Are you ready to take your culinary adventures to new heights? Look no further than the humble cicada. These crunchy, flavorful insects are a delicacy in many cultures around the world, and we’re excited to share 18 mouthwatering recipes that will have you hooked. From savory stir-fries and tacos to sweet treats like chocolate-covered cicadas, there’s something for everyone in this collection of cicada-based dishes.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to impress. And don’t worry if the thought of eating insects makes you squeamish – trust us, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked.
So what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover the delicious world of cicada cuisine! In our next installment, we’ll explore the art of preparing garlic butter roasted cicadas. Stay tuned…!
Garlic Butter Roasted Cicadas
Garlic Butter Roasted Cicadas: Elevate your entomophagy experience with this savory and aromatic recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cicadas, rinsed and patted dry
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and butter until well combined.
3. Place the cicadas in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cicadas, making sure they’re all coated.
5. Sprinkle lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until the cicadas are golden brown and crispy.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves, if desired.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cicada Tempura with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Experience the thrill of cicada tempura, a Japanese-inspired delight that will leave you craving for more. This crispy fried treat pairs perfectly with a spicy dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of excitement to your snacking adventure.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cicadas (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– 1/2 cup club soda
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy Dipping Sauce:
+ 1/2 cup mayonnaise
+ 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
+ 1 tablespoon soy sauce
+ 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper.
2. Add club soda to the mixture and stir until smooth.
3. Dip each cicada into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Fry the cicadas in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
6. To make the dipping sauce, combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chocolate-Covered Cicadas with Sea Salt
Combine the crunch of cicadas with the richness of chocolate and a touch of sea salt for a unique treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cicadas (fried or boiled, see note)
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
1. Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the cicadas to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until they are fully coated.
4. Sprinkle the sea salt over the cicadas and chocolate.
5. Place the chocolate-covered cicadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
Cooking Time: 0 hours, 15 minutes
Cicada and Avocado Sushi Rolls
Experience the unique fusion of Japanese flavors with this innovative recipe that combines the nutty taste of cicadas with creamy avocado.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked cicadas, chopped
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/2 cup sushi rice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 sheet nori seaweed
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the sushi rice according to package instructions using 1/4 cup of water.
2. In a small bowl, mix together chopped cicadas and mashed avocado.
3. Lay the nori sheet flat on a cutting board. Spread a thin layer of sushi rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cicada-avocado mixture in the middle of the rice.
5. Roll the sushi using a bamboo mat or your hands, applying gentle pressure to form a compact roll.
6. Slice into individual pieces and serve with soy sauce and wasabi for added flavor.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Spicy Cicada Tacos with Lime Crema
Elevate your taco game with this unique recipe featuring crispy cicadas and a spicy kick. Perfect for adventurous eaters, these tacos combine the flavors of Mexico with a hint of Southern charm.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cicadas (fried until crispy)
– 1/2 cup lime crema (see below)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: cilantro, avocado, sour cream, queso fresco
Lime Crema:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together lime crema ingredients.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add chopped jalapeño and cook for an additional minute.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by placing crispy cicadas, onion-jalapeño mixture, and lime crema on each tortilla.
6. Serve immediately and customize with your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cicada Stir-Fry with Vegetables
This recipe showcases the unique flavor of cicadas, often overlooked but packed with nutrients and a rich umami taste. Pair it with colorful vegetables for a harmonious balance.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cicada pieces (cooked and shelled)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add bell pepper and snow peas; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. Add cicada pieces; stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Crispy Cicada Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Experience the unique flavor of cicadas in this crunchy and refreshing salad, perfect for a warm summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cicada shells (fried until crispy)
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Honey Mustard Dressing (recipe below)
Honey Mustard Dressing:
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss cicada shells with a pinch of salt and fry until crispy.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley.
4. Top salad with fried cicadas.
5. Drizzle Honey Mustard Dressing over the salad.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including cicada frying time)
Cicada and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
This unique recipe combines the earthy flavor of cicadas with the creaminess of cheese, all wrapped up in sweet bell peppers. Perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new!
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cicadas, cooked and chopped
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together cicadas, cheese, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the cicada-cheese mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed peppers and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Barbecue Cicada Skewers
Take your outdoor gatherings to the next level with these unique and flavorful Barbecue Cicada Skewers, perfect for adventurous eaters. With their crunchy texture and smoky flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at your next BBQ or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cicadas (cleaned and patted dry)
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wooden skewers, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, olive oil, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread 3-4 cicadas onto each wooden skewer.
4. Brush the cicada mixture evenly over the insects on each skewer.
5. Place skewers on the grill or grill pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total
Cicada and Mushroom Risotto
This Italian-inspired dish combines the unique flavor of cicadas with earthy mushrooms, creating a savory and memorable meal. This risotto recipe is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 1/4 cup cicada meat, chopped
– 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
4. After 20 minutes of cooking, add sliced mushrooms and chopped cicada meat. Cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown.
5. Remove from heat and stir in white wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cicada Pesto Pasta
This recipe combines the flavors of cicadas with traditional pesto pasta, creating a unique and delicious dish. The earthy sweetness of the cicadas pairs perfectly with the rich basil and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1/4 cup cicada shells (dried or fresh)
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine cicada shells, pesto sauce, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the blended mixture to cooked pasta, tossing to combine.
4. Top with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Savory Cicada Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Experience the unique flavors of the great outdoors with these crispy and savory cicada pancakes, perfectly paired with a drizzle of pure maple syrup. This recipe combines the earthy sweetness of cicadas with the warmth of spices and the comfort of fluffy pancakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup cicada meal (see note)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, cicada meal, cumin, and smoked paprika.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls onto the preheated skillet or griddle.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cicada and Bacon Deviled Eggs
A twist on the classic deviled egg recipe, this dish combines the sweetness of cicadas with the savory flavor of bacon.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup cicada pieces (canned or fresh)
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped chives or paprika for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise.
2. Scoop out the yolks and place them in a bowl.
3. Add the cicada pieces, bacon, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the yolks.
4. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
6. Sprinkle with chives or paprika for garnish.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (not including chilling time)
Cicada Nachos with Melted Cheese and Jalapeños
Get ready to take your nacho game to the next level with this unique and delicious recipe featuring crispy cicadas, melted cheese, and spicy jalapeños.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cicadas (fried or roasted)
– 8-10 tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
3. Top with fried cicadas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from oven and top with sliced jalapeños.
6. Drizzle with butter and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cicada and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your culinary experience with this unique fusion of flavors, combining the earthy sweetness of cicadas with the nutritional benefits of spinach. This recipe yields a delightful and savory twist on traditional stuffed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (any variety)
– 1/2 cup cicada meat, cooked and chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cicada meat, spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and fill each cap with the cicada-spinach mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and sprinkle with cheese (if using).
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cicada Fried Rice with Scallions
A savory and aromatic twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the sweetness of cicadas with the pungency of scallions.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/4 cup cicada pieces
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup diced scallions (white and green parts)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: soy sauce or sesame oil for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cicada pieces and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 15 seconds.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Stir-fry the rice with the cicadas and garlic for about 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
6. Add the diced scallions and stir-fry for another minute, until they’re evenly distributed.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add soy sauce or sesame oil for added flavor.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Cicada and Black Bean Quesadillas
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of cicadas with the rich taste of black beans, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1/4 cup sautéed cicadas (see note)
– 2 large tortillas
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together black beans, cicadas, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the bean-cicada mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the filling is heated through.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Cicada Trail Mix
Sweet and Spicy Cicada Trail Mix Recipe
Get ready to elevate your snacking game with this addictive Sweet and Spicy Cicada Trail Mix! Crunchy, spicy, and sweet, it’s the perfect combination for a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cicada crackers (or similar crunchy snack)
– 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
– 1/4 cup chili-spiced pretzels
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cicada crackers, mixed nuts, chili-spiced pretzels, and dried cranberries.
2. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl (10-15 seconds) or over low heat.
3. Stir the honey, cayenne pepper, and salt into the melted chocolate until well combined.
4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the trail mix on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and chill!
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure with these 18 crunchy cicada recipes! From classic dishes like garlic butter roasted cicadas and tempura with spicy dipping sauce, to sweet treats like chocolate-covered cicadas with sea salt, there’s something for every taste. Try cicada sushi rolls or stir-fry with vegetables, or get creative with cicada-stuffed peppers and quesadillas. Even savory dishes like barbecue skewers and risotto make the list. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, these cicada recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings!
