LOBSTER CANTONESE

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Lobster Cantonese image

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.

Provided by Paul Grimes

Categories     Wok     Pork     Shellfish     Stir-Fry     Dinner     Seafood     Lobster     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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
Special Equipment
kitchen shears; a well-seasoned 14-inch flat-bottomed wok with a lid

Steps:

  • 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.

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