Longjing prawns

Longjing prawns in Hangzhou Restaurant 2015-07

Longjing prawns (Chinese: 龙井虾仁; pinyin: Lóngjǐng xiārén

), also known as Dragon Well prawns, is a traditional dish in Hangzhou cuisine, which is a part of Zhejiang cuisine. The dish is named after the famous Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, which is grown in the Longjing area near Hangzhou, China.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients of Longjing prawns are fresh river prawns and Longjing tea leaves. The prawns are typically shelled and deveined before cooking. The tea leaves are brewed to create a fragrant tea, which is then used in the cooking process.

Preparation

The preparation of Longjing prawns involves several steps:

1. The prawns are first marinated with a mixture of salt, egg white, and cornstarch to enhance their texture and flavor.
2. The Longjing tea leaves are brewed in hot water to extract their flavor.
3. The marinated prawns are then stir-fried in a wok with a small amount of oil until they turn pink.
4. The brewed tea is added to the wok, and the prawns are cooked briefly in the tea to absorb its flavor.
5. Finally, the dish is garnished with the brewed tea leaves and served hot.

Cultural Significance

Longjing prawns are a celebrated dish in Hangzhou cuisine and are often served at banquets and special occasions. The dish is prized for its delicate flavor and the unique combination of tender prawns and aromatic tea. It is also considered a representation of the culinary artistry of Zhejiang cuisine.

Related Pages

• Hangzhou cuisine
• Zhejiang cuisine
• Longjing tea
• Chinese cuisine
• Stir frying