Shanghai Crystal Shrimps, a classic in Shanghai – style cuisine, is like a dazzling pearl, exuding a unique charm and deeply loved by people in Shanghai and diners across the country. With its crystal – clear appearance and tender, smooth taste, this dish has become an outstanding representative of Shanghai’s food culture.
Origin Exploration
The origin of Shanghai Crystal Shrimps is closely connected to Shanghai’s regional culture and culinary traditions. Its prototype can be traced back to the Republic of China period. At that time, as an international metropolis, Shanghai’s food culture was characterized by diverse integration. Local chefs, based on traditional cooking techniques, drew on the fine – handling methods of river fresh in Huaiyang cuisine, and combined with the preference of Shanghai people for light and delicious flavors, gradually creating this dish. Initially, it often appeared in high – end restaurants in Shanghai as a delicacy for entertaining guests. With its delicate appearance and delicious taste, it quickly became well – known among diners and became one of the iconic dishes of Shanghai cuisine.
Basic Cooking Method
- Careful Ingredient Selection
- Shrimps: This is the core of the whole dish. Fresh river shrimps must be selected to ensure their tender taste. Usually, river shrimps from Taihu Lake or Dianshan Lake are chosen, and the shells are manually removed to obtain the shrimps, ensuring the integrity and freshness of the shrimps.
- Other Ingredients: Egg white, starch, salt, sugar, cooking wine, scallion – ginger water, etc. Although these ingredients seem ordinary, they play a crucial role in enhancing the taste and flavor of the shrimps.
- Shrimp Processing
- Wash the fresh shrimps and gently dry the surface moisture with a clean towel or kitchen paper. This step is of great importance as it enables the shrimps to better absorb the seasonings.
- Then, add an appropriate amount of salt, cooking wine, and scallion – ginger water to the shrimps, stir well, and marinate for 15 – 20 minutes, allowing the shrimps to fully absorb the flavor of the seasonings.
- After marinating, add one egg white and an appropriate amount of starch, and stir gently so that the shrimps are evenly coated with a thin layer of paste. This layer of paste can not only lock in the moisture of the shrimps but also keep them tender and smooth during the cooking process.
- Cooking Process
- Pour an appropriate amount of oil into the pan and heat it to 30 – 40% heat (about 120℃). The control of the oil temperature is the key to this dish. Put the shrimps coated with the paste into the oil one by one and gently scatter them with chopsticks to avoid sticking. The shrimps change color quickly after entering the pan. When their color turns into a light pink, after about 1 – 2 minutes, immediately take them out and drain the oil.
- Leave a little oil in the pan, add a little scallions and ginger to sauté until fragrant. Then, put the drained shrimps back into the pan, add an appropriate amount of salt and sugar for seasoning, and stir – fry quickly and evenly so that the shrimps fully absorb the flavor of the seasonings, and then it can be served on a plate. At this time, the Shanghai Crystal Shrimps are plump and crystal – clear, shining like crystals, and exuding an attractive aroma.
Status in the Hearts of Shanghai People
In the hearts of Shanghai people, Shanghai Crystal Shrimps are not just a delicious dish but also a symbol of culture. Whether it is a family gathering, a friend’s dinner, or an important festival, Shanghai Crystal Shrimps often appear on the dining table and become an indispensable delicacy. It represents the pursuit of refinement and deliciousness in Shanghai’s food culture and reflects the delicate taste of life of Shanghai people. For Shanghai people, tasting Shanghai Crystal Shrimps is like savoring the history and charm of this city. Every bite carries deep affection and love for their hometown. On some special occasions, such as the Spring Festival reunion dinner and the Mid – Autumn Festival reunion dinner, Shanghai Crystal Shrimps are even more symbolic of reunion and beauty, adding a strong festive atmosphere. With its unique charm, it has become an eternal classic in the hearts of Shanghai people, inheriting the food memories of this city.
