How to Cook with Crickets (Acheta Domesticus): 5 Delicious and Nutritious Edible Insect Recipes

Cricket acheta domesticus, also known as the house cricket, is one of the most popular and widely available edible insects in the world. It has been consumed for centuries in many cultures, especially in Asia and Africa, where it is considered a delicacy and a source of protein. Cricket acheta domesticus is not only tasty and crunchy, but also nutritious and eco-friendly. It contains high levels of protein, iron, calcium, zinc and other essential nutrients that can benefit your health and well-being. It also has a low environmental impact compared to animal meat, as it requires less water, land and feed to produce.

Cricket acheta domesticus can be found online or from specialized insect farms in various forms, such as whole, frozen, dried, roasted or powdered. You can use them as a snack, a topping, a filling or a main ingredient in your recipes. You can also use cricket powder as a flour substitute or a protein supplement in your baking or smoothies. Cricket acheta domesticus has a mild, nutty flavor that can complement many dishes and cuisines. You can season them with spices, herbs, sauces or marinades to enhance their taste and texture.

There are many ways to cook with cricket acheta domesticus, from simple snacks to elaborate dishes. Here are some examples of recipes that use cricket acheta domesticus as an ingredient:

 

1.How to Make Delicious and Nutritious Cricket Hummus

Hummus is a classic dip that is made with cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. It is a staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, and it is also enjoyed around the world as a healthy and versatile snack. Hummus can be served with pita bread, crackers, fresh vegetables or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

But did you know that you can make hummus even more nutritious and sustainable by adding cricket powder? Cricket powder is made from roasted and ground crickets, which are one of the most common and widely consumed edible insects in the world. Crickets are rich in protein, iron, calcium, zinc and other essential nutrients that can benefit your health and well-being. They also have a low environmental impact compared to animal meat, as they require less water, land and feed to produce.

Cricket powder has a mild, nutty flavor that can complement the taste and texture of hummus. It can also boost the protein content of hummus, making it more filling and satisfying. You can use cricket powder as a partial or full substitute for chickpeas in your hummus recipe, depending on your preference and availability.

In this article, we will show you how to make delicious and nutritious cricket hummus using cricket acheta domesticus powder. Cricket acheta domesticus, also known as the house cricket, is one of the most popular and widely available edible insects in the world. You can find it online or from specialized insect farms in various forms, such as whole, frozen, dried, roasted or powdered.

Here are the ingredients and steps for making cricket hummus:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cricket acheta domesticus powder ( you can make your own powder with dried cricket)
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or 1/2 cup if using only cricket powder)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika, parsley or other herbs for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the cricket powder, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. You may need to add some water to adjust the consistency of the hummus.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Transfer the hummus to a bowl and drizzle some more olive oil on top. Sprinkle some paprika, parsley or other herbs for garnish if desired.
4. Enjoy your cricket hummus with your favorite accompaniments.

Cricket hummus is a simple and easy way to incorporate edible insects into your diet. It is delicious, nutritious and eco-friendly. You can make it with any kind of cricket powder you have on hand, or experiment with different flavors and spices. Cricket hummus is a great snack for any occasion, whether you are hosting a party, watching a game or just craving something tasty. Try it today and discover the benefits of eating insects!

 

2.Cricket Chilli: A High-Protein and Sustainable Meal

Cricket chilli is a delicious and nutritious dish that uses cricket powder as a source of protein and flavor. Cricket powder is made from roasted and ground crickets, which are rich in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. Crickets are also eco-friendly, as they require less water, land, and feed than other animal sources of protein.

Cricket chilli is easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. You can use any kind of beans, vegetables, spices, and toppings you like. The cricket powder adds a nutty and earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Here is a simple recipe for cricket chilli that serves four people:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

  

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 tablespoons of cricket powder
• 2 tablespoons of homemade chilli powder (see below)
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 (28-ounce) can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Juice of one lime
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, etc.

Homemade Chilli Powder

To make your own chilli powder, you will need:

• 3 dried chipotle peppers or ancho peppers
• 3 dried morita chiles or cascabel chiles
• 3 dried arbol chiles or bird’s eye chiles
• 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of dried Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon of ground coffee

Remove the stems and seeds from the dried peppers and chop them roughly. Toast the cumin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer the peppers and cumin seeds to a spice grinder or blender and process until finely ground. Add the garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and coffee and pulse to combine. Store the chilli powder in an airtight container for up to six months.

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, celery, cricket powder, chilli powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 15 minutes.
2. Add the vegetable broth and tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
3. Stir in the beans and lime juice and cook until heated through, about 10 minutes.
4. Serve the chilli hot with your favorite toppings or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Enjoy your cricket chilli and feel good about eating a high-protein and sustainable meal!

 

3.Cricket Protein Bars: A Healthy and Eco-Friendly Snack

Cricket protein bars are a great way to enjoy the benefits of cricket flour, which is made from roasted and ground crickets. Cricket flour is a high-quality source of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12, as well as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based protein. Crickets require less water, land, and feed than other livestock, and produce less greenhouse gas emissions and waste.

Cricket protein bars are easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients. You can customize them with your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and spices. They are perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a satisfying treat.

Here is a simple recipe for cricket protein bars that makes 12 bars:

Ingredients

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of cricket flour
• 1/4 cup of almond butter
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1/4 cup of chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats and cricket flour and mix well.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the almond butter and honey together, stirring until smooth.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour the almond butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir well until everything is coated.
6. Fold in the almonds, cranberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and press it firmly into an even layer.
8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and firm.
9. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet before cutting into 12 bars.
10. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.

Enjoy your cricket protein bars and feel good about eating a healthy and eco-friendly snack!

 

4.Cricket Fried Rice: A Crunchy and Flavorful Dish

Cricket fried rice is a fun and easy way to incorporate cricket flour into your diet. Cricket flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used to replace regular flour in many recipes. It is made from roasted and ground crickets, which are high in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. Crickets are also more sustainable and eco-friendly than other sources of animal protein, as they require less water, land, and feed, and produce less greenhouse gas emissions and waste.

Cricket fried rice is a simple dish that can be made with leftover cooked rice, roasted crickets, eggs, vegetables, and seasonings. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients and spices. It is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.

Here is a simple recipe for cricket fried rice that serves four people:

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked white rice
• 1 cup of roasted crickets
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Optional: 1/4 cup of frozen peas and carrots, thawed

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat one tablespoon of oil. Add the roasted crickets and stir-fry for about 10 minutes, until crisp and golden. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized.
4. Add the rice and toss to combine with the onion mixture. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is hot and slightly toasted.
5. Push the rice to one side of the skillet and pour the egg mixture on the other side. Scramble the eggs with a spatula and then mix with the rice.
6. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions, and peas and carrots if using. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring well to combine everything.
7. Serve the fried rice hot with the roasted crickets on top or mixed in.

Enjoy your cricket fried rice and feel good about eating a crunchy and flavorful dish!

 

5.Cricket Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Sweet and Nutritious Treat

Cricket chocolate chip cookies are a tasty and fun way to enjoy the benefits of cricket flour, which is made from roasted and ground crickets. Cricket flour is a high-quality source of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12, as well as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to animal-based protein. Crickets require less water, land, and feed than other livestock, and produce less greenhouse gas emissions and waste.

Cricket chocolate chip cookies are easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients. You can use cricket flour to replace part of the regular flour in your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. The cricket flour adds a nutty and earthy flavor that goes well with the chocolate chips. You can also add some chopped roasted crickets for extra crunch and protein.

Here is a simple recipe for cricket chocolate chip cookies that makes about 24 cookies:

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of cricket flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of butter, softened
• 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup of chopped roasted crickets (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cricket flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat well until smooth.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until a soft dough forms.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped crickets if using with a wooden spoon or spatula.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
9. Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your cricket chocolate chip cookies and feel good about eating a sweet and nutritious treat!

 

These are just some of the many possible recipes that use cricket acheta domesticus as an ingredient. Cooking with cricket acheta domesticus can be fun, creative and rewarding. It can also help you reduce your meat consumption and support the development of a more sustainable food system. So why not give it a try?