Sweet And Sour Lobster

Background & History

Sweet and Sour Lobster is a delightful dish that combines the delicate flavor of lobster with the lively and contrasting notes of sweet and sour sauce. Although this particular iteration of sweet and sour has its roots in Chinese cuisine, it was popularized by the iconic 90s sitcom, Frasier. In the show, highbrow tastes often clashed with more everyday fare, making this luxurious yet approachable recipe perfectly representative of the Frasier ethos.

The origin of Sweet and Sour sauce can be traced back to Chinese culinary traditions, showcasing a balance of flavors that has been central to Chinese cooking for centuries. By blending the freshest lobster with bold yet harmonious tastes, the dish is sure to impress both in its simplicity and its elegance.

Ingredients

• Lobster - 2 pounds (preferably fresh live lobsters)
• Pineapple chunks - 1 cup
• Bell peppers (red, green, and yellow for color) - 1 cup, sliced
• Onion - 1 medium-sized, sliced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 2 teaspoons, grated
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Vinegar - 1/2 cup (preferably rice vinegar)
• Sugar - 1/4 cup
• Ketchup - 1/4 cup
• Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 1 cup, divided
• Oil - 2 tablespoons, for frying
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste

Preparation

Prepare the Lobster

Start by cleaning the lobster thoroughly. If alive, use humane methods to euthanize the lobster prior to cooking. Afterward, par-boil the lobster in a large pot with salted water for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the shell loosens and the meat becomes easier to extract. Once cooked, remove the lobster from the water and let it cool. Extract the lobster meat from the tail, claws, and legs, cubing it into bite-sized pieces.

Vegetable Preparation

While the lobster cools, prepare your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers and onion and prepare the pineapple chunks, setting them aside for later.

Cooking Instructions

Create the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and 1/2 cup of water. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set this sweet and sour sauce mixture aside.

Stir-Frying

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, toss in the sliced onion and bell peppers, and continue to stir-fry until they start to become tender but still crisp, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Add the cubed lobster meat to the pan. Season with a touch of salt and pepper, then pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the mixture.

Creating the Sweet and Sour Glaze

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 cup of water to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the pan while continuously stirring. Allow the sauce to thicken into a rich glaze, coating the pineapple and vegetables evenly. Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for added depth and color.

Serving

Your Sweet and Sour Lobster is now ready to be served. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a light white wine, complementing the sweetness and richness of the lobster.

Enjoying the Meal

Savor each bite of the lobster as it absorbs the dynamic sauce, allowing the delicate seafood flavors to meld perfectly with the tangy, sweet, sour notes of the dish. This blend of flavors transports you to an upscale dining experience reminiscent of the refined tastes in Frasier, all while maintaining an approachable and comforting appeal. Enjoy this meal with company, allowing its theatrical pairing of opulence and simplicity to spark lively discussions, much like in the sitcom itself.