Soft Shell Tarantula Sushi Roll

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.

Ingredients:

For the Sushi Rice:

• 1 cup sushi rice, rinsed

• 1¼ cups water

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp salt

For the Tarantula Tempura:

• 2 edible tarantulas

• 1/4 cup rice flour

• 1/4 cup AP flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 egg

• ⅔ cup ice-cold sparkling water

• Neutral oil for frying

Other Fillings:

• 1 ripe avocado, sliced

• 1 small cucumber, julienned

• 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo or spicy mayo

• Green shiso leaf

Assembly:

• 2 sheets of nori

• Bamboo sushi rolling mat

• Toasted sesame seeds, green tobiko and eel sauce for topping

• Soy sauce, pickled ginger, wasabi (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Make the sushi rice:

• Cook rinsed sushi rice with water in a rice cooker or on the stovetop.

• Mix vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until dissolved, then fold into the cooked rice.

• Cool to room temperature.

2. Prepare the tarantula tempura:

• Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or pot.

• In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, egg, and sparkling water lightly. The batter should be lumpy and cold.

• Pat tarantulas dry. Dredge lightly in flour, then dip into tempura batter.

• Fry each tarantula for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

3. Assemble the roll:

• Lay a sheet of nori on the bamboo mat, shiny side down.

• Wet your hands and press a thin layer of sushi rice across the sheet, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.

• Lay avocado slices, cucumber, and a light drizzle of spicy mayo across the center.

• Slice one tempura-fried tarantula in half and lay across the fillings, arranging legs outward for drama.

• Roll tightly, sealing the edge with water.

4. Slice and serve:

• Slice each roll into 8 pieces with a sharp, wet knife.

• Garnish with sesame seeds, tobiko, eel sauce and more shiso leaf.

• Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Notes:

You can also include fried legs sticking out the ends of the roll for an extra showpiece effect

Learn About Spider Pest Control

• Tarantula Pest Control

• How Are Spider Webs Made?

• What Do Spider Bites Look Like?

• How Do I Keep Spiders Out Of My Home?

• How Do I Get Rid Of Spiders Outside?

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.