Shrimp In Chinese Lobster Sauce
Juicy shrimp in a savory Chinese lobster sauce-inspired blend of black beans, garlic, ginger, and vegetables, perfect for seafood lovers and those craving bold Asian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. jumbo shrimp (21 to 25 per pound) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fermented black beans ⓘ
- 2 minced garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 quarter sized slice fresh ginger, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Shao Hsing rice wine or dry sherry ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. peanut or corn oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 6 oz. ground pork butt
- 1 small onion, in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- big pinch of white pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. light soy sauce
- 3/4 cup chicken stock ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. water (for cornstarch slurry) ⓘ
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 chopped green onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Shell and devein the shrimp.
- Butterfry the shrimp by slicing them down the length of the back, stopping just above the tail.
- Rinse the shrimp with cold water and blot dry.
- Cover the black beans with lukewarm water, soak for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Combine black beans with minced garlic and ginger; gently crush into a paste.
- Mix the black bean paste with rice wine or sherry and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground pork and cook until browned.
- Add onion and bell pepper, stir-fry until slightly tender.
- Add the black bean paste mixture, sugar, white pepper, and salt; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Add the sliced shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Push ingredients to one side of the pan.
- Pour in the beaten egg, stirring gently to create egg ribbons.
- Finish with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onion.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of oyster sauce along with the soy sauce. If you don't have fermented black beans, you can substitute with miso paste for a different but pleasant taste. Make sure to not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy. Serve with steamed rice or consider pairing it with Cold Sesame Noodles for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shrimp in Chinese Lobster Sauce hot, garnished with chopped green onions. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or can be served alongside Chicken Stir-Fry On Rice for a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying out. Avoid using the microwave as it may result in overcooked shrimp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp In Chinese Lobster Sauce contains roughly 904 calories, with 42g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), protein (85% of the Daily Value), and iron (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2938mg per serving (128% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture which can dilute the sauce. Follow the same preparation and cooking steps for best results.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?
Absolutely! You can use firm tofu or tempeh in place of shrimp and ground pork. Season the tofu well and sauté it until it’s golden brown for added texture. The black bean paste will still provide robust flavor, making it a delightful vegetarian option.
What can I serve with Shrimp in Chinese Lobster Sauce?
This dish pairs beautifully with plain steamed rice, which helps balance the rich flavors. You might also consider serving it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad for added crunch and freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).