Coming Out on Top

Coming Out on Top

　　Features

　　 Crispy shrimp, sweet and sour taste

　　 Ingredients

　　 Yuan River shrimp

　　 Preparation method

　　 1. Shell the shrimp, butterfly them, coat with egg yolk and breadcrumbs, then fry until golden brown;

　　 2. Wash and peel potatoes, cut into thin shreds, remove moisture, and deep-fry the shreds in oil;

　　 3. Coat the fried shrimp with salad dressing, then top with the potato shreds.

　　 Cultural Background

　　 During his tenure as Prefect of Luling, Wang Anshi was approached by Lu Zhao, who wished to become his disciple. Though Lu came from a humble background, his eagerness to learn impressed Wang, who decided to test the young man’s sincerity. Aware that a great teacher is hard to find, Lu prepared a special dish using river shrimp he had caught from Yuan River Canal, naming it “Coming Out on Top.” When Wang asked about the dish’s meaning, Lu explained: “Beneath every unyielding stone lies a giant turtle; with the guidance of the wise, one is sure to come out on top.” Pleased by the gesture and the symbolism, Wang accepted him as a student. The dish “Coming Out on Top” has since been passed down through generations, remaining a beloved classic in Xinyu cuisine.