How to Eat Mealworms
Mealworms are technically not worms at all, but the larval stage of the darkling beetle (tenebrio beetle). They are commonly sold as pet food and fishing bait, and not usually thought of as food for humans. However, mealworms and other insects have long been a staple food in Asian and other ethnic cuisines. Mealworms are cheap, low in fat, and high in protein and calcium, making them a healthy addition to common foods, such as this recipe for fried rice. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mealworms
- Heavy pan
- Sesame oil
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 egg, beaten
- Carrots, peas, bell peppers or other vegetables
- Green onions (as garnish)
Instructions
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1
Refrigerate the mealworms for several hours before using them. This will slow their metabolism and prevent them from wiggling around.
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2
Boil the mealworms for one to two minutes. If you're nervous about the texture, dry-roast them by baking them in a 200 degree oven for one to two hours, until they can be easily crushed. This will give them a delicate, nutty flavor and texture.
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3
Mince half an onion (or to taste) and two cloves of garlic. Chop the carrots and bell peppers or other vegetables into small pieces.
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4
Heat a heavy pan over medium heat. Lightly coat the pan with sesame oil. (Sesame oil has a nutty taste which will complement the mealworms, but you can use any oil you have.) Add the onions, carrots and other vegetables, and sauté about five minutes, until the onions are translucent.
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5
Add two cups cooked white rice, the garlic, one beaten egg and 1 to 2 tablespoons soy sauce. (Add the mealworms, too, if they have only been boiled.) Turn up the heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the egg is cooked and the rice and mealworms are heated through.
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6
Remove from heat. If you dry-roasted the mealworms, stir them in now. Garnish with chopped green onion.
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Tips & Warnings
Dry-roasted mealworms have many uses, including as a salad topping and a substitute for nuts in cookies. See the Resources section for a chocolate chip mealworm cookie recipe.
The practice of eating insects is called entomophagy.
Raise mealworms yourself or buy them from a trusted source, such as a pet store. Never eat insects found in the wild.
