How to Cook Chinese Lobster with Chili Garlic Sauce
Chinese lobster is a delightful seafood dish that stands out for its fresh flavors and satisfying texture. When paired with a zesty chili garlic sauce, it transforms into a culinary masterpiece that delights the palate. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking Chinese lobster with chili garlic sauce, ensuring that you achieve delicious results every time.
Ingredients
To prepare Chinese lobster with chili garlic sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 live lobsters (about 1.5 pounds each)
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 red chili peppers, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- Salt to taste
Preparation Steps
Follow these steps to perfectly cook Chinese lobster with chili garlic sauce:
1. Preparing the Lobster
Start by preparing the lobsters. If you prefer a more humane method, consider placing them in the freezer for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to numb them. Afterward, rinse the lobsters under cold water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and carefully add the lobsters. Boil for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the shells turn vibrant red.
Once cooked, remove the lobsters from the pot and allow them to cool for a few minutes. After cooling, separate the tails from the bodies using a sharp knife. Cut the tail into large chunks and clean the body, removing the inedible parts.
2. Making the Chili Garlic Sauce
In a frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers, stirring them for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant but not burnt. Be careful, as garlic can burn quickly.
Next, pour in the soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved. Then, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce to thicken. Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute, adjusting seasoning with salt to taste.
3. Combining Lobster with Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the lobster chunks to the pan. Gently toss the lobster in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the lobster is heated through. The sauce should be thick and cling to the lobster nicely.
Serving the Dish
To serve your Chinese lobster with chili garlic sauce, arrange the lobster pieces on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and garnish with chopped green onions. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, which will help to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Final Tips
For an extra kick, you can also add a splash of sesame oil or a few drops of hot sauce to the dish before serving. Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste by varying the amount of chili peppers used. Enjoy your homemade Chinese lobster with chili garlic sauce that brings a taste of the sea right to your dining table!
With these simple steps and tips, cooking Chinese lobster with chili garlic sauce can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Impress your family and friends with this exotic dish that’s easy to make yet packed with flavor.