Stir-fried shrimps with longjing tea (long jing xia ren) – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
China Region / Locale: Hangzhou Servings: Serves 4
China Region / Locale: Hangzhou Servings: Serves 4Delve into an iconic dish from Hangzhou in China, Stir-fried Shrimps with Longjing Tea, known locally as Long Jing Xia Ren. This remarkable seafood dish is a harmonious marriage of delicate flavors, showcasing the refreshing and mildly nutty taste of premium Longjing Green Tea combined with the tender sweetness of shrimp. Traditionally, this dish resonates with the elegance and simplicity of Chinese cuisine, celebrating the regional produce and the artful nuance of tea infusions.
Ingredients
- large shrimps – 1 lb / 450 g peeled and deveined
- Longjing tea leaves – 3 tbsp / 15 g
- boiling water – 1 cup / 240 ml
- rice wine – 2 tbsp / 30 ml
- egg white – 1
- cornstarch – 2 tsp / 5 g
- salt – 1/2 tsp / 3 g
- sugar – 1/4 tsp / 1 g
- vegetable oil – 3 tbsp / 45 ml
Instructions
- Steep the Longjing tea leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and reserve the tea leaves and tea water separately.
- Toss shrimps in a bowl with egg white, cornstarch, salt, and sugar to lightly coat.
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimps and stir-fry until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp oil and pour in the tea water and rice wine. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the shrimps to the skillet and add the steeped tea leaves, tossing for an additional minute to combine flavors.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Longjing tea leaves for presentation.
Substitutions
- Longjing tea leaves -> Sencha green tea leaves
- rice wine -> dry sherry
- vegetable oil -> canola oil
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Experiment with marinating the shrimps longer to deepen flavor.
- Use fresh Longjing leaves for a more authentic taste.
- Add a pinch of white pepper to enhance the spice profile.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
