Lobster Cantonese
Gourmet |  October 2006

This is the kind of over-the-top meal guests will talk about for days afterward, and it's actually much easier to prepare than it might seem. Lobster, ground pork, and a host of Asian condiments create a riot of complementary flavors.  You can substitute lobster tails sliced into medallions for the whole lobster if you like. In this case, add the lobster medallions after the pork.

Servings: Makes 4 servings

1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup Chinese rice wine or dry Sherry
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 (1 1/2-lb) live lobsters
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons Chinese fermented black beans, rinsed and finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
4 scallions, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 lb ground fatty pork
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil

Bring 6 quarts water with 3 tablespoons salt to a boil in an 8- to 10-quart pot over high heat.

Meanwhile, stir together cornstarch, broth, rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, and pepper in a small bowl until sugar is dissolved.

Plunge lobsters headfirst into boiling water, then cover tightly and cook for 2 minutes from time lobsters enter water. Transfer lobsters with tongs to a large bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking (lobsters will not be fully cooked), then drain lobsters in a colander. When cool enough to handle, twist off tail and claws (including joints) of 1 lobster. Cut body in half lengthwise through shell with shears, then remove and discard sand sacs from inside head. Cut body in half again crosswise. Halve tail lengthwise through shell with a cleaver or large heavy knife, then cut each half crosswise into 4 pieces. Working with same lobster, 1 claw at a time, wrap claws with joints in a kitchen towel and twist off claws from joints. Unwrap claws, then crack joints with a mallet or back of a large heavy knife. Chop claws in half lengthwise between pincers with a cleaver or large heavy knife. Transfer lobster pieces to a bowl, keeping meat in shells. Repeat with second lobster, putting pieces of second lobster in another bowl.

Heat wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates instantly. Pour 1 tablespoon vegetable oil down side of wok, then tilt wok to swirl oil, coating side. When oil begins to smoke, add pieces of 1 lobster and stir-fry just until meat starts to turn opaque, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer cooked lobster with a slotted spoon to a large bowl. Repeat with second lobster, transferring cooked pieces to same bowl.

Add remaining tablespoon vegetable oil to wok, swirling to coat, then add beans, garlic, ginger, scallions, and pork and stir-fry until pork is no longer pink, about 1 minute.

Stir cornstarch mixture, then add to pork in wok and bring to a boil. Add lobster and stir to coat, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 2 minutes. Remove lid and pour eggs over lobster mixture in a thin circular stream. Cover wok and simmer just until eggs begin to set, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle with sesame oil, then gently toss. Serve immediately with steamed white rice.

Lobster Cantonese
from http://chinesefood.about.com

2 lobster tails (about 1 pound each)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons flour
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon salted black beans, pounded and soaked in 1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon ginger, chopped fine
1 scallion, chopped fine
1/4 pound ground pork
2 tablespoons sherry
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 egg, beaten
2 to 4 cups oil for deep-frying and stir-frying

Cut each lobster tail in half. Wash thoroughly. Drain. Cut tails into pieces 1 1/2 inches in length, leaving shells on. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the flour on lobster. Mix garlic with black bean mixture in a bowl. Stir well. Heat oil for deep-frying to smoking hot.

Put in lobster pieces. Deep-fry until shells are red. Drain. Remove.

Reheat 1 tablespoon of oil in wok. Stir-fry black bean mixture 30 seconds. Remove.

Reheat 2 tablespoons of oil in wok. Stir-fry ginger and scallion until there is an aroma, about 30 seconds. Add pork. Stir-fry on high heat until color changes. Add 1 tablespoon of sherry, soy sauce, black bean mixture, and stock. Bring to boil.

Add lobster to meat mixture. Add 1 tablespoon sherry. Cover. Cook 3 minutes.

Remove lid. Bring to boil. Thicken gravy with dissolved cornstarch. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add scallions. Slowly pour in beaten egg. Stir-fry about 10 seconds. Remove. Serve with steamed white rice.

Serves 4 to 6

Reprinted with permission from Madame Wong's Long-life Chinese Cookbook.