Fried Kamaru Recipe
This authentic fried kamaru (mole crickets) recipe brings a delicious taste of Filipino provincial cuisine to your table. Crispy on the outside with a savory, nutty flavor inside, kamaru is a traditional delicacy in Pampanga and other regions of the Philippines. This recipe celebrates sustainable protein that's been enjoyed for generations while offering a unique culinary adventure that's both nutritious and surprisingly delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh kamaru mole crickets, cleaned
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce patis
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons vinegar optional, for dipping
- 1 small red onion finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Clean the kamaru thoroughly by soaking them in water for 5-10 minutes, then draining and rinsing several times until the water runs clear.
- Pat the kamaru dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the cleaned kamaru with minced garlic, fish sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Carefully add the marinated kamaru to the hot oil and fry until crispy and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried kamaru and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with chopped onions and green onions if desired.
- Serve hot with vinegar dipping sauce if preferred.
Tips from Lola's Kitchen
- For the freshest flavor, try to cook kamaru the same day they're collected or purchased.
- The best kamaru are collected after rain when they come out of their burrows.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying - cook in batches if necessary for maximum crispiness.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- A squeeze of calamansi juice just before serving adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!