Embark on a culinary journey to Cambodia with our exquisite recipe for Cha Traop Dot, a traditional dish bursting with vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage. Cha Traop Dot, which translates to "stir-fried lemongrass beef," is a beloved dish in Cambodian cuisine, cherished for its aromatic spices, tender beef, and refreshing lemongrass infusion.

This culinary masterpiece perfectly encapsulates the essence of Cambodian cooking, combining fresh ingredients with subtle yet distinctive seasonings to create a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious food enthusiast, join us as we delve into the heart of Cambodian gastronomy and uncover the secrets behind this tantalizing dish.

Ingredients:

• 500g frog legs, cleaned and skinned
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Kampot pepper, freshly ground
• 1 stalk lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1- Marinate the frog legs: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and half of the Kampot pepper. Mix well to create a marinade. Add the frog legs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the frog legs to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for best results.

2- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped lemongrass and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3- Add the marinated frog legs to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

4- Once the frog legs are cooked, sprinkle the remaining Kampot pepper over the top and toss to combine. Add the sliced red chili if using, for an extra kick of heat.

5- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the stir-fried frog legs to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

6- Serve the Cambodia Cha Traop Dot hot, accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this traditional Cambodian specialty, showcasing the unique taste of Kampot pepper and fragrant lemongrass.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving:

Frog legs (500g):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein
• Low in fat and carbohydrates

Garlic (4 cloves):

• Calories: 16
• Protein: 0.8g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3.5g
• Fiber: 0.2g

benefits:

• Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and boosting immune function
• Rich in antioxidants

Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats that support heart health
• Source of vitamin E, an antioxidant

Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 9
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2.3g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Adds savory flavor to dishes
• Contains vitamins and minerals, including iron and zinc

Soy sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Enhances flavor with its salty and savory profile
• Contains essential amino acids and small amounts of vitamins and minerals

Fish sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 1.4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Adds depth of flavor to dishes
• Source of protein and minerals like calcium and phosphorus

Sugar (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 16
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4.2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness to balance flavors
• Provides quick energy, but should be consumed in moderation

Kampot pepper (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Fiber: 0.6g

benefits:

• Known for its unique flavor and aroma
• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties

Lemongrass (1 stalk, white part only):

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.2g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

• Adds citrusy flavor and aroma to dishes
• Contains antioxidants and compounds with potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and cholesterol levels

Red chili (1, thinly sliced):

• Calories: 18
• Protein: 0.8g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3.9g
• Fiber: 1.6g

benefits:

• Adds heat and spice to dishes
• Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties

Nutritional values for fresh cilantro leaves are negligible as they are primarily used for garnish.