Crisp Fried Grasshopper Tostadas with Avocado Crema

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crunchy fried grasshoppers atop toasted corn tostadas with a smooth avocado crema, blending traditional Oaxacan flavors and textures. This Mexican-inspired recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, turns dried grasshoppers (chapulines), corn tostadas, vegetable oil into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering at 350°F. Carefully add 1 cup dried grasshoppers and fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, combine 1 large ripe avocado, 1/3 cup Mexican crema, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 tsp salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Spread about 1.5 tbsp avocado crema evenly over each of the 6 corn tostadas.
  4. Step 4: Top each tostada with a generous spoonful of fried grasshoppers, 2 tbsp crumbled Oaxaca cheese, 1 tsp chopped fresh cilantro, and a few thinly sliced radishes for crunch and color.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately as a unique appetizer or snack showcasing Oaxacan traditional ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp Fried Grasshopper Tostadas with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crisp Fried Grasshopper Tostadas with Avocado Crema?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Fried Grasshopper Tostadas with Avocado Crema?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisp Fried Grasshopper Tostadas with Avocado Crema for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crisp Fried Grasshopper Tostadas with Avocado Crema?

Mexican snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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