This Shrimp With Lobster Sauce dish is a real treat! It’s made with juicy shrimp and a creamy, savory sauce that tastes like fancy dining but is super easy to make.
You’ll love how the flavors come together, making it feel like a celebration, even on a regular night. Serve it over rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work here. If you can’t find shrimp, cooked crab or scallops are tasty alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but you can substitute it with garlic powder in a pinch—use about 1/4 teaspoon.
Fermented Black Beans: These add depth but can be omitted if you’re not a fan. Miso paste can provide a similar umami flavor if you want a substitute.
Shaoxing Wine: This gives a special flavor, but dry sherry or even a splash of white wine can work as good substitutes.
Egg: The egg adds richness, but if you want a vegan option, you can skip it or use tofu for creaminess.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Thick Sauce?
Thickening the sauce to your liking is key in this recipe. For a smooth consistency, follow these steps:
- Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry before adding it to the sauce; this ensures an even distribution.
- Slowly pour in the slurry while stirring the sauce continuously. This helps prevent lumps.
- Keep the heat on low after adding the slurry and mix until it reaches your desired thickness, usually about 1-2 minutes.
- If it gets too thick, just add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Following these tips will give you a rich and silky sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Shrimp With Lobster Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (white and green parts separated)
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1 tbsp fermented black beans, rinsed and chopped (optional but traditional)
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine) or dry sherry
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook, making the total time around 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal for a busy weeknight or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is essential to ensure they cook perfectly. Set them aside for now.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Sauté everything for about 30 seconds until it releases a lovely fragrance—be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add Fermented Black Beans:
If you’re using fermented black beans, add them to the pan and stir for an additional 30 seconds. This will enhance the flavor of the dish.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside, leaving the flavorful juices in the skillet.
5. Create the Sauce:
In the same pan, pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes. It’ll transform into a deliciously creamy consistency!
7. Add the Egg:
Lower the heat and gently drizzle in the beaten egg while stirring. This will create silky ribbons of egg in your sauce, making it even more flavorful.
8. Combine the Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, tossing everything gently to ensure the shrimp are coated in that luscious sauce. Taste and adjust the salt and white pepper as needed.
9. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle the green parts of the chopped green onions over the dish for a burst of color and freshness!
10. Serve:
Serve your scrumptious Shrimp with Lobster Sauce hot, over a bed of steamed white rice. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious Shrimp with Lobster Sauce—it’s a comforting and savory seafood delight that will impress everyone at the table!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water in a sealed bag for a quick thaw.
What Can I Substitute for Shaoxing Wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine on hand, dry sherry is a great alternative. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can use a mixture of chicken broth and a splash of rice vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp With Lobster Sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil when sautéing the garlic and ginger. You can also serve it with sliced fresh chilies as a garnish for those who enjoy more spice.
