Cantonese Lobster Sauce


 Cuisine: Chinese  Type: Entree  AKA: Xiā Ròu Bàng

Cantonese Lobster Sauce | Xiā Ròu Bàng : Entree in Chinese cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Lobster
1 whole (450)
Ground Pork
1 cup (240)
Minced Garlic
2 teaspoon (10)
Minced Ginger
2 teaspoon (10)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoon (28)
Oyster Sauce
2 tablespoon (28)
Chicken Broth
1 cup (240)
Cornstarch
2 tablespoon (16)
Water
1 cup (240)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoon (28)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (4)
White Pepper
1 teaspoon (4)
Green Onions
2 stalks (30)
 Totals
47 oz (1,334 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Lobster
145
Ground Pork
250
Garlic
4
Ginger
9
Green Onions
10
Soy Sauce
8
Oyster Sauce
18
Cornstarch
30
Water
0
Vegetable Oil
120
Sugar
16
Salt
0
White Pepper
6
Sesame Oil
40
 Totals
656 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add ground pork to the wok and stir-fry until it starts to brown and is cooked through.

Step 4: Pour in Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine) and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.

Step 5: Add diced onions and stir-fry until they become translucent.

Step 6: Stir in diced bell peppers and cook for about 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 7: Add diced tomatoes to the wok and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they break down and release their juices.

Step 8: Pour in chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 9: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.

Step 10: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Step 11: Season the sauce with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar to taste. Stir well to combine.

Step 12: Gently add cooked and chopped lobster meat to the sauce, stirring to coat the meat evenly.

Step 13: Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat the lobster meat through.

Step 14: Serve the Cantonese lobster sauce hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Step 15: Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Cantonese Lobster Sauce (Xiā Ròu Bàng) with its rich flavors and tender lobster meat!

 Substitutions 


Substitutions for Cantonese Lobster Sauce (Xiā Ròu Bàng):

1. Lobster: Substitute with cooked shrimp or crab meat. Adjust quantity to match the amount of lobster required in the recipe.

2. Fermented black beans: Substitute with black bean sauce or black bean paste. Use 1 tablespoon of black bean sauce or paste for every 1 tablespoon of fermented black beans.

3. Ground pork: Substitute with ground chicken, ground beef, or minced tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the chosen substitute.

4. Chicken broth: Substitute with vegetable broth or seafood broth. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

5. Shaoxing wine: Substitute with dry sherry or mirin. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

6. Cornstarch: Substitute with potato starch or arrowroot powder. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

7. Soy sauce: Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.

8. Oyster sauce: Substitute with hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a small amount of sugar. Adjust the sweetness to taste.

9. Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder or granulated garlic. Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.

10. Ginger: Substitute with ground ginger or ginger paste. Use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for every teaspoon of fresh ginger.

Note: Adjust the seasoning and flavors according to personal preference when using substitutes.

 Pairings 


- Steamed white rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Fried noodles
- Deep-fried tofu
- Steamed fish
- Roast duck
- Sautéed shrimp
- Braised pork belly
- Sweet and sour chicken
- Egg foo young
- Wonton soup
- Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce
- Mapo tofu
- Salt and pepper squid
- Honey walnut shrimp
- General Tso's chicken
- Mongolian beef
- Kung Pao chicken
- Ma la hot pot
- Dim sum platter

 Upgrades 


Enhancements for Cantonese Lobster Sauce (Xiā Ròu Bàng):

1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with thinly sliced scallions or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve the sauce in a carved-out lobster shell for an impressive presentation.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or toasted almonds for added texture and visual appeal.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Enhance the umami flavor by adding a splash of fish sauce or oyster sauce.
- Incorporate diced bell peppers or water chestnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Infuse the sauce with a hint of ginger or garlic to elevate the overall flavor.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use fresh lobster meat instead of canned or frozen for a more indulgent experience.
- Substitute regular soy sauce with premium soy sauce, such as aged or dark soy sauce, for a richer flavor.
- Add a splash of Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine to enhance the depth of the sauce.

Remember, these enhancements are optional and can be adjusted to your personal taste preferences. Enjoy your next-level Cantonese Lobster Sauce!

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use lean protein sources such as chicken or tofu instead of lobster for individuals with shellfish allergies or vegetarian preferences.
- Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content for those with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
- Use a small amount of heart-healthy oils like olive or avocado oil instead of traditional cooking oils to reduce saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers to add more fiber and nutrients to the dish.
- Reduce the amount of cornstarch used for thickening to lower the overall carbohydrate content for individuals following a low-carb diet.
- Minimize the use of added sugars or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for individuals with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake.
- Adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting chili peppers for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.
- Serve the dish with steamed brown rice instead of white rice to increase fiber and promote a slower release of energy for individuals watching their blood sugar levels or trying to lose weight.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions instead of fried shallots to reduce unhealthy fats and calories.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use a lean protein like shrimp or tofu instead of lobster to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or whole wheat flour to increase fiber and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce sodium content.
- Include a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas for added vitamins and minerals.
- Use olive oil or canola oil instead of vegetable oil for healthier fats.
- Minimize the use of sugar or substitute with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Add fresh herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, and chili peppers for flavor without adding extra calories.
- Serve the dish with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for more fiber and nutrients.
- Steam or lightly stir-fry the ingredients instead of deep-frying to reduce oil absorption.
- Control portion sizes to avoid overeating and maintain a balanced meal.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use frozen lobster tails instead of live lobsters to save time and money.
2. Substitute ground pork or chicken for the more expensive lobster meat.
3. Use pre-made lobster or seafood stock instead of making your own from scratch.
4. Opt for canned or frozen vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and corn, instead of fresh ones.
5. Replace expensive Shaoxing wine with a more affordable rice wine or dry sherry.
6. Use cornstarch instead of potato starch to thicken the sauce.
7. Skip the step of deep-frying the lobster and instead sauté it in a small amount of oil.
8. Add a touch of oyster sauce for extra flavor instead of using more expensive ingredients.
9. Consider using dried or powdered garlic and ginger instead of fresh ones.
10. Use regular soy sauce instead of premium or dark soy sauce to save on cost.