10 Weirdest Fried Foods You Wouldn't Dare Eat & 10 Delicious Ones to Try Instead
Deep-Fried Nightmares & Deliciously Crispy Treats
As it turns out, there is a wrong and right way to fry things up, and it's all dependent on what you're dunking into the batter. From rattlesnake to silk worms, there are a lot of strange eats you probably wouldn't even go near, and we're here to dissect them—and suggest better treats to have. Here are 10 weirdest fried foods you wouldn't dare eat and 10 delicious ones you must try.
1. Rattlesnake Nuggets
This Texas delicacy isn't for everyone, but if you're adventurous enough, you might be just daring enough to try it at least once. As for the taste, rattlesnake is a little gamier than chicken, so be prepared for that as you bite into this crispy reptile.
2. Scorpion
Did reading "scorpion" send a shiver down your spine? Well, then you probably wouldn't be able to feast on fried scorpions, a street dish you'll find on just about every menu in Southeast Asia and Mexico. If you are curious, though, you might just find it at a state fair near you.
3. Bubblegum
Before you balk at this one, it's probably helpful to mention that deep-fried bubblegum isn't actually made with that chewy treat you can't swallow. Instead, it's made with marshmallows flavored to taste like bubblegum. Still, though, it's an odd one.
4. Tarantulas
We're not done with the creepy crawlies yet, and tarantula is next up on the list of deep-fried foods you probably wouldn't dare try. A delicacy in Cambodia, this dish involves... well, covering a tarantula in batter then tossing it in the deep fryer. A trick is to cook them until the legs are completely stiff, which signals that the abdomen isn't runny anymore. Sounds delicious, right?
A. www.viajar24h.com on Wikimedia
5. Kool-Aid Balls
Unless you're a big Kool-Aid fan, deep-frying this kids' drink into dessert balls is probably something you'd rather skip. You'll often find this snack sold in the classic cherry flavor, but if you're not a cherry person yet are still curious enough to try, you can make them yourself with a different flavor.
6. Butter
You've likely heard of deep-fried butter before, which just consists of dunking a stick of butter into batter then frying it up. An excellent source of saturated fat and calories, even if you were daring enough to try this unhealthy, gooey mess, you probably shouldn't.
7. Salad
Yup, you read that right. Deep-fried salad—who would've thought you could make something so nutritious into something so not nutritious? Whether it's bacon, chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, or carrots, you'll get them all on the plate, just in deep-fried form.
8. Alligator
If rattlesnake nuggets didn't freak you out, then deep-frying this meatier reptile just might. In all honesty, though, you may get tricked into trying these, given that when they're in bite-sized form, they highly resemble popcorn chicken.
9. Silk Worms
Ready to be grossed out some more? If you're exploring the streets of Thailand, you'll probably see this dish offered in street carts on every corner. Often described as gooey and nutty with a satisfying crunch, this is a fried snack that might have you reeling.
Steven G. Johnson on Wikimedia
10. Beer
How does one fry up beer in the first place? Well, one person found a way and brought the creation to the Texas State Fair, where the booze is contained in a ravioli-like dough, then deep-fried. As it turns out, you can drink your beer out of a steaming hot pretzel—but only if you're even willing to.
Now that we've covered some strange fried eats you probably wouldn't dare touch, let's jump into 10 delicious ones you'd be missing out on if you didn't try them.
1. Ice Cream
You can never go wrong with ice cream, and tossing a frozen scoop covered in batter into the deep-fryer is only going to make this already delicious dessert an even more indulgent one. Spray some whipped cream and drizzle some chocolate syrup, then spoon up!
2. Oreos
Oreos, like ice cream, are great enough on their own or when dunked in milk. But we'll do you one better: dunk it in gooey batter, fry it up, and you'll have a yummy cookie treat that will keep you coming back for seconds.
3. Avocado
You might think it weird to fry up a fruit, but if you're looking for a (semi-)healthier way to make fries, avocado could just be the ingredient you're looking for. Coated with crispy panko, this creamy, savory snack is best paired with a side of ketchup or spicy mayo.
4. Cookie Dough
Anyone who's licked off the spatula when making cookie dough will know that it's irresistible, but instead of baking these balls up, why not toss them in the fryer? Simply coat with batter then fry them up, and you'll have the perfect crispy-yet-gooey treat to munch on when the cravings hit.
5. Watermelon
It might sound weird, but if you've heard of grilled watermelon steaks, deep-frying the fruit probably doesn't shock you in the slightest. And hey, don't knock it until you try it—this might just change how you enjoy your favorite summer snack from now on.
6. Cheesecake
Ah, decadent cheesecake. What could make this dessert even better? You already know the answer: deep-frying them into tiny, bite-sized balls, of course! Curious about the taste? Some describe it to be like a cream puff, only cheesier and much more indulgent.
7. Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
If you already make PB&J on the regular, try deep-frying it next time for an extra kick of flavor and texture. Crunchy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside, this can either make the perfect breakfast dish or a great post-dinner treat.
8. Mars
The Scots were onto something when they came up with this novelty dish at a fish and chip shop in 1995. The recipe is simple: a Mars bar covered with batter, then deep-fried. The taste, though? Well, it's just as good as you'd expect.
xian from Lancaster on Wikimedia
9. Bacon
Still frying up your bacon in the pan in the morning? Sure, bacon is delicious no matter how it's prepared, but we argue that deep-frying it is probably the most indulgent, delicious way to enjoy it. No one can resist this crispy golden appetizer!
Arnold Gatilao from Oakland, CA, USA on Wikimedia
10. California Roll
You might be surprised that this isn't on the list of the weirdest fried foods, but once you try a deep-fried California roll, you won't be able to look back. Well, of course, this is provided you enjoy this famed sushi roll in the first place. Dip in some spicy mayo, then bon appétit!
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