5 Creative Cicada Recipes You Must Try

Unveiling the Unique Flavor of Cicadas

The cicada, an insect known for its peculiar lifecycle, emerges from the ground in large numbers at various intervals, depending on the species. While often viewed merely as a part of nature’s soundscape, cicadas offer a unique culinary experience that has been enjoyed in various cultures, especially in Asian cuisine. Today, we’re breaking the ice with five innovative cicada recipes that you might find surprisingly delightful.

Cicada Stir-Fry

Stir-frying cicadas can be an excellent way to introduce these insects into your diet. Here’s how you can prepare this dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of freshly caught cicadas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Clean the cicadas thoroughly, removing wings and legs.
  • Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.
  • Add garlic, stir quickly to prevent burning.
  • Toss in the cicadas, stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start to sizzle.
  • Add bell pepper and broccoli, stir-fry for another 3 minutes.
  • Mix in soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper.
  • Continue to cook for 1 minute until everything is well-coated and heated through.
  • Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Cicada Tempura

For those who enjoy the crispy and light texture of tempura, cicadas can be an unexpected and exciting ingredient:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of cicadas
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup ice-cold water
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying
• Instructions:
  • Prepare the cicadas by cleaning them and removing the wings.
  • Whisk flour, ice-cold water, egg, baking powder, and salt in a bowl to make the batter.
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
  • Dip the cicadas in the batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
  • Deep fry until golden brown, roughly 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  • Serve with dipping sauce like soy or a spicy mayo.

Cicada Salad

Looking for something lighter? A cicada salad can be both refreshing and nutritious:

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of roasted cicadas
  • Mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
  • ¹⁄₂ cucumber, sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ¹⁄₄ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Prepare cicadas by roasting them until crispy. This can be done in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until browned.
  • In a bowl, combine the greens, cucumber, avocado, and onion.
  • Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
  • Toss the salad with the dressing.
  • Add the roasted cicadas on top as a garnish.
  • Serve immediately.

💡 Note: Ensure cicadas are ethically sourced or harvested from your own backyard.

Grilled Cicadas with Herbs

For a robust and flavorful dish, try grilling cicadas with an assortment of herbs:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cicadas
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano
  • Garlic powder
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil
• Instructions:
  • Clean the cicadas, keeping them whole or halved depending on your preference.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder.
  • Finely chop the herbs and mix with a tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Lightly brush the cicadas with the herb oil.
  • Grill on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning.
  • Serve hot, perhaps as an appetizer or in wraps with fresh salad.

Cicada and Mushroom Risotto

A more adventurous option combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with cicadas for a luxurious risotto:

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup cicadas
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • ¹⁄₂ cup mixed mushrooms, chopped
  • ¹⁄₄ cup white wine
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warm
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan
  • Fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Sautee the cicadas in a pan until browned and set aside.
  • In another pan, melt butter and sautee the onion until translucent.
  • Add rice, stirring to coat in butter for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add wine, stirring until absorbed.
  • Gradually add the warm broth, stirring frequently, allowing the rice to absorb each addition before adding more.
  • When the rice is nearly cooked, add mushrooms and thyme.
  • Stir in the cooked cicadas and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
  • Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately.

These recipes show that cicadas are not just a phenomenon of nature but can also be a source of culinary delight. Their nutty, somewhat woody flavor can be elevated through various cooking methods, making them an intriguing ingredient for adventurous cooks. Keep in mind: While cicadas are edible and considered a delicacy in some cultures, always ensure they are sourced responsibly and are safe for consumption. Let's move towards a finale with some commonly asked questions about cicada consumption.

Are cicadas safe to eat?

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Yes, cicadas are safe to eat if they are harvested from areas free of pesticides and other contaminants. However, some individuals might have allergies to insects.

How do you harvest cicadas for cooking?

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You can harvest cicadas by gently shaking them from branches early in the morning when they are less active or catching them during their emergence.

What do cicadas taste like?

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Cicadas have a nutty flavor with a slight hint of woodiness. Their taste can vary based on their diet and the preparation method.