Chinese Lobster Sauce (Weight Watchers Friendly)
A light and savory version of the popular Chinese Lobster Sauce, designed for those looking to enjoy a flavorful, restaurant-inspired dish with a mindful approach to calories and portion control.
Recipe Overview
| Description |
|---|
| A Weight Watchers recipe that remarkably mirrors the flavors of the lobster sauce often served in Chinese restaurants, despite the absence of lobster in the ingredients. Traditionally, pork is used, but this version substitutes ground beef for an easy, protein-packed option. |
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Servings | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Meat (Asian-Inspired) | 4 servings | – |
| Keywords |
|---|
| Asian, Quick, Easy, Under 60 Minutes, Low Calorie |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 341.7 kcal | 17.2 g | 6.7 g | 77.1 mg | 914.5 mg | 23.4 g | 1.6 g | 13.9 g | 23.1 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Garlic cloves, minced |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground black pepper |
| 1 lb | Lean ground beef |
| 2 | Scallions, chopped |
| 4 cups | Hot water |
| 3 tsp | Sugar |
| 4 tbsp | Oyster sauce |
| 4 tbsp | Low-sodium soy sauce |
| 4 tbsp | Cornstarch |
| 6 tsp | Herb-Ox (optional) |
Instructions
| Step | Detailed Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large skillet or wok, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn. |
| 2 | Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sprinkle in the ground black pepper, and continue cooking until the meat is browned, about 6-8 minutes. |
| 3 | Stir in the chopped scallions, allowing them to soften and meld with the beef for an additional 2-3 minutes. |
| 4 | Dissolve the Herb-Ox in the hot water and pour this mixture into the skillet. Stir gently to combine, allowing the flavors to blend with the cooked beef and scallions. |
| 5 | Add the sugar, oyster sauce, and soy sauce, stirring well to incorporate them fully into the sauce. |
| 6 | In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly add this to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your liking. |
| 7 | Reduce the heat to low, allowing the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the flavors deepen and the sauce reaches the perfect consistency. |
| 8 | Serve the lobster sauce hot, spooned over steamed rice or vegetables. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be refrigerated and reheated for up to 2 days. |
Chef’s Tips
- For added flavor depth, try swapping ground beef with ground pork if preferred.
- Adjust the cornstarch to achieve your desired thickness for the sauce; a thicker sauce holds up well when paired with rice, while a thinner sauce works better with stir-fried vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh chopped scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a touch of texture and color.
Enjoy this lighter version of the classic Chinese Lobster Sauce, capturing authentic flavors with a mindful twist!
