You Zha Zhi Liao Hou (Deep-fried Cicada Nymphs)
Better than fried shrimp!? Summer Evening Classic - Fried Caterpillars
Description
A beloved summer insect food in rural areas like Shandong. Cicada nymphs (Zhi Liao Hou) caught right after emerging from the dirt before molting. Washed in saltwater and deep-fried bare until shatteringly crisp. A high-protein, premium bar snack.
Restaurants serving You Zha Zhi Liao Hou (Deep-fried Cicada Nymphs)
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The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Cicada nymphs(Zhi Liao Hou)
- Frying oil
- Salt
- Sichuan pepper powder
- Cumin powder
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- On a summer night, use a flashlight to catch cicada nymphs (Zhi Liao Hou) just as they emerge from the dirt to climb trees (also sold in markets).
- Submerge them in a bowl of salt water for hours to wash them clean.
- Pat completely dry.
- Heat generous oil in a wok (medium temp) and drop them in.
- Fry slowly until all moisture evaporates, the shells turn golden brown, and they make a hollow, rattling sound (beware: high heat causes them to explode).
- Drain well, and while piping hot, toss heavily with salt and Sichuan pepper powder (Jiao Yan) or cumin.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Sichuan pepper salt spice、Crustacean-like roasted aroma
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Fried shell-on baby shrimp is similar in texture)
Pairing
Cold Beer(Absolutely mandatory)
Trivia
[Hardcore] You might flinch at 'eating bugs', but to Shandong locals, it's an indispensable premium summer delicacy. Traded at high prices in markets, revered as 'summer jewels'.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Pop the whole thing into your mouth head-first and crunch down. The outer shell is as roasted and crispy as a shrimp tail, while the inside bursts with rich, white, meaty protein umami.
Allergen
None (Insect allergy, Crustacean allergy caution)