Name: Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork: 1 Secret Ingredient
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/2 pound ground pork; 2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 scallion, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry; 1½ cups chicken stock or seafood stock; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 2 large eggs, beaten; Optional: 6-8 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; Steamed jasmine rice or white rice, for serving; Additional scallions, for garnish

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Chinese lobster sauce pork has been a beloved takeout classic for decades, and I’ve always wondered how they get that sauce so perfectly savory and silky. My first encounter with this dish was at a small, unassuming Chinese restaurant near my childhood home. The aroma of garlic and ginger hit me the moment I opened the door, and the pork and egg mixture swimming in that rich, dark sauce was pure comfort. It tasted like home, but with an exciting, exotic twist. I finally discovered that the magic ingredient is often fermented black beans, not actual lobster, which makes this authentic Chinese lobster sauce pork surprisingly accessible to make at home. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork

This dish is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to fall in love with this incredible meal.

Incredible Flavor: The combination of savory pork, pungent fermented black beans, and silky egg ribbons creates a taste sensation you won’t forget.
Quick Prep Time: With only 15 minutes of preparation, this Chinese pork with lobster sauce is perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein from the pork and eggs, and you can control the sodium by adjusting the soy sauce.
Budget-Friendly: Using ground pork and pantry staples makes this a much more affordable option than restaurant takeout.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will devour this delicious Chinese pork dish lobster sauce – it’s comfort food at its finest!
Versatile: Easily add shrimp for a classic twist or enjoy it as is.
Authentic Taste: Experience the true flavors of a traditional Chinese stir-fry right in your own kitchen.

Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork: 1 Secret Ingredient - Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork - main visual representation

Ingredients for Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making an amazing Chinese pork with lobster sauce. You’ll be surprised how easily these come together to create that signature flavor!

½ pound ground pork – I like to use a 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and moisture.
2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed – These are the flavor powerhouses, giving our authentic Chinese lobster sauce pork its deep, savory, umami kick!
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced – Adds a lovely warmth and fragrance.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that classic Chinese cooking aroma.
1 scallion, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated) – The white parts go in the sauce for flavor, the green for garnish.
2 tablespoons soy sauce – Use a good quality one for best results.
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry – This adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
1½ cups chicken stock or seafood stock – This forms the base of our luscious sauce.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce – For an extra layer of savory goodness.
1 teaspoon sesame oil – A little goes a long way for that nutty aroma.
½ teaspoon sugar – Balances the flavors perfectly.
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water – This is our slurry to thicken the sauce beautifully.
2 large eggs, beaten – These create those delicate, silky ribbons in the sauce.
Optional: 6-8 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined – If you want to add shrimp for a classic twist on this pork in Chinese lobster sauce recipe.
Steamed jasmine rice or white rice, for serving – The perfect vehicle to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Additional scallions, for garnish – For a pop of color and fresh onion flavor.

How to Make Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork

Making this classic dish at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps to create a truly delicious Chinese pork stir fry lobster sauce that will impress everyone!

Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredient Preparation

Before you even think about turning on the stove, let’s get everything prepped. This is key for a smooth cooking process. Rinse and mash your fermented black beans until they form a rough paste – this unlocks their amazing flavor. Mince your fresh ginger and garlic, and thinly slice your scallion, keeping the white and green parts separate. Beat your eggs in a small bowl until they’re well combined, ready to be drizzled in. If you’re adding shrimp, make sure they’re peeled and deveined.

Cooking the Pork

Now for the cooking part! Heat about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your ground pork. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the pork in batches to ensure it browns properly rather than steams.

Building the Sauce

Once the pork is browned, push it to one side of the wok. If your pan looks dry, add another splash of oil. Now, add your mashed fermented black beans, minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of your sliced scallions to the cleared space. Sauté these aromatics for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until they become wonderfully fragrant. You’ll smell that classic Chinese cooking aroma filling your kitchen! Then, pour in the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and your chicken or seafood stock. Give it all a good stir to combine.

Thickening the Sauce and Adding Shrimp

Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Let it bubble gently for about 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, glossy consistency. If you’re making the shrimp variation of this Chinese cuisine pork lobster sauce, now is the time to add them. Stir them in and let them simmer for about 2 minutes, just until they turn pink and are cooked through.

Creating Egg Ribbons

This is where the magic happens! Reduce the heat to low. Now, very slowly and gently, drizzle the beaten eggs into the sauce in a thin stream. As you drizzle, use your spoon or spatula to gently stir the sauce in one direction. This technique creates those lovely, delicate egg ribbons that are a hallmark of this dish. Don’t over-stir, or you’ll end up with scrambled eggs instead of ribbons!

Finishing and Serving

Once the egg ribbons have formed and are just set, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the reserved green parts of the scallions over the top for a fresh, oniony bite and a pop of color. Give everything one last gentle stir. Serve this incredible homemade Chinese lobster sauce pork immediately over hot, fluffy steamed jasmine rice or white rice. The rice is the perfect canvas to soak up all that rich, savory sauce. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Authentic Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork

Want to elevate your Chinese pork with lobster sauce game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make a difference. Following these simple tips will help you achieve that perfect restaurant-quality flavor and texture right in your own kitchen.

Don’t skip rinsing and mashing the fermented black beans; this step is crucial for unlocking their savory depth and creating a smooth sauce.
Use a good quality soy sauce and Shaoxing wine for the best flavor profile in your pork in Chinese lobster sauce recipe.
When adding the eggs, ensure the heat is low and drizzle them slowly while gently stirring to get those beautiful, delicate ribbons.

What’s the secret to perfect Chinese lobster sauce pork?

The real secret lies in the fermented black beans and the proper technique for creating the egg ribbons. Mash those beans well for maximum flavor release, and gently swirl the eggs into low-simmering sauce for silky strands.

Can I make Chinese lobster sauce pork ahead of time?

You can prepare the pork and sauce mixture up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, then add the beaten eggs to create ribbons right before serving for the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese lobster sauce pork?

A common pitfall is overcooking the pork, which can make it tough. Another is over-stirring the eggs, which results in scrambled bits instead of ribbons. Cook pork until just browned and stir eggs very gently.

Best Ways to Serve Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork

This savory and satisfying Chinese pork dish lobster sauce is incredibly versatile. The most classic way to enjoy it is spooned generously over fluffy steamed jasmine rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, umami-packed sauce. For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple, crisp vegetable side dish like steamed broccoli or stir-fried bok choy. This balances the richness of the pork and sauce beautifully. You could also pair it with a light, refreshing egg drop soup for a truly authentic Chinese takeout experience at home!

Nutrition Facts for Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork

This savory Chinese lobster sauce pork is a flavorful dish that can fit into a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving, keeping in mind that exact figures can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.

Calories: Estimated 350-450 kcal
Fat: Estimated 20-30g
Saturated Fat: Estimated 5-10g
Protein: Estimated 25-35g
Carbohydrates: Estimated 15-25g
Fiber: Estimated 1-3g
Sugar: Estimated 5-10g
Sodium: Estimated 800-1200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially sodium content from soy sauce and stock.

How to Store and Reheat Pork in Chinese Lobster Sauce

Leftovers of this delicious Chinese pork dish lobster sauce are a treat! Once your pork and lobster sauce stir fry has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, it should stay fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. For best quality, portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, your homemade Chinese lobster sauce pork can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, gently warm the savory Chinese lobster sauce pork in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating. For frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above. Avoid overheating, which can make the pork tough and the sauce watery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Pork with Lobster Sauce

What is Chinese lobster sauce pork?

Chinese lobster sauce pork is a popular Chinese-American takeout dish. Despite its name, it typically doesn’t contain lobster! The “lobster sauce” refers to a savory, umami-rich brown sauce, often made with fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, and thickened with egg ribbons. This recipe features ground pork as the main protein, creating a dish that’s flavorful and satisfying.

Can I substitute the pork in this Chinese pork with lobster sauce recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pork, or simply want to try something different, this pork in Chinese lobster sauce recipe is very adaptable. Ground chicken or turkey works wonderfully as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, you could use firm tofu, crumbled, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. If you’re craving seafood, consider adding shrimp or even small pieces of fish. You can find more adaptable recipes on our latest recipes page.

What makes the sauce for Chinese lobster sauce pork so flavorful?

The signature flavor of this authentic Chinese lobster sauce pork comes from a few key ingredients. Fermented black beans are essential, providing a deep, salty, and slightly pungent umami base. Fresh ginger and garlic add aromatic warmth, while soy sauce and oyster sauce contribute savory depth. The silky egg ribbons also add a unique texture and subtle richness to the overall dish. For more sauce ideas, check out our sauces and marinades category.

How do I get the egg ribbons in my Chinese pork stir fry lobster sauce?

Achieving those beautiful egg ribbons is all about technique! Make sure your heat is turned down to low before you add the beaten eggs. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs in a thin, steady stream into the simmering sauce while gently stirring in one direction with a spoon or spatula. Don’t over-stir, or you’ll end up with scrambled eggs. The gentle swirling motion creates those delicate, wispy strands that are a hallmark of this Chinese pork stir fry lobster sauce. For more cooking tips, visit our about page.

Variations of Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork You Can Try

While this pork with fermented black bean lobster sauce recipe is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are a few ideas to customize your dish:

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the aromatics when you’re building the sauce for a bit of heat. This variation can really wake up the flavors of your Chinese pork dish lobster sauce.
Seafood Lover’s Dream: While we included optional shrimp, you could also add imitation crab meat or even small scallops along with the shrimp in step 6. This makes for a more robust seafood take on Chinese cuisine pork lobster sauce.
Vegetarian Delight: Swap the ground pork for crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken or seafood stock for a completely vegetarian version of this classic Chinese pork with lobster sauce.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers (any color!), snow peas, or sliced mushrooms along with the pork during cooking for added texture and nutrients.

Chinese Lobster Sauce Pork: 1 Secret Ingredient