The armadillo (pronounced arma-DILLO) is one of the largest creatures on Earth — reaching up to 9 feet from nose to tail tip!
They live throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Armadillos have been known as “pigs without hogs” because they look like pigs but don’t produce meat or milk.
Armadillos are herbivores (plant eaters), which makes them much friendlier than their cousin, the alligator.
Their diet consists primarily of leaves for food, although they will also consume fruit, insects, small animals, flowers and seeds.
The female produces one baby per year through parthenogenesis, where she doesn’t need a male partner.
This means that babies are born ready to fend for themselves, making parenting far less stressful.
What Are The Main Ingredients In An Armadillo Egg Recipe?
If you’re looking to create your own armadillo egg recipe, then these three essential ingredients must be included:
Eggs – Armadillos lay around 500 large eggs each year, so this isn’t difficult to find at a local grocery store.
Armadillo Meat – Armadillos’ fat content varies between species — some being more fatty than others.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of armadillo meat available online, sold by specialty stores and even at Whole Foods.
You’ll want to purchase organic products whenever possible.
Seasoning – There are many different types of spices and seasonings used when preparing armadillo dishes.
Experimentation is key here, since nothing tastes better than something new!
Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, paprika, curry powder, oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, sage, parsley, bay leaf, chives, mint, lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, molasses, agave nectar, coconut flakes, nuts, raisins, cashews, oats, rice, flour, cornstarch, tapioca starch, potato starch, arrowroot starch, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan gum, yeast, gelatin, cream cheese, mayonnaise, yogurt, sour cream, butter, olive oil, milk, water, beef broth, chicken stock, clam juice, beer, wine, sake, tequila, vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, etc.
How Is Armadillo Egg Cooked?
There are two ways you can cook an armadillo egg: baked and boiled.
Both methods result in delectable bites of protein, fat and flavor.
If you’d prefer, you can combine both methods into one meal.
Here’s how to bake and boil an armadillo egg:
Baked Armadillo Egg Recipe: To begin, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cut off the top half of the eggshell to allow air access.
Crack open the shell over a bowl, using a spoon.
Remove yolk and place onto paper towel to soak excess liquid.
Place egg white in a shallow pan filled with enough boiling water to cover the bottom of the egg.
Add 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to the water.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the egg from the oven and carefully peel back the skin.
Allow to cool completely before enjoying.
Boiled Armadillo Eggs: Boiling armadillo eggs is simple, too.
First, cut off the top half of the eggshell to expose the contents.
Next, crack open the shell and scoop out the yolk.
Carefully pour the egg white into a pot containing enough water to reach halfway up the sides of the container.
Bring to a low simmer, uncovered, until the whites thicken slightly.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the egg back into the empty shell.
Enjoy immediately.
What Are The Nutritional Benefits Of Eating Armadillo Eggs?
Not only do armadillos provide plenty of protein, vitamins, minerals and nutrients, but they also help control weight.
According to research conducted by the University of Florida, armadillos contain high levels of zinc, iron, calcium, vitamin B1, DHA, omega 3 fats, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorous and selenium.
Some studies suggest that consuming armadillo meat helps reduce cholesterol levels and fight cancer.
Is Armadillo Egg A Traditional Dish?
Yes, armadillo eggs are a traditional delicacy across Latin American countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
In other parts of the world, armadillos are considered pets rather than livestock.
For example, armadillos are raised along the coast of California, where they serve as pets for people who enjoy having them as companions.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare An Armadillo Egg Recipe?
It takes about 30 seconds to prepare an armadillo egg recipe.
That includes cracking the shell, peeling away the outer layer, scooping out the yolk, placing the egg white inside its shell and topping it with seasoning.
What Is The Best Way To Store Armadillo Eggs After Cooking?
To preserve the freshness of armadillo eggs, simply refrigerate them within 24 hours.
However, if you plan to keep them longer than 48 hours, you should freeze them instead.
Once frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Store leftovers in the freezer.
Are There Any Special Techniques Required To Make An Armadillo Egg Recipe?
No, not really.
As we’ve already mentioned, just follow the basic instructions provided above.
The rest is all up to you!
What Type Of Dish Is An Armadillo Egg Usually Served With?
You can pair armadillo eggs with almost anything you desire.
While they’re great alone, try pairing them with tortillas, beans, guacamole, salsa, chips, lettuce wraps, pita bread, pasta, pizza, quesadilla, salad, roasted vegetables, sandwiches, soups, stews, stir fry, tacos, waffles, fried eggs, oatmeal, breakfast cereal, ice cream, cookies, muffins, cakes, pies, pastries, pancakes, crepes, biscuits, croutons, couscous, polenta, risotto, rice, noodles, popcorn, mashed potatoes, hashbrowns, frittatas, fritters, burgers, bacon, sausage, ham, prosciutto, smoked salmon, fish sticks, shrimp cocktail, crab legs, lobster tails, oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, calamari, octopus, squid, eel, sardines, anchovies, tuna, salmon, bass, trout, tilapia, cod, haddock, herring, halibut, snapper, sole, flounder, swordfish, shark, mackerel, catfish, and bluefish.
What is the most popular way to eat armadillo eggs?
We recommend serving armadillo eggs either warm or cold.
If you choose to heat them, place them right on the stovetop and add some oil.
Heat the oil until it begins to smoke, then turn down the flame and let the oil cool off while you wait patiently for the eggs to finish cooking.
Alternatively, you can use the broiler method: place the eggs directly under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes until fully cooked.
In addition to those options, armadillo eggs can also be enjoyed cold.
Simply put them in a plastic bag and pop them straight into the fridge.
When you’re ready to eat them, just pull them out, crack open the shells, fill the insides with whatever you please and voila! A quick and healthy snack is now complete.
Finally, if you’re curious about what else you can do with an armadillo, check out our list of armadillo facts below.
What are the best uses for armadillo hair?
Many people collect animal pelts, hides, horns and bones, but few realize that armadillos sometimes shed fur during certain seasons.
One such time is springtime, when armadillos shed their winter coats.
The loose hairs fall to the ground and become natural fertilizer, helping to enrich soil for plants.
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds pork sausage
- 10 slices bacon not thick-cut
- 5 jalapeños medium sized
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons paprika smoked
- Kosher salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce for glazing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Set aside a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until everything is well combined.
- To remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers, remove the stems and core them. Fill the jalapeos with the cream cheese mixture.
- Remove the meat from the casings of encased sausage. Put the sausage in a mixing bowl and knead it with your hands. Add spices as needed or desired. Make 5 equal portions of the meat.
- Make a flat disc out of 1/5 of the sausage meat. Wrap the disc around the stuffed jalapeo, covering it completely.
- Sprinkle paprika powder on top of each armadillo egg and pat it down.
- Wrap two slices of bacon around the armadillo egg and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Bake the assembled armadillo eggs for 25-30 minutes on the prepared baking sheet. Check the temperature of the sausage with an instant read thermometer to see if it is close to 165° F.
- Remove from the oven and generously coat with BBQ sauce before returning to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.