Dragon Well Shrimp

Introduction to Dragon Well Shrimp

Dragon Well Shrimp, known as Longjing Xiaren in Chinese, is a celebrated dish from Hangzhou, a city renowned for its exquisite cuisine. This dish beautifully blends the delicate flavors of fresh shrimp with the enchanting aroma of Dragon Well tea, or Longjing tea, which is one of China's most famous green teas. The history of this dish dates back to the Qing Dynasty when it was a culinary delight enjoyed by emperors. The subtle fragrance of tea adds a unique twist to the dish, enhancing the sweetness of the shrimp and making it a truly memorable experience.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh shrimp (preferably medium-sized)
• 1 tablespoon Dragon Well (Longjing) tea leaves
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 slices of fresh ginger

Preparation

Before cooking, it's crucial to prepare the ingredients properly to ensure the dish achieves optimal flavor and texture.

Preparing the Shrimp

Start by thoroughly washing the shrimp under cold running water. Peel the shrimp, removing the shell and head. Devein by making a shallow cut along the back and removing the black vein. Rinse the shrimp again and dry them on paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and coat the shrimp lightly. Set aside.

Brewing the Dragon Well Tea

Heat water to approximately 80 degrees Celsius (176 Fahrenheit), not boiling, to prevent burning the tea leaves. Add the Dragon Well tea leaves to the hot water and let them steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Use a strainer to remove the leaves, reserving the tea liquid for the cooking process.

Cooking Method

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ginger slices to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they release their fragrance.
3. Add the prepared shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they just start to turn pink.
4. Pour in the reserved tea liquid, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Reduce the heat and allow the shrimp to simmer gently in the tea infusion for about 2 minutes or until they are fully cooked through and infused with the tea's aroma.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or sugar according to your preference.
7. Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving plate.

Timing

For perfect Dragon Well Shrimp, monitor the cooking time with a cooking timer to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Dragon Well Shrimp is best served immediately, garnished with a few fresh tea leaves on top for a touch of authenticity. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. For a truly Hangzhou-style dining experience, accompany this dish with a cup of freshly brewed Dragon Well tea, which complements the flavors beautifully.

Enjoying the Meal

Savor each bite of Dragon Well Shrimp by appreciating the harmonious blend of shrimp sweetness and the earthy, nutty flavors of Dragon Well tea. This dish is not only a culinary masterpiece but also provides a connection to the rich heritage and tradition of Chinese cuisine.