Nsenene Hainan-style Stir-Fry

Ingredients

In this Hainanese adaptation of Nsenene, we incorporate the distinct flavors and spices of Hainan cuisine, such as star anise and five-spice powder. The stir-fry technique is used instead of deep-frying the grasshoppers, resulting in a lighter and healthier dish that still retains the crunchiness of the Nsenene. The addition of garlic, ginger, and scallions enhances the overall flavor profile, while soy sauce and sesame oil provide a savory and aromatic finish. We alse have the original recipe for Nsenene, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) Nsenene (grasshoppers) 200g (7 oz) Nsenene (grasshoppers)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 2 scallions, sliced 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 star anise 1 star anise
• 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 0g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the Nsenene thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced scallions to the wok. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the Nsenene to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle in the star anise and five-spice powder, and continue stir-frying for another minute.
6. 6.
   Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the stir-fry. Toss everything together until well combined.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Nsenene (grasshoppers) — Ensure that the grasshoppers are thoroughly cleaned and dried before cooking. Remove the wings and legs if desired for a smoother texture in the stir-fry.

Tips & Tricks

• If Nsenene is not available, you can substitute it with other edible insects like crickets or mealworms for a similar texture and flavor.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce and salt according to your taste preference.
• Serve the stir-fry with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• For an extra kick of heat, add a dash of chili flakes or sliced chili peppers.
• Experiment with other Hainanese spices like cloves or cinnamon for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Nsenene Hainan-style Stir-Fry hot as a main dish accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and aroma.

Presentation advice

Present the stir-fry in a vibrant and visually appealing manner by arranging it on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and additional sliced scallions for an attractive touch.