Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup Longjing tea leaves
- 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together cornstarch, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
3. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add Longjing tea leaves and chopped lemongrass. Let steep for 5 minutes.
4. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer.
5. Working in batches, fry the shrimp until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges and a drizzle of the Longjing tea and lemongrass infusion.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
Temperature:
- Oil temperature for frying: 350°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Longjing tea, you can use any other green tea variety.
- If you don't have lemongrass, you can use lemon zest as a substitute.
Variations:
- You can add other spices to the cornstarch mixture, such as curry powder or Chinese five-spice powder.
- Instead of frying the shrimp, you can grill or bake them for a healthier option.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the shrimp to prevent them from sticking together.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil to avoid excess oil on the finished dish.
Storage instructions:
- Fried shrimp is best served fresh and hot. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat fried shrimp, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the fried shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges and a small bowl of the Longjing tea and lemongrass infusion for dipping.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
- This dish pairs well with a light and refreshing salad or steamed vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice or noodles make a great side dish for this recipe.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cornstarch mixture is not sticking to the shrimp, lightly coat the shrimp in egg before dredging in the mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the shrimp is fully cooked before serving to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Longjing tea, also known as Dragonwell tea, is a famous green tea from Hangzhou, China. It is known for its delicate flavor and aroma.
Flavor profiles:
- The fried shrimp is crispy and savory, with a hint of spice from the seasoning. The Longjing tea and lemongrass infusion adds a subtle floral and citrusy note to the dish.
Serving suggestions:
- This dish is perfect for a casual dinner party or as an appetizer for a larger gathering.
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Region: Thai