Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce Recipe from USA - Ingredients, Steps and Tips

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2-3

Introduction

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is a classic Chinese dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich and flavorful sauce. This dish is a favorite among seafood lovers and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce has its origins in Chinese cuisine and is believed to have been created in the United States by Chinese immigrants. Despite its name, this dish does not actually contain lobster but gets its name from the rich and savory sauce that is reminiscent of lobster bisque.

Ingredients

10-15 fresh shrimp, deveined and butterflied per person
4-8 spring onions (green onions, scallions), chopped
2 large garlic cloves, chopped or minced
2 cups of chicken stock (2 cups water with chicken bouillon powder or chicken broth)
4 tbsp of sweet white wine, such as Sweet Glen Ellen white zinfandel
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp sugar
2.5 tbsp cornstarch and 0.5 cup water
4 egg whites, beaten with 0.25 cup water
2 tbsp vegetable oil for stir-frying
1-2 cups pork-fried rice (1 cup for 2 people, 2 cups for 3 or more)

How to prepare

Rinse the shrimp with warm water and pat them dry.
Rinse the green onions, drain them, and chop them.
Chop or mince the garlic cloves.
Combine the chicken stock, white wine, soy sauce, and sugar, and set it aside.
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 0.5 cup of water.
Whisk the egg whites into 0.25 cup of water and set them aside.
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a wok, large pot, or frying pan on medium-high to high heat.
Stir-fry the garlic and scallions for about 30 seconds to a minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the shrimp and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth mixture, bring it to a boil, and boil for about 1 minute.
Re-stir the cornstarch and water mixture, and stir it into the broth.
Immediately afterward, slowly pour in the egg whites, breaking them up by gently stirring them with a fork.
Be careful not to over-stir the egg whites.
The dish is ready when the sauce begins to boil and thicken.
Serve it over the Pork-fried Rice.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for added texture and flavor.
Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different protein option.
Spice up the dish with some chili paste or sriracha for a kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein and butterfly the shrimp properly to ensure they cook evenly and look presentable.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar to suit your taste preferences.

- For a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch mixed with water.

- Serve the dish immediately after cooking to enjoy it at its best.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shrimp with Lobster Sauce over steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a side of stir-fried greens.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying: This dish is cooked using the stir-frying technique, which involves quickly cooking ingredients in a hot pan or wok over high heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sweet white zinfandel, you can use dry white wine or chicken broth as a substitute.

- You can use oyster sauce or hoisin sauce instead of soy sauce for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the shrimp and combine with the sauce just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped scallions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. - Serve the Shrimp with Lobster Sauce in a decorative bowl or on a platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve with a side of steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the dish in a pan or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 300 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Rice: 45g per cup

- Cornstarch: 7g per tablespoon

- Soy sauce: 1g per tablespoon

- Sugar: 5g per teaspoon

Fats

- Vegetable oil: 14g per tablespoon

- Egg whites: 0g

- Shrimp: 1g per shrimp

Proteins

- Shrimp: 6g per shrimp

- Egg whites: 3g per egg white

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp: Rich in vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus

- Scallions: Good source of vitamin K and vitamin C

- Garlic: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

Alergens

Soy sauce contains soy, which is a common allergen

- Shrimp is a shellfish and may cause allergies in some individuals

Summary

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is a protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B12 and selenium.

Summary

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. With its rich and savory sauce and tender shrimp, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Shrimp with Lobster Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a woman of great skill in the kitchen, and I spent countless hours by her side, watching and learning as she whipped up one delicious dish after another.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table flipping through an old cookbook, I stumbled upon a recipe that caught my eye. It was for Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, a dish I had never seen or tasted before. Intrigued by the combination of shrimp and lobster, two of my favorite seafoods, I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I showed the recipe to my grandmother, who smiled and nodded in approval. "Ah, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "That's a special dish, one that I learned to make many years ago from a dear friend of mine."

She went on to tell me the story of how she had come to acquire the recipe. It had been during a visit to a seaside town, where she had befriended a local woman who was known for her exquisite seafood dishes. This woman, Mrs. Chen, had taken my grandmother under her wing and taught her the secrets of making Shrimp with Lobster Sauce.

As my grandmother recounted the story, I could sense the nostalgia in her voice. She spoke of the warm summer days spent in Mrs. Chen's kitchen, the scent of fresh seafood filling the air as they cooked together. Mrs. Chen had patiently guided my grandmother through each step of the recipe, sharing her tips and tricks for creating the perfect balance of flavors.

After hearing my grandmother's tale, I was even more determined to master the art of making Shrimp with Lobster Sauce. With her guidance, I set out to gather all the ingredients I would need – shrimp, lobster, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and more. I carefully prepared each component, following the recipe to the letter as my grandmother looked on with pride.

The moment of truth came when the dish was finally ready to be served. I carefully plated the Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, the vibrant colors and fragrant aromas filling the room. My grandmother took a bite and closed her eyes in bliss, savoring the flavors that brought back memories of her time with Mrs. Chen.

As I watched her enjoy the dish, I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me. I had successfully recreated a recipe that held such sentimental value for my grandmother, and in doing so, I had honored the culinary traditions that had been passed down through generations.

From that day on, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce became a regular feature on our family's dinner table. It was a dish that brought us together, a reminder of the bond between past and present, and the joy that can be found in sharing a meal with loved ones.

As I sit here now, many years later, with a lifetime of cooking experience behind me, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons my grandmother taught me. Her passion for food, her dedication to preserving family recipes, and her willingness to share her knowledge with others have shaped me into the cook I am today.

And so, whenever I make Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the women who came before me, and a deep appreciation for the culinary heritage they have passed down. This dish will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and connection that can be found in a simple meal shared with family.