Cooking Insect-Based Dishes With Joseph Yoon

In this four-part seminar, get to know the distinct flavor profiles of different insects and learn how to incorporate them into a number of dishes and cuisines. 

Course Description

Insects have increasingly been making headlines as a sustainable food of the future, but they’ve been enjoyed by billions of people across the globe for a long, long time. In this hands-on cooking workshop led by edible insect expert Chef Joseph Yoon of Brooklyn Bugs, you’ll explore the culinary role of insects in a variety of cuisines and dishes. We’ll dive into why we should eat insects as well as how to take advantage of their distinct flavors and textures in the kitchen. After an introductory tasting, you’ll get the chance to try your hand at crafting several insect-studded, multi-course meals before adding your own creative flair, designing a dish of your own. During our final session, we’ll gather virtually for a potluck to chat and share our entomological creations with one another. By the end of our time together, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the role insects can play in the food industry and in your own kitchen. You’ll also have access to recipes and resources so you can continue to cook delicious, insect-based dishes long after the course concludes.

This course is open to chefs and home cooks of all levels, though some prior cooking experience is recommended. It can also serve as an appropriate next step for those who took Joseph’s previous courses and are looking to expand their repertoire of insect-based dishes. 

Gastro Obscura Courses: delving deep into the world’s culinary curiosities with expert instructors.

Syllabus at a Glance

This course includes four total sessions, with the first three sessions lasting for 1.5 hours and wrapping up with a final, 1-hour session.

Session 1 (Tuesday, 4/5/2022, 7–8:30 PM ET)| An Edible Insects Introduction & Tasting: Background, flavor profiles, and functionality

Session 2 (Tuesday, 4/12/ 2022, 7–8:30 PM ET)| The Next Instar: Making our first meal

Session 3 (Tuesday, 4/19/ 2022, 7–8:30 PM ET)| Metamorphosis: Preparing your menu

Session 4 (Tuesday, 4/26/ 2022, 7–8:00 PM ET)| The Bug Out: Virtual potluck, Q&A, and class discussion

Between Sessions

Outside of class, students will be provided with optional articles and videos featuring Chef Joseph Yoon, offering opportunities to go deeper on topics touched on in class. While these aren’t required, there will be time at the beginning of each class to discuss the materials and answer any related questions. Students will be encouraged to prepare a dish of their own between the third and final session, which they can share with the class (either live or via a photo of their creation) during a virtual potluck. 

Materials

In order to participate live in this course, students should purchase all edible insects prior to the start of the class, either by buying a special $50 bug kit which will include all insect products used in class at a discounted price, or by sourcing them independently online. You can find the kit here; please select "Chef's Sample Set" from the dropdown menu.  

Students should also plan to purchase other basic ingredients that can be found at most grocery stores prior to sessions two and three; menu details and ingredients will be sent out in advance of class. They should also have access to a clear working space, a good knife, a cutting board, pots, pans, and basic kitchen utensils. 

Pricing Options

In addition to full-price tickets, a limited number of no-pay spots are available for this course. Please note that these tickets are reserved for those who would not otherwise be able to take this course and who expect to attend all sessions. No-pay spots are distributed via a randomized drawing two weeks before each course begins. For more information and to apply for a no-pay spot, please click here. To learn more about our pricing model and randomized selection process for no-pay spots, please visit our FAQ page. 

Community Guidelines for Students

Please take a moment to review our community guidelines for students, which aim to share our classroom ethos and help set the stage for the best possible learning experience.

Atlas Obscura Online Courses

Atlas Obscura Courses offer opportunities for participants to emerge with new skills, knowledge, connections, and perspectives through multi-session classes designed and taught by expert instructors. To learn more about our current course offerings, please visit www.atlasobscura.com/online-courses. For answers to commonly asked questions, check out our FAQ page here.

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