10 Edible Cicada Recipes For Sustainable Eating

Every few years, periodical cicadas emerge from the soil in massive numbers, creating a buzzing symphony in backyards across the U.S. While many view them as pests, these insects offer a free, sustainable source of protein. Packed with nutrients similar to lean beef—high in protein and low in fat—cicadas are a keto-friendly food harvested at no cost. For thrifty home cooks, this means turning a natural phenomenon into budget-friendly meals.

Cicadas taste like shrimp with wings, belonging to the same arthropod family as shellfish. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that those allergic to seafood should avoid them due to potential cross-reactivity. In cultures worldwide, entomophagy (insect-eating) is common, from Mexican chapulines to Asian stir-fries. Here in the U.S., cicada emergences provide a rare opportunity for free foraging.

The best cicadas to eat are teneral ones—pale, newly emerged adults still soft before their exoskeletons harden. Harvest at night or early morning when they’re vulnerable near the ground. Always blanch first: boil for 1-5 minutes to kill bacteria, firm the flesh, and ease shell removal. Freeze extras for later use. Remove wings and legs post-blanching for most recipes. These steps ensure safety and palatability.

Why Eat Cicadas? Nutritional and Economic Benefits

Cicadas provide about the same protein per pound as lean beef, with fewer carbs and fats, making them ideal for health-conscious eaters. A University of Maryland guide, “Cicada-Licious,” highlights their role in sustainable eating amid climate challenges. Economically, they’re zero-cost protein during broods, reducing grocery bills when billions emerge.

• High protein: Comparable to chicken or beef.
• Low fat/carbs: Keto and paleo approved.
• Free harvest: No farming needed.
• Sustainable: Natural population control.

Prep tip: Capture at night as they emerge, blanch in boiling water for 1 minute, then freeze or cook. This foundational step applies to all recipes below.

1. Cicada Stir-Fry with Snow Peas

This quick Asian-inspired dish combines tender cicadas with crisp veggies for a nutritious stir-fry. Serve over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup snow peas
• 40 blanched teneral cicadas
• Other veggies like carrots, onions (to taste)
• Vegetable oil
• Soy sauce

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a wok.
2. Add ingredients in order, stir-frying until partially cooked.
3. Serve over whole-grain rice with soy sauce.

Yield: 2 servings. A simple way to introduce cicadas into everyday cooking.

2. Cicada Egg White Soup

A delicate Chinese-style soup featuring cicada bits in a light broth, perfect as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 20 Chinese black mushrooms, soaked and destemmed
• 6 egg whites
• 4 oz. cicadas (wings removed, pre-boiled 5 minutes)
• 1/2 oz. cooked Chinese ham, julienned
• 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3/4 tsp. MSG (optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth

Directions:

Prepare mushroom pouches and shrimp-wrapped cicada balls, steam briefly, then pour boiling stock over. Elegant and flavorful.

3. Corn on the Cob with Cicadas

Sweet corn pairs surprisingly well with roasted cicadas for a backyard BBQ twist.

Ingredients:

• 8 ears fresh corn, halved
• 4 pounds large cicadas

Directions:

Roast cicadas and grill corn; serve together for a hearty side.

4. Chocolate-Dipped Cicadas

A sweet treat masking any earthy notes—roast first, then dip in melted chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. semisweet chocolate
• 30 teneral cicadas

Directions:

1. Roast cicadas at 225°F for 15 minutes.
2. Melt chocolate; dip insects, chill on wax paper.

Yield: 30 pieces. Great for parties.

5. Tempura Cicadas

Courtesy of Montclair State University, this crispy batter highlights cicada tenderness. From the same source: variations like fire-roasted follow.

Ingredients:

• Teneral cicadas
• Flour, salt, egg, seltzer (for batter)
• Oil for frying

Directions:

1. Mix lumpy batter; chill.
2. Dip cicadas, fry until golden.

6. Fire-Roasted Tempura Cicadas

Build a small fire, let it burn down, then dip battered cicadas for smoky flavor.

7. Cicada Balls in Pancakes

Intricate appetizers mimicking cicada shapes with ham accents.

8. Cicada Pizza

Inspired by creative pizzerias, top dough with sauce, cheese, and blanched cicadas for a unique pie.

Example Toppings:

• Miso hoisin sriracha sauce
• Mozzarella, provolone
• Cicada-adorned crust

9. Cicada Popcorn

Simple, addictive snack from a YouTuber: breaded and pan-fried like popcorn shrimp.

Ingredients:

• Handfuls live teneral cicadas
• Salt, egg, breadcrumbs, pepper, paprika, cayenne
• Mazola oil, ramp butter

Directions:

1. Boil 5 minutes, rinse, dry.
2. Bread and fry until browned.
3. Serve with cocktail sauce.

10. Fried Cicada Chips

Crunchy, well-reviewed from Food.com—perfect game-day snack.

Ingredients:

• 30-40 cicadas
• 1 tsp each salt, pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika, garlic powder
• 1 cup flour, egg, 1 tbsp milk
• Oil

Directions:

1. Mix dry seasonings with flour; egg with milk.
2. Dip cicadas in egg then flour; fry 2 minutes.
3. Drain and season.

Pro tip: Add hot pepper or ketchup.

Cicada Harvesting and Safety Tips

Timing: Target 13- or 17-year broods for abundance. In annual areas like Texas, smaller cycles occur yearly. Collect tenerals early.

Avoid pesticides; forage from clean areas. Consult doctors for allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are cicadas safe to eat?

Yes, when properly blanched and cooked. Avoid if shellfish-allergic.

What do cicadas taste like?

Like shrimp or shellfish—mild, nutty when prepared well.

When is cicada season?

Every 13/17 years for periodical; annually in some regions.

Can I freeze cicadas?

Yes, blanch first and store up to months.

Are cicadas nutritious?

High protein, low fat—comparable to beef.

Embrace the emergence: save money, eat sustainably, and impress with these recipes. From savory stir-fries to sweet dips, cicadas prove free food is delicious.

This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider your own situation, or speak with a licensed adviser, before acting on it.