BUG BITES: INSECT RECIPES
Get ready to discover the surprisingly craveable world of edible insects.
Orkin entomologist Ian Williams and celebrity chef Richard Blais have teamed up for Bug Bites, a bold culinary journey where bugs become the main ingredient in gourmet meals. Featuring five craveable insect recipes crafted by Chef Blais, fascinating facts about insects from Ian along the way, and a live tasting of each boundary-pushing course, this show challenges expectations and redefines what delicious looks like.
Delicious Bug Recipes
Delicious Bug Recipes
Vanilla Ice Cream With Black Ants and Citrus Zest
Description:
One scoop of vanilla ice cream with black ants and a light dusting of lemon and lime zest and fresh herb garnish.
Ant Flavor Profile:
Similar to licorice.
Boiled Corn Elote With Toasted Crickets
Description:
Ear of corn seasoned with zesty Mexican crema sauce and cotija cheese, topped with toasted crickets, cilantro and lime.
Cricket Flavor Profile:
Toasted and nutty.
Mealworm Pesto With Spaghetti
Description:
Spaghetti tossed with a blended pesto sauce made with basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, oil and toasted mealworms.
Mealworm Flavor Profile:
Toasted and nutty, meant to replicate the pine nuts in a traditional pesto sauce.
Soft Shell Tarantula Sushi Roll (Crunchy Spider Roll Remix)
Description:
Hand-rolled sushi with avocado, cucumber, and a crunchy tarantula tempura. Served with a drizzle of spicy mayo.
Tarantula Flavor Profile:
Earthy with a crunch.
Scorpion Fried Rice
Description:
Savory, pan-roasted dried scorpion served over fried rice, carrots, peppers and soy sauce.
Scorpion Flavor Profile:
Light yet savory, serving as a good replacement for shrimp in this dish.
Disclaimer
These recipes contain culinary, food-grade bugs and arachnids, specifically raised and treated for human consumption. These pests are safe to eat because they are sourced from reputable suppliers as culinary-grade ingredients, with confirmation from an Orkin Entomologist.
No live bugs were harmed during the filming of this production.
About Chef Blais
Chef Richard Blais is known for his inventive, whimsical fine dining with global flair. A James Beard Award-nominated chef, restaurateur and television personality, his passion for pushing culinary boundaries brings a playful and unexpected twist to every dish, even when bugs are on the menu.
About Ian Williams
Ian Williams is a Board-Certified Entomologist with a specialization in Urban Entomology and is also a Certified Wildlife Control Professional. Ian’s deep knowledge of insects and technical expertise helps demystify the world of pests for the people he helps. His background includes more than a decade as an entomologist in the field where he worked to eliminate pest problems and educate clients in the process.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Behind-the-Scenes Content
About the Bugs
Sometimes bugs are food, but sometimes they’re pests. Learn more about each bug included in these recipes here: