5 Ingredients or Fewer

Sauteed June Bugs

by:
June  7, 2010
5
2 Ratings
  • Makes As many june bugs as you can catch
Author Notes

Those of you who know me well knew that this post was going to happen at some point. It's June on Cape Cod, which means one thing: june bugs. Big, noisy, and attracted to light at night, these guys congregate on our porch screens by the dozens. It's a snack that comes straight to you! A quick saute in olive oil with a sprinkling of salt and chili powder, and they are ready to eat. Once you get over the fact that you're eating a bug, you will notice that they have a nice, smooth, nutty flavor and a great crunch. —lechef

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Ingredients
  • 12 Fresh live june bugs
  • 1 tablespoon Olive OIl
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
Directions
  1. Add the olive oil to a skillet heat until shimmering. Toss in the june bugs and saute for about 5 minutes, until crunchy. Sprinkle with salt and chili powder, and serve immediately.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

13 Reviews

Chad B. May 26, 2016
Wouldn't they already be crunchy?
Mary M. June 13, 2015
Why???
Codi B. September 16, 2014
as soon as they come into season ima try them ill let ya know how they are
Elena April 9, 2014
I've heard they are better if you pull their wings and legs off first, since they don't have any nutrition and don't add much to flavor. I have not attempted to try any myself but I am very curious. Some day I might overcome my bug superstitions especially if my husband agrees to give them a try (which will probably never happen...lol)
Christa J. June 8, 2013
ewwww I think im gonna be sick
Becky B. June 7, 2013
this is just down right wrong
Nora December 2, 2010
Okey dokey. How about those Japanese beetles? Could this be the way to save the roses?
Kurobunny September 27, 2023
This is what I am hoping to find or create more receipts for
lapadia June 9, 2010
YIKES! I can barely look at this, but of course, that’s a matter of taste, isn’t it?
mrslarkin June 7, 2010
I've eaten some weird things, but I don't think I can ever eat a bug. On purpose. Yes, definitely need the floss handy.
aargersi June 7, 2010
It seems like the little leggys would get stuck in your teeth.
lechef June 7, 2010
Haha, you'd have to catch a LOT of them!
thirschfeld June 7, 2010
Can you substitute lightning bugs? LOL