Lobster Noodles (Lobster Yee Mein) - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

5 from 1 vote

INGREDIENTS TIPS

NOODLES
The #1 question I get asked if what kind of noodles I used! This dish is traditionally made with E-Fu or Yi Mein (long life) noodles, which are fried and then dried. You should be able to find these in the dried noodle section of your Asian market. (Second photo on the right – the circular package with the yellow label.) I used fresh Shanghai noodles instead because I prefer the bounciness and chewiness. (First photo on the left – rectangular package with the green label.) I included photos of both noodles for you to reference!

LOBSTER
I used lobster tails in my recipe because that is what I preferred; however, you can use a whole lobster if you want! The cornstarch dredging and frying will be exactly the same.

SHAOXING WINE
If you cannot or do not want to use wine, you can sub with sherry, mirin, or chicken stock!

WHITE PEPPER
I get asked all the time if you can sub black pepper for white pepper – and my answer is, it depends BUT you need to watch the ratio. White pepper has a milder flavor profile than black pepper, so it’s a 1-1 substitute. I would start with less black pepper and add as you go. (But really, you should have white pepper in your pantry! It’s a staple in mine!)

CORNSTARCH SLURRY
A cornstarch slurry is a mixture of cornstarch and water that is used in cooking to thicken WITHOUT powdery lumps or additional flavors/colors! This is the secret to so many of your favorite Chinese dishes. My #1 tip is make sure your cornstarch slurry has not separated before adding it in – I always try to re-stir right before!

NEUTRAL OIL
My favorite neutral oil is avocado oil, but you can also use canola or vegetable oil! I don’t use olive oil when cooking Chinese food for two reasons: 1. It has a low burning point and 2. I find that the flavor profile does not usually go with the dish.

RECIPE TIPS

Servings: 4

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

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Lobster

• ▢ 12 oz lobster tails, I used 3 x 4oz lobster tails, cut to 2" pieces
• ▢ 1 cup cornstarch
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp white pepper
• ▢ 1 cup neutral oil for frying, I used avocado oil

Sauce Base

• ▢ 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce
• ▢ 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
• ▢ 1/2 tbsp sugar
• ▢ 1 tsp white pepper
• ▢ 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
• ▢ 1 tsp sesame oil
• ▢ 1/4 cup chicken broth
• ▢ 1/4 tsp msg, optional

Remaining Ingredients

• ▢ 8 scallions, chopped, greens and whites separated
• ▢ 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ 2 inch ginger, sliced
• ▢ 16 oz noodles, fresh or dried; E-Yu, Yi Mein, or Shanghai noodles recommended
• ▢ 1.5 cups chicken broth

Cornstarch Slurry

• ▢ 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ▢ 3 tbsp water

US Customary – Metric

• Using kitchen shears or a cleaver, cut lobster tails to 2 inch pieces leaving the shell on.

• Premix sauce base by combining oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, white pepper, shaoxing wine, sesame oil, msg, and chicken broth and set aside.

• To a large bowl, add cornstarch and season with salt and white pepper. Lightly dust lobster pieces in the seasoned cornstarch, shaking off any excess.

• Heat oil in a large wok or pan, then fry the lobster at 350F for 45 seconds – 1 minute until the lobster is bright red and cooked through.

• Cook noodles and boiling water and drain immediately and rinse with cold water to remove starch and stop the cooking processes.

• In a large pan or wok, add 1 tbsp of oil and stir fry garlic, ginger, and scallion whites for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Immediately add lobster and stir fry for 1 minute.

• Add premixed sauce and stir over high heat, then combine chicken stock and heat until boiling, then simmer for 4-5 minutes to reduce slightly.

• Add scallion greens and mix through, then add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Pour over noodles in a large bowl, serve, and enjoy!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese