Crispy Bee Pupae

Crispy Bee Pupae

　　Crispy Bee Pupae

　　 　　Bee pupae are a common drinking snack in folk cuisine of western Hunan. The main ingredient is the pupae of hornets (with the golden ring hornet pupae being the best). When cooking, first remove the pupae from the hive, discard any impurities, rinse them once with clean water, drain, and then place them in a wok with oil heated to about seventy to eighty percent hot. Cook the pupae over low heat until they turn golden brown, then add a little salt before serving. This dish features a golden or light yellow color, a rich aroma, a crispy exterior and tender interior, and a delicious taste. It is a high-protein, low-fat delicacy. Often, bee pupae and adult hornets are fried together on the dining tables of western Hunan.