7 Outrageously Strange Fried Foods You Have to Try
Image Credit: Bostonwiki69, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Deep-frying has long been synonymous with comfort food. From crispy French fries to hot, sugary doughnuts, plunging ingredients into sizzling oil creates mouthwatering textures and irresistible flavors. However, around the world, culinary adventurers are pushing the limits of deep-frying to create bizarre, unexpected dishes that defy the imagination.
These strange and unusual fried foods offer an eclectic mix of flavors, textures, and cultural heritage. Some may leave you scratching your head, while others will ignite your curiosity and perhaps even challenge your own eating boundaries.
Here are the most bizarre deep-fried creations you won’t believe people actually eat.
Fried Pickles
Fried pickles, a Southern delicacy, offer a perfectly tangy bite encased in a crispy, golden batter. Whether served as an appetizer at a barbecue or as a fair food staple, these pickles are a true culinary curiosity. To achieve that perfect crunch, thick dill pickle chips are dried to remove moisture, dipped in a seasoned buttermilk batter, and then deep-fried until crisp perfection.
The final result is a delightful contrast of salty and crunchy, with a creamy ranch dip often accompanying it to elevate the experience. Fried pickles showcase the South’s talent for transforming everyday ingredients into unforgettable snacks, balancing saltiness and crunch in every bite.
For anyone looking to try something out of the ordinary but delicious, this is a great entry point into the world of fried oddities.
Fried Oreos
One of the most iconic and indulgent fair foods, fried Oreos are as decadent as they sound. The process begins by dipping classic Oreo cookies into a sweet, pancake-style batter and frying them until golden and crispy on the outside. The contrast between the warm, gooey center of the Oreo and the crispy exterior makes for an unforgettable treat that has become a fan favorite at State Fairs across the United States.
Topped with powdered sugar, this delightful twist on the beloved cookie will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s the perfect balance of chocolate, sweetness, and crunch, making it the ultimate indulgence for those seeking a quirky, decadent fried dessert.
Deep-Fried Mars Bars
Originating from Scotland, deep-fried Mars Bars are a treat that combines two of the most irresistible food elements: chocolate and deep-frying. The Mars bar is coated in a simple batter and fried until the exterior turns crisp and golden. The result? A gooey, melted chocolate and caramel filling that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy outer shell.
Served piping hot, deep-fried Mars Bars offer an indulgent and somewhat controversial twist on a classic candy bar. While the candy company Mars, Inc. does not officially endorse this fried version, the treat has nonetheless gained worldwide attention, attracting tourists from all over to sample this decadent snack in its birthplace.
Fried Ice Cream
Fried ice cream is a dessert unlike any other, providing a contrast between the scorching heat of its crispy outer layer and the cool, creamy center. The origins of fried ice cream are debated, with some attributing it to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and others to its popularization in 1970s Mexican-American restaurants.
The ice cream is typically coated in cornflakes or other crunchy coatings, then deep-fried for just a few seconds to achieve the perfect balance of hot and cold. This dish has become a favorite around the world, with food trucks and restaurants offering creative variations. Fried ice cream continues to captivate with its striking contrast in textures and temperatures.
Fried Kool-Aid Balls
The world of fried food extends far beyond savory snacks. Fried Kool-Aid balls, which originated at the Big E Fair in Massachusetts, bring a burst of fruity flavor encased in golden, fried dough. The Kool-Aid powder is mixed into the batter, which is then deep-fried to create crispy, tangy treats that are as fun as they are delicious.
These brightly colored balls are packed with the vibrant, sweet-and-sour taste of Kool-Aid, offering a unique flavor combination that both children and adults can enjoy. Although they might sound like a novelty, fried Kool-Aid balls have become a sought-after treat at fairs, known for their bold flavor and unusual presentation.
Fried Scorpions
Fried scorpions, a street food staple in parts of China and Thailand, are not for the faint of heart. Skewered, seasoned, and deep-fried, these crispy critters have a mild flavor often compared to shrimp or crab. The crunchy texture, combined with a sprinkling of salt or chili powder, makes them a daring snack for the boldest of food adventurers.
While scorpions may seem intimidating, they offer an exotic experience that showcases the adventurous spirit of Asian street food culture. Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, is becoming more popular worldwide, and fried scorpions highlight the nutritional and sustainability benefits of including insects in our diets.
Fried Tarantulas
For the ultimate in unusual fried foods, look no further than deep-fried tarantulas. Found on the menu at a Pennsylvania restaurant, fried tarantulas are paired with waffles to create a dish that blends crunchy, crispy textures with the soft, fluffy waffle. The tarantula’s flavor is often compared to a mix of crab and chicken, making it an intriguing culinary experience for those brave enough to try it.
Marinated before being deep-fried, this dish is a true test of culinary daring. For adventurous diners, fried tarantulas are an unforgettable meal, one that challenges your perceptions and offers a once-in-a-lifetime food experience.
Key Takeaways
The world of fried foods is a testament to human creativity and culinary curiosity. From sweet, indulgent treats to exotic, bold snacks, these deep-fried dishes challenge our perceptions of what can be cooked in hot oil.
If you’re looking to try something new at a fair or add an unusual dish to your dinner table, these bizarre fried foods will undoubtedly leave you amazed at the possibilities of what can be fried.
