Dragon well shrimp 龙井虾仁

Dragon Well Shrimp (龙井虾仁) is a renowned dish from Hangzhou, part of the Zhejiang cuisine, celebrated for its light, fresh flavors and exquisite presentation. This dish features tender, stir-fried shrimp infused with the subtle fragrance of Dragon Well (Longjing) tea leaves, one of China’s most famous green teas. The delicate sweetness of the shrimp perfectly complements the slightly floral, earthy notes of the tea, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The use of Longjing tea not only adds a unique taste but also elevates the dish to a level of sophistication, making Dragon Well Shrimp a true culinary representation of Hangzhou’s rich food and tea culture.

Ingredients

1. 350g fresh river shrimp or sea shrimps if you cannot find river shrimps
2. 5g ginger slices
3. 5g chopped chive or spring onions
4. 20g egg white
5. 6g corn starch
6. 0.5g ground white pepper
7. 0.5g chicken powder or aroma
8. 3g sugar
9. 1.5g salt
10. 30g Dragon well (Longjing) tea leaves or any other green tea leaves if you cannot find Longjing

Instructions

1. Remove the shell of the shrimp and remove the shrimp line (which is the guts), wash and drain for later use.
2. Add salt, chicken powder or aroma, white pepper, egg white liquid and half of the corn starch and mix well.
3.  Boil a pot of water and add the chive or spring onion and ginger slices.
4. After boiling, put the shrimp into the water, blanch for 20 seconds, and drain for later use.
5. In a small bowl, add Longjing tea, salt, sugar and chicken powder and stir well.
6. In another pot, turn on high heat, add a small amount of cooking oil when the pot is hot, pour in all the shrimp with the ginger pices, and stir-fry for 10 seconds.
7. Then pour in the tea liquid mixture and boil to thicken the sauce.
8. Put it on a plate and serve with rice vinegar as dipping sauce.