Long Jing Xia Ren

Long Jing Xia Ren Recipe from Hong Kong with Shrimps and Longjing Tea

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Long Jing Xia Ren is a traditional Chinese dish that features succulent shrimps cooked with fragrant Long Jing tea leaves. This dish is not only delicious but also showcases the unique flavors of Long Jing tea, a popular green tea variety from China.

History

Long Jing Xia Ren has its origins in Hangzhou, a city in Zhejiang province, known for its beautiful West Lake and renowned Long Jing tea. The combination of fresh shrimps and Long Jing tea leaves creates a harmonious and flavorful dish that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

400 g medium shrimps
75 g longjing tea leaves

Seasoning

0.33 tbsp salt
0.5 tbsp cornflour
2 tbsp egg whites

Sauce

2 tbsp longjing tea
0.5 tbsp cornflour

How to prepare

Place longjing tea leaves into a small glass and rinse with boiling water.
Pour boiled water into the glass to make tea, reserving 2 tbsp of tea for the sauce.
Bring a small pot of water to a boil, then remove from heat.
Place shrimps into the hot water, then add longjing tea leaves.
Allow shrimps to soak until cooked, then remove shells and transfer to a serving dish.
Season the shrimps and briefly blanch them in hot oil for 1 minute, then transfer to a serving dish.
Heat a wok and prepare the sauce, then pour it over the shrimps and mix well. Serve.

Variations

Substitute the shrimps with chicken or tofu for a different twist on the dish.
Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or snow peas for extra color and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the Long Jing tea leaves with boiling water before using them in the recipe to remove any bitterness.

- Use fresh shrimps for the best flavor and texture.

- Blanche the shrimps briefly in hot oil to seal in their juices and enhance their natural sweetness.

- Adjust the seasoning and sauce to suit your personal taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Long Jing Xia Ren can be served as a main dish with steamed rice or noodles. It pairs well with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Long Jing Xia Ren include blanching the shrimps, preparing the Long Jing tea sauce, and quickly stir-frying the shrimps with the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Long Jing tea leaves are not available, you can use other green tea varieties such as Dragon Well or Gunpowder tea.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Long Jing tea sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. The shrimps can also be blanched ahead of time and quickly stir-fried before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Long Jing Xia Ren in a decorative dish garnished with fresh Long Jing tea leaves for an elegant presentation. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Long Jing Xia Ren with a light and refreshing white wine or a cup of hot Long Jing tea to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Long Jing Xia Ren in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a wok or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 6g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus.

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimps) and eggs.

Summary

Long Jing Xia Ren is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Long Jing Xia Ren is a delightful dish that combines the delicate flavors of shrimps with the aromatic notes of Long Jing tea. With its nutritious profile and versatile serving options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Long Jing Xia Ren. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the mountains of China. My grandmother, a wise and skilled cook, passed down the art of cooking to me, and I cherished every moment spent in the kitchen with her.

One warm summer day, as I was helping my grandmother prepare dinner, she told me a story about the origins of Long Jing Xia Ren. She explained that the dish was created by a famous chef in Hangzhou, known for his innovative take on traditional Chinese cuisine. The chef, inspired by the beautiful Long Jing tea fields that surrounded his kitchen, decided to combine the delicate flavors of the tea with fresh shrimp to create a dish that would tantalize the taste buds.

Intrigued by the story, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make Long Jing Xia Ren. She smiled and agreed, knowing that it would be a challenging recipe for a young girl to master. But she also knew that I had a passion for cooking and a determination to learn.

We started by gathering the ingredients – Long Jing tea leaves, fresh shrimp, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar. My grandmother showed me how to peel and devein the shrimp, and then carefully marinate them in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. While the shrimp were soaking up the flavors, we brewed a pot of fragrant Long Jing tea and set it aside to cool.

Next, we heated a wok and added a splash of oil, letting it sizzle before tossing in the marinated shrimp. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a mix of garlic, ginger, and the earthy scent of the tea leaves. I watched in awe as my grandmother deftly stirred the shrimp, ensuring they cooked evenly and absorbed all the delicious flavors.

Finally, it was time to add the cooled Long Jing tea to the wok, letting it simmer and infuse the shrimp with its delicate taste. A sprinkle of sugar added a hint of sweetness, balancing out the savory notes of the dish. The colors of the shrimp turned a vibrant green, a nod to the lush tea fields that had inspired the recipe.

As we plated the Long Jing Xia Ren, my grandmother looked at me with pride. She knew that I had learned more than just a recipe that day – I had learned the importance of patience, precision, and passion in the kitchen. And as we sat down to enjoy our creation, I knew that this dish would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

Since that day, I have made Long Jing Xia Ren countless times, each time striving to perfect the flavors and techniques that my grandmother taught me. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of this unique dish to the next generation.

And as I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in the kitchen with my grandmother, I am filled with gratitude for her guidance and wisdom. Long Jing Xia Ren will always remind me of her, of the love and passion she poured into every meal she cooked. And I hope that when I am gone, this recipe will continue to bring joy and nourishment to those who taste it, just as it has for me.