Canadian-style Cricket Tacos

Ingredients

In this Canadian adaptation of Tacos de chapulines, the traditional Mexican dish, we substitute the original grasshoppers with crickets and infuse the dish with Canadian flavors. The crickets are glazed with maple syrup, a quintessential Canadian ingredient, adding a sweet and tangy taste to the tacos. Additionally, we incorporate fresh Canadian vegetables, such as lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado, to enhance the flavors and textures of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos de chapulines, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (150g) roasted crickets 1 cup (150g) roasted crickets
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 small tortillas 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Add the roasted crickets to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the maple syrup mixture.
4. 4.
   Spread the crickets in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are crispy.
5. 5.
   Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are pliable.
6. 6.
   Fill each tortilla with a portion of the crispy crickets, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Crickets — Ensure that the crickets are roasted and fully cooked before using them in the tacos. This will enhance their flavor and texture.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find roasted crickets, you can roast them yourself by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes.
• Adjust the amount of maple syrup and chili powder according to your taste preferences. Add more maple syrup for a sweeter glaze or increase the chili powder for a spicier kick.
• Serve the tacos with a side of Canadian-style coleslaw for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Maple-Glazed Cricket Tacos hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before eating to add a burst of citrusy freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnishing them with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve them alongside lime wedges for an inviting presentation.