Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: A Classic Chinese-American Dish

Introduction to Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

If you’ve ever dined at a Chinese-American restaurant, chances are you’ve come across Shrimp with Lobster Sauce on the menu. Despite its name, this popular dish doesn’t contain lobster at all! Instead, it features succulent shrimp cooked in a savory, flavorful sauce made with garlic, ginger, and fermented black beans, along with a rich blend of ingredients that give it its signature silky texture.

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is a delicious, satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The dish’s balance of savory umami flavors, tender shrimp, and rich sauce is sure to please anyone who loves seafood.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a restaurant-quality Shrimp with Lobster Sauce at home, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

1. Rich and Flavorful Sauce

The highlight of Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is its unique sauce. Made with garlic, ginger, black beans, and eggs, it’s a blend of savory, slightly sweet, and silky textures. The sauce pairs perfectly with the plump shrimp, making every bite a burst of flavor.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

In under 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish ready to serve. Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

3. Perfect for Seafood Lovers

If you love seafood, this dish is for you. Shrimp lovers will appreciate how the delicate shrimp are cooked in a flavorful sauce that complements, rather than overpowers, the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Ingredients for Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make Shrimp with Lobster Sauce:

Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh or frozen shrimp works well. Medium to large shrimp are ideal for this dish.
Chicken Broth (1 cup): Forms the base of the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a bold, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Provides warmth and a hint of spice.
Fermented Black Beans (2 tablespoons, rinsed): These provide a distinctive savory, slightly funky flavor to the sauce.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds umami and saltiness.
Shaoxing Wine (2 tablespoons): A Chinese cooking wine that enhances the overall flavor. You can substitute dry sherry if needed.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce to give it a smooth, glossy finish.
Egg (1 large, lightly beaten): The egg is swirled into the sauce to create a silky texture.
Green Onions (¼ cup, chopped): Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Salt and White Pepper (to taste): Seasoning essentials to balance the flavors.

Optional:

Peas or Snow Peas (½ cup): For added color and a slight sweetness to the dish.

How to Make Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and white pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and fermented black beans for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not burned. These aromatics will infuse the sauce with rich flavors.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the aromatics and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the soy sauce and Shaoxing wine. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Slowly add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken and take on a glossy texture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry.

Step 5: Add the Egg

Reduce the heat to low and slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the sauce, stirring gently with a fork or chopsticks to create silky egg ribbons throughout the sauce. This step adds a unique texture that is characteristic of Shrimp with Lobster Sauce.

Step 6: Combine with Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. Let the shrimp warm through for about 1–2 minutes. If you’re adding peas or snow peas, toss them in at this stage and cook for an additional minute.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the shrimp are heated through and the sauce is perfectly thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve your Shrimp with Lobster Sauce over steamed rice or noodles.

Serving Ideas for Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

1. Over Steamed Rice

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce pairs perfectly with steamed white or jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious and satisfying.

2. With Noodles

For a more filling meal, serve this dish over stir-fried noodles. The combination of tender shrimp, silky sauce, and chewy noodles is a true comfort food delight.

3. As a Side Dish

You can serve Shrimp with Lobster Sauce as part of a larger Chinese-inspired meal. Pair it with stir-fried vegetables, spring rolls, or dumplings for a complete, well-rounded dinner.

4. With Steamed Vegetables

For a lighter option, serve the shrimp and sauce alongside steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas. The vegetables add color, freshness, and a nice crunch to the meal.

Tips for Making the Best Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp and high-quality fermented black beans. The freshness of these ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final dish.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook very quickly. Be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough, so keep an eye on them while cooking.

3. Control the Thickness of the Sauce

If you prefer a thicker sauce, feel free to add a bit more cornstarch slurry. Start with small amounts and add gradually to avoid an overly thick sauce. If the sauce is too thick, simply thin it out with a splash of chicken broth.

4. Adjust the Seasoning

The level of saltiness can vary based on the soy sauce and fermented black beans used, so taste the sauce as you cook and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.

Variations on Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

1. Spicy Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

To add a bit of heat, toss in some chili flakes or a few slices of fresh chili peppers when cooking the garlic and ginger. You can also add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.

2. Shrimp with Lobster Sauce and Vegetables

Add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor, texture, and color. Simply stir-fry the veggies along with the garlic and ginger before adding the shrimp back in.

3. Lobster-Infused Shrimp Sauce

For an extra indulgent version, add lobster stock or lobster meat to the sauce. This will enhance the seafood flavor and bring the dish closer to its name!

4. Low-Carb Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

If you’re looking to reduce carbs, skip the rice or noodles and serve the shrimp with steamed or stir-fried vegetables. The dish remains flavorful and satisfying without the added carbs.

Storing and Reheating Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

1. Refrigeration

Store any leftover Shrimp with Lobster Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

2. Freezing

You can freeze the sauce (without the shrimp) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and cook fresh shrimp to add to the reheated sauce.

3. Reheating

To reheat, place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat and warm until just heated through. Avoid high heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

Nutritional Information for Shrimp with Lobster Sauce (Per Serving)

Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 23g
Sodium: 900mg
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 170mg

These values are estimates based on the ingredients used and the portion size. Adjustments can be made for different diets and preferences.

FAQs: Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

Q: Why is it called Shrimp with Lobster Sauce if there’s no lobster?

A: The name “lobster sauce” comes from the original Cantonese dish where lobster was cooked with a similar sauce. Over time, shrimp became the more affordable option, but the name remained the same.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.

Q: What can I substitute for fermented black beans?

A: If you don’t have fermented black beans, you can substitute with a small amount of black bean sauce, which is more commonly available in grocery stores.

Q: Can I make the sauce thicker?

A: Yes, simply add more cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Stir it in gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is a classic Chinese-American dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of tender shrimp, savory sauce, and rich aromatics makes it a standout dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. Pair it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.