Longjing Shrimp / Shrimp Stir-fried with Dragon Well Tea Leaves Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these provide the main protein for the dish.

Dragon well tea leaves: Also known as Longjing tea, these add a unique, nutty flavor.

Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients.

Ginger: Minced, it adds a warm, spicy aroma.

Garlic: Minced, it enhances the overall flavor.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami taste.

Sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.

When preparing shrimp, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps to achieve a better sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan. Additionally, when steeping dragon well tea leaves, use water that is hot but not boiling to avoid bitterness.

• shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can provide a similar texture and protein content, making it a good alternative for those who do not consume seafood.

• dragon well tea leaves - Substitute with jasmine tea leaves: Jasmine tea leaves can offer a fragrant and slightly sweet flavor, which complements the dish well.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy alternative that can provide a rich flavor to the stir-fry.

• ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar spicy and aromatic profile, making it a good substitute for ginger.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder but still flavorful alternative to garlic.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that offers a similar umami flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and a slight floral note to the dish.

• Allow the shrimp stir-fry to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled shrimp and dragon well tea leaves mixture into an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean and dry to maintain the dish's freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 2-3 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious.
• For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. The dish can be frozen for up to 1 month without significant loss of flavor or texture.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the shrimp stir-fry in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing process helps retain the dish's original texture.
• Reheat the dish in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil or a few drops of water to prevent the dish from drying out.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. The shrimp should be heated through and the dragon well tea leaves should remain tender.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp stir-fry in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil or a bit of butter. Add the leftover shrimp stir-fry and stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until heated thoroughly. This method helps maintain the texture of the shrimp and tea leaves.

• Use a microwave-safe dish and cover the shrimp stir-fry with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be cautious not to overheat, as shrimp can become tough.

• Steam the leftover shrimp stir-fry by placing it in a heatproof dish and setting it over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes. This gentle method helps preserve the delicate flavors of the dragon well tea leaves and keeps the shrimp tender.

• If you have a steamer basket, place the shrimp stir-fry in the basket, cover, and steam over boiling water for about 5 minutes. This method ensures even reheating without drying out the shrimp.

• Pan: Used for heating oil and stir-frying the ingredients.

• Spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing the shrimp and other ingredients in the pan.

• Bowl: Needed for steeping the tea leaves in hot water.

• Strainer: Used to drain the tea leaves after steeping.

• Knife: Necessary for mincing the ginger and garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for mincing the ginger and garlic.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the vegetable oil, soy sauce, sugar, and other ingredients accurately.

Prep ingredients in advance: Peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time to save on prep work.

Use pre-minced garlic and ginger: Opt for store-bought minced ginger and garlic to cut down on chopping time.

Steep tea leaves while prepping: Steep the dragon well tea leaves while you prepare the other ingredients.

Measure sauces beforehand: Measure out the soy sauce and sugar before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Cook in batches: If doubling the recipe, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking.