Gourmet and Everyday Serving Suggestions for Edible Bugs
How to Prepare, Cook, and Serve Edible Insects
How to prepare edible insects. Dried edible insects for humans are quickly gaining popularity in the UK as insects as food, thanks to their sustainability and protein-rich nutrition. These tiny powerhouses are packed with essential nutrients like protein, iron, and B12, and they offer a pleasantly nutty, slightly earthy flavour. As a result, edible insects complement both savoury and sweet dishes and are easy to prepare for everyday meals.
In this quick guide, we show you how to prepare edible insects, how to eat edible insects, and how to serve edible insects in simple, delicious ways that fit effortlessly into your daily cooking and snacking routines.
If you’re new to eating insects as food, we recommend starting with our Edible Insects FAQs page. After that, for more detailed step-by-step ideas on how to cook edible insects, explore our Edible insect recipe page.
Incorporate edible insects in your breakfast – Boost breakfast bowls
One of the easiest ways to eat edible insects is at breakfast. Sprinkle dried edible insects over cereals, oatmeal, or porridge alongside nuts and seeds for a crunchy, protein-packed start to your day. This simple method shows how to prepare edible insects with no cooking required, and their nutty flavour blends seamlessly with sweet or savoury toppings.
Use edible insects in soups – Top off soups
When learning how to serve edible insects, soups are a great starting point. Sprinkle dried edible insects over hearty soups, stews, or ramen just before serving. They add a crunchy texture and nutty finish, turning a simple bowl into a protein-rich, gourmet experience. Our favourite is mushroom soup with a sprinkle of edible mealworms.
Make edible insects into snacks – Snack straight from the bag
Edible insects make a satisfying, crunchy snack on their own and are one of the most beginner-friendly ways to try insects as food. Simply sprinkle them with salt (even better if lightly pulverised), pop a few in your mouth, and enjoy their toasted, nutty flavour. This is one of the easiest ways to eat edible insects with no preparation required.
Use edible bugs as toppings – Top off your favourite dishes
To explore creative ideas for how to serve edible insects, sprinkle whole dried insects over salads, tacos, guacamole, fajitas, or grain bowls. Not only do they provide an unexpected crunch and a boost of protein, but they also add a subtle depth of flavour that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables and bold seasonings.
Incorporate edible into healthy recipes – Toss into stir-fries
If you’re looking for ideas on how to cook edible insects, stir-fries are a great option. Add whole dried edible insects to your favourite stir-fry for extra protein and crunch. For enhanced flavour, prepare edible insects by marinating them beforehand in soy or teriyaki sauce with garlic or ginger.
Grind edible insects to use for baking – Grind into insect powder
For a more discreet way to enjoy insects as food, grind dried edible insects into a fine powder. This method explains how to prepare edible insects for baking and smoothies. Use the powder to fortify muffins, protein bars, sauces, or soups for an invisible nutrition boost.
Get creative and experiment with delicious ento-recipes – Cook them your way
Once you’re comfortable, experiment with different ways to cook edible insects. Try roasting, pan-frying, or stir-frying them to enhance flavour and crispiness. Toss them in a skillet with oil, garlic, and your favourite spices for a simple and savoury dish.
Serve edible insects as treats – Sweeten the deal
Edible insects aren’t just for savoury meals. If you’re exploring fun ideas for how to serve edible insects, dip them in melted chocolate or caramelise them with a light syrup glaze. These sweet preparations are a popular way to introduce insects as food to first-time eaters.
If you are new to eating edible bug, we recommend also checking out guide Best Insects to Eat for Beginners. If you are short of ideas and are looking on additional ways on how to eat edible insects to use bugs as food, you can also check our Edible insect recipes page. There you will find recipes with step by step instruction on how to prepare edible insect snacks, sides, mains etc.