A, potassium, and iron.
They are also low in calories and fat.
When cooked properly, frog legs are safe to eat for pregnant women.
Credit: Maternity Comfort Solutions
We hope you will enjoy these recipes to help satisfy your cravings for frog legs while pregnant!
If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.
They will be able to advise you on what foods are safe to eat during your pregnancy.
I have tried several of these recipes over the years and I’ll tell you that my favorites are frog legs with garlic and herbs and Deep-fried frog legs.
These are my 10 favorite frog legs recipes:
1. Frog Legs with Garlic and Herbs:
This dish is perhaps the most common way frog legs are prepared.
It’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.
The garlic and herbs bring out the natural taste of the frog legs, while the lemon juice adds a touch of acidity.
2. Fried Frog Legs:
Fried frog legs are a classic dish that can be enjoyed by pregnant women.
They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice. Have an air fryer?
What better way to use it than to make frog legs without all the oil.
3. Grilled Frog Legs:
Grilling is a great way to cook frog legs while pregnant.
The high heat cooks the frog legs evenly and gives them a nice char.
Serve them with a side of vegetables or salad.
4. Frog Leg soup:
This soup is hearty and nutritious, making it perfect for pregnant women.
It is packed with protein and other essential nutrients, and the delicious flavors will keep you coming back for more!
5. Frog Legs with Spicy Tomato Sauce:
This dish is simple to prepare and full of flavor.
The tomato sauce adds a touch of sweetness to the dish, while the spices give it a kick.
If you are pregnant try one of these recipes! You won’t be disappointed.
6. Frog Legs with Honey and Soy Sauce:
This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
The honey and soy sauce give the frog legs a glaze, while the green onions add a touch of color and flavor.
7. Frog Legs with Black Bean Sauce:
This dish is packed with flavor and nutrition.
The black bean sauce is full of protein and other essential nutrients, and it gives the frog legs a delicious coating.
8. Frog Legs with Curry:
This dish is full of flavor and spice.
The curry powder adds a touch of heat, while the coconut milk helps to turn down the heat and balance out the flavors.
If you are pregnant and looking for a delicious way to enjoy frog legs, try this recipe!
9. Frog Legs with Thai Red Curry:
This dish is full of flavor and spice.
The Thai red curry paste adds a touch of heat, while the coconut milk helps to balance out the flavors.
If you are pregnant and looking for a delicious way to enjoy frog legs, try this recipe!
10. Frog Legs with Teriyaki Sauce:
This dish is a perfect balance of a sweet and savory dish when it comes to how to cook frog legs.
The teriyaki sauce gives the frog legs a glaze, while the green onions add a touch of color and flavor.
If you are pregnant and looking for a delicious way to enjoy frog legs, try this recipe!
What not to eat when pregnant:
The following is a list of the types of foods to avoid during pregnancy:
- Foods that are not pasteurized- Brie, Blue Cheese, Soft cheeses, etc.
- Certain types of fish and shellfish – shark, swordfish, anything high in mercury
- Raw eggs – homemade mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, eggnog.
- Undercooked meats- lunch meats, deli meats
- Hot foods that are not “hot”, avoid hot foods that have been sitting out without a warming source. Same for foods that should be eaten cold. If there is no ice or refrigeration source keeping the food cool, take a pass.
- Caffeine- soda, chocolate. (Limit your caffeine to less than 200 mg a day)
- Herbal Teas (There are so many ingredients in herbal teas so it is best to simply avoid them.)
Final Thoughts
We hope this information has been helpful. As we have seen, frog legs are a delicacy in many parts of the world.
In the United States, they are also popular in certain regions of the country.
They are called Louisana chicken in the deep south of the US.
Almost every resource about eating frog legs does suggest that they not be eaten too often but are safe in moderation.
So … can I eat frog legs while pregnant? If you stick to the guidelines above you can eat frog legs while pregnant.
As with any foods that are prone to carrying foodborne illnesses, be very careful about food preparation and storage.
When it comes to cooking these foods, if anything, consider cooking longer than recommended.
My concern about this is particularly strong as a physician and the son of a physician who had to cook sausages beyond recognition to prevent Trichinosis.
