Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of grasshoppers
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup of diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of diced onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Add grasshoppers to the bowl and toss until they are coated with the flour mixture.
3. Heat the deep fryer or pot with vegetable oil to 375°F.
4. Fry the grasshoppers in batches for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and ketchup until well combined.
6. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced pineapple, bell pepper, onion, and scallions. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the pan with the cooked vegetables. Stir until the sauce thickens.
8. Add the fried grasshoppers to the pan and toss until they are coated with the sweet and sour sauce.
9. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Frying temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 2-3 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 290
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 800mg
Sugar: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Grasshoppers can be substituted with crickets or mealworms.
- Pineapple juice can be substituted with orange juice or apple juice.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Ketchup can be substituted with tomato paste or barbecue sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped garlic and ginger to the sweet and sour sauce for extra flavor.
- Use different vegetables such as carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms.
- Add chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the grasshoppers are completely dry before coating them with the flour mixture.
- Fry the grasshoppers in small batches to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the grasshoppers from the oil to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Adjust the sweetness and sourness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar and rice vinegar.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover sweet and sour fried grasshoppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sweet and sour fried grasshoppers in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sweet and sour fried grasshoppers in a bowl or on a plate with a garnish of chopped scallions.
Garnishes:
Chopped scallions or cilantro.
Pairings:
Serve the sweet and sour fried grasshoppers with steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
Stir-fried vegetables or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sweet and sour sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- If the grasshoppers are not crispy enough, increase the frying time by 1-2 minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the grasshoppers are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before and after handling the grasshoppers.
Food history:
In many cultures, insects are considered a delicacy and a good source of protein. Fried grasshoppers are a popular snack in Mexico and other parts of Central and South America.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet and sour, crunchy, savory.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sweet and sour fried grasshoppers as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Thai