Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is a delicious dish featuring tender shrimp and a rich, creamy lobster sauce. It’s perfect for a special dinner or just when you want to treat yourself.
This meal feels fancy, but it’s easy to whip up! I love serving it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. Who doesn’t enjoy a little seafood magic on their plate? 🦐✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for a juicy bite. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, try using medium shrimp or even chunks of firm fish like fish fillets.
Veggies: Onions and garlic are must-haves for flavor. Green onions give a fresh touch. If you don’t have green onions, chives or even shallots can work great as a substitute!
Mushrooms: These add depth to the sauce, but they’re optional. Feel free to skip them or use any kind of mushroom you have on hand, like button or shiitake.
Oyster Sauce: It adds sweetness and depth. If you can’t find it, hoisin sauce is a good alternative. Just keep in mind it will add a slightly different flavor.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use arrowroot powder instead.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Velvety Sauce?
The sauce’s texture is key to this dish. Follow these steps for a smooth, creamy finish:
- Heat your oil properly before adding shrimp. This helps them sear nicely and not steam.
- When adding the cornstarch slurry, stir constantly. This helps integrate it thoroughly without clumps.
- Drizzle in the beaten egg slowly while stirring. This technique creates those lovely strands in the sauce.
Making sure you’re cooking over medium-high heat is crucial, as it promotes that lovely velvety feel in the final dish.
How to Make Shrimp With Lobster Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (scallions), plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and white pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and another 10 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 25 minutes. This quick cooking time means you can enjoy this delightful dish without spending a huge amount of time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and are cooked through. When done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until they’re fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you’ve decided to use mushrooms, add them to the pan now and cook for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
4. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fermented black beans (if using), sugar, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; this will help blend all those yummy flavors together.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Gradually add the cornstarch slurry while stirring the sauce. This will help it thicken up nicely.
6. Add the Egg:
With the heat still on, slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the sauce while stirring gently. This will create lovely, silky egg ribbons throughout the sauce.
7. Finish the Dish:
Return the cooked shrimp back to the pan. Toss everything together to heat through and ensure the shrimp are well-coated with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and white pepper to your taste.
8. Add Green Onions:
Finally, stir in the chopped green onions, saving a few for garnish at the end.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the shrimp hot over steamed white rice, and sprinkle with any remaining green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy this delicious dish!
This classic Chinese-American dish features succulent shrimp in a savory, slightly thickened lobster sauce that’s rich and comforting. Enjoy your meal! 🦐✨
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How to Store Leftover Shrimp With Lobster Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, use a low heat on the stove or microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Stir occasionally for even heating.
Can I Substitute Other Proteins?
Yes! You can replace shrimp with chicken, scallops, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary depending on the protein you choose.
What Should I Serve With Shrimp With Lobster Sauce?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
