Shrimp with lobster sauce is a popular Chinese-American dish that is often found on the menu at Chinese restaurants in the United States. Despite its name, the dish does not actually contain lobster, but rather a savory sauce made with minced pork, eggs, and a variety of seasonings that gives it a lobster-like flavor. In this article, we will explore the origins of shrimp with lobster sauce, what ingredients are typically used in the dish, and how to make it at home.
History of Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
Shrimp with lobster sauce is a classic example of Chinese-American cuisine, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Chinese immigrants adapted their traditional dishes to appeal to American tastes. The dish was likely created in the United States by Chinese immigrants who were looking to create a new dish that would appeal to both Chinese and American palates. It is believed that the dish was inspired by a traditional Cantonese dish called “shrimp with ground pork,” which is made with similar ingredients but does not have the distinctive lobster-like flavor.
Ingredients in Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
Shrimp with lobster sauce typically includes shrimp, minced pork, garlic, ginger, scallions, chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and eggs. The sauce is made by cooking the minced pork with garlic, ginger, and scallions until it is browned and then adding chicken broth, soy sauce, and sugar. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch and beaten eggs are added to give it a creamy texture. The shrimp are then added to the sauce and cooked until they are pink and cooked through.
How to Make Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
Making shrimp with lobster sauce at home is relatively easy and requires only a few ingredients. To make the dish, you will need:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 pound ground pork
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions:
To make the sauce, heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and scallions and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, and sugar and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens. Add the beaten eggs to the pan and stir until the eggs are cooked and the sauce is creamy. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Conclusion
Shrimp with lobster sauce is a tasty and easy-to-make dish that is sure to please both Chinese and American palates. Despite its name, the dish does not actually contain lobster, but rather a savory sauce made with minced pork, eggs, and a variety of seasonings that gives it a lobster-like flavor. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make this delicious dish at home and impress your friends and family with your Chinese cooking skills.
