How to Make Shrimp with Lobster Sauce at Home
Published: 27 May 2025
Shrimp with lobster sauce is a beloved Chinese takeout dish that has become a staple in many American households. Despite its name, there is no lobster in this dish—shrimp is the star of the show, cooked to perfection in a savory, velvety white sauce for shrimp.
This dish is known for its delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with velveted shrimp and the crunch of vegetables like peas and carrots. It is a perfect meal for anyone who craves a rich and comforting dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether served with rice or noodles, shrimp with lobster sauce is sure to please your taste buds.
What is Shrimp with Lobster Sauce?
When people first hear about shrimp with lobster sauce, they often wonder, “Is there lobster in shrimp with lobster sauce?” The answer is no, there is no lobster in the dish. Originally, this was a lobster-based dish, but over time, shrimp became the go-to ingredient for its affordability and availability. The dish is famous for its savory, creamy white sauce, which is made with Shaoxing rice wine, chicken bouillon powder, and other flavorful ingredients. The sauce is silky and pairs beautifully with plump shrimp, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Despite the name, shrimp with lobster sauce is a dish that has become a staple in Chinese cuisine recipes across the U.S. and many other parts of the world. It’s typically served with vegetables like peas and carrots, and egg ribbons in sauce are often added for texture. This dish is a true example of Asian seafood dish comfort food, ideal for anyone craving a hearty and delicious meal.
The History Behind Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
The story of shrimp with lobster sauce begins in Chinese-American cuisine. It originated as a lobster-based dish, but over time, shrimp replaced the lobster as the main protein. This change was likely made for cost and accessibility reasons, which made it a hit in Chinese restaurants across the United States. In fact, it’s become one of the most popular Chinese takeout options, often paired with fried rice or noodles.
The dish’s name is a bit misleading, as it doesn’t contain any lobster. Instead, it’s the lobster sauce that gives the dish its name. This sauce is creamy, flavorful, and has the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, making it a favorite among those who enjoy sweet and savory shrimp dishes. Over time, it’s been adapted in many ways, but the core ingredients remain mostly unchanged.
Ingredients List
To make shrimp with lobster sauce, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The first and most important ingredient is, of course, shrimp. You’ll want to use large shrimp, preferably around the best shrimp size for lobster sauce recipe (21/30). They should be marinated with Shaoxing rice wine, salt, cornstarch, and a bit of oil. This technique, called velveted shrimp, keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.
Other ingredients include chicken bouillon powder, cornstarch slurry for sauce, and toasted sesame oil in sauce for that nutty flavor. You’ll also need peas and carrots—frozen ones work great because they’re easy to thaw and don’t release too much water into the sauce. To finish off the dish, you’ll need egg whites to create those lovely egg white ribbons in soup, which add texture and richness to the sauce. These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s satisfying and flavorful.
How to Make Shrimp with Lobster Sauce – Step-by-Step Instructions
Making shrimp with lobster sauce is easier than it sounds. First, marinate the shrimp with Shaoxing rice wine, salt, cornstarch, and oil. This process is essential to velvet the shrimp, keeping them moist and tender. Once the shrimp are ready, move on to making the broth. In a wok or large pan, heat some oil, and sauté garlic and green onions until fragrant. Add chicken bouillon powder, sugar, and white pepper to make the base of your sauce.
Now, cook the shrimp in the broth until they turn pink. This usually takes about 30 seconds, depending on the size of the shrimp. Once they’re cooked, remove them and set them aside. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and bring it to a boil. Then, add the peas and carrots, followed by the egg whites. Stir gently to form the egg ribbons in the sauce. Finally, return the shrimp to the pan, drizzle in the toasted sesame oil, and give everything a good mix before serving.
Adding Pork to Your Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
While traditional shrimp with lobster sauce is made with just shrimp, some people like to add pork to the dish. This is a great way to enhance the flavor and add a savory, meaty element to the meal. You can use ground pork, or thin slices of pork belly, to add richness to the dish. The pork pairs well with the shrimp, adding another layer of flavor and texture.
Adding pork is not necessary, but it’s a variation that some find makes the dish even more satisfying. If you prefer a vegetarian or pescatarian version, you can easily skip the pork and still enjoy the shrimp with lobster sauce just as much.
Top Tips for Cooking Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
One of the best tips for cooking shrimp with lobster sauce is to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in about 30 seconds, so you want to make sure they turn pink and curl up into an “O” shape, but don’t let them cook any longer. This helps preserve the perfect shrimp texture and ensures they stay tender.
Another important tip is to add the shrimp back to the sauce at the very end. This prevents them from cooking further and becoming rubbery. Be sure to stir the cornstarch slurry gently into the sauce to avoid clumping, and always check the sauce’s consistency. If it’s too thin, simply add more slurry to thicken it up.
What to Serve with Shrimp with Lobster Sauce?
Shrimp with lobster sauce is best served with steamed white rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly. You can also pair it with shrimp stir fry or shrimp with vegetables for a complete meal. Egg rolls are another great side, as they provide a crispy contrast to the soft, creamy shrimp.
For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside some stir-fried noodles or fried rice. These sides complement the flavors of the dish, making for a well-rounded meal. Don’t forget a light tea or a crisp white wine to enhance the experience.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
Leftover shrimp with lobster sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure to cool it completely before placing it in an airtight container. Reheating shrimp with lobster sauce is easy—simply place it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat and stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
If the sauce becomes too thin after cooling, you can thicken shrimp sauce by adding a little more cornstarch slurry. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Fun Facts About Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
Did you know that shrimp with lobster sauce was originally a lobster dish? Over time, restaurants began using shrimp because it was cheaper and more accessible, but the name stuck. Today, it’s a classic Chinese takeout dish that’s enjoyed by people all over the world.
This dish is a perfect example of how food evolves over time. It’s also a great way to experiment with different ingredients, like adding pork or trying different vegetables.
More Delicious Chinese Shrimp Recipes You Might Like
If you love shrimp with lobster sauce, you might also enjoy other Chinese shrimp recipes, like Kung Pao shrimp, shrimp fried rice, or shrimp and broccoli. These dishes share a similar flavor profile and are perfect for a complete Chinese meal.
By trying different shrimp recipes, you’ll get a better feel for the flavors and techniques used in Chinese cooking, which will help you create your own delicious variations of shrimp dishes with vegetables.
FAQs
1. Why is it called shrimp with lobster sauce?
The name comes from the original lobster version of the dish, though today shrimp is used as a more affordable alternative, while the sauce remains the same.
2. Is Chinese shrimp with lobster sauce healthy?
It can be healthy as shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, but the dish can be high in sodium, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
3. What does lobster sauce taste like?
Lobster sauce has a savory, umami-rich flavor with slight sweetness, often made with garlic, ginger, and chicken broth, and a nutty hint from toasted sesame oil.
4. What is lobster cream sauce made of?
Lobster cream sauce is made with lobster stock, heavy cream, garlic, butter, and seasonings, creating a rich, creamy sauce often served with seafood or pasta.
5. What is velveted shrimp?
Velveted shrimp is a cooking technique where shrimp are marinated in cornstarch, rice wine, and oil to keep them tender and moist during cooking.
6. Can I substitute cornstarch in shrimp with lobster sauce?
Yes, you can use alternatives like potato starch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce, but you may need to adjust the amounts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shrimp with lobster sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine recipes right into your kitchen. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create this home-cooked shrimp with lobster sauce dish that rivals any restaurant version. So, go ahead and try making it yourself—your taste buds will thank you!
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- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
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- No Personal Attacks
