Scallops with Cheese: A Delicious Seasonal Seafood Delight
Scallop Recipe, Seasonal Scallops, Baked Scallops with Cheese, Steamed Scallops with Cheese, Easy Seafood Dish, Kid-Friendly Snack
It’s the perfect time to enjoy fresh, seasonal scallops! While cleaning and purging clams can sometimes feel tedious, my child absolutely adores seafood. I happened to find scallops on sale at the supermarket and bought a 2kg box to prepare a special meal. Scallops are prized for their plump, sweet meat that’s tender and free of any fishy odor. I decided to steam them first and then top them with cheese for a delightful baked scallop dish. Let’s make this flavorful scallop delight together!
Ingredients
- 2kg fresh scallops
- 2 Tbsp coarse salt (for cleaning and purging)
- 1/2 cup soju or rice wine (to remove fishy smell)
- 500ml water (for steaming)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (adjust to taste)
- Spicy chili dipping sauce (for serving, to taste)
- 2 green onions (for garnish, finely chopped)
- 1 red chili pepper (for garnish, seeds removed and finely chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by thoroughly cleaning the scallops. It’s important to wear thick gloves as the shells can be rough and sharp, posing a risk of cuts. Scrub the outer surface of the shells diligently with a brush to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2
While scallops are not mud clams and can be eaten after simple cleaning, for a cleaner taste, purging them for about 1 hour is recommended. After washing, rinse the scallops a few times in clean water. In a large bowl, add enough water to fully submerge the scallops, then dissolve 2 tablespoons of coarse salt in it. Place the cleaned scallops in the salted water, cover the bowl with a dark plastic bag, and leave them in a cool place (like a balcony) for one hour. This process helps the scallops expel any grit or impurities, resulting in a much cleaner flavor.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to steam the scallops. Using a large steamer pot, similar to one used for dumplings, is convenient. Add 500ml of water to the steamer and bring it to a boil. Arrange the scallops in the steamer basket with the cup-side facing upwards. This orientation helps retain the delicious natural juices within the scallops. To further enhance the flavor and remove any potential fishy smell, add about half a cup of soju or rice wine to the steaming water. Cover the pot and steam for about 10 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them steam for an additional 5 minutes to allow them to finish cooking gently.
Step 4
While the scallops are steaming, prepare the toppings. Measure out about 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, or adjust to your preference for topping the scallops. A little spicy chili dipping sauce (chojang) served alongside will enhance the scallops’ natural sweetness. Finely chop 2 green onions and 1 red chili pepper (seeds removed) for a colorful and flavorful garnish.
Step 5
Once the steaming and resting time is complete, open the steamer lid. You’ll find the scallops beautifully opened, revealing plump, succulent meat and tender adductor muscles. Well-cooked scallops will have meat that easily separates from the shell with just a gentle nudge, making them easy to eat.
Step 6
These steamed scallops are delicious on their own, but let’s elevate them further! While dipping them in spicy chili sauce is great, adding gooey, melted mozzarella cheese transforms them into a dish that both children and adults will love.
Step 7
For an even richer experience, you can bake the cheese-topped scallops in an oven to create ‘baked scallops with cheese’. However, be mindful of the baking time; overcooking can make the scallops tough and dry. It’s best to bake just until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. If you don’t have an oven, you can achieve a similar result by placing the steamed scallops back into the same pot (with the cheese on top) and gently melting the cheese over low heat. This method helps keep the scallops wonderfully tender.
Step 8
While the cheese is melting, you can prepare a special treat for the kids. Separate the meat from a few scallops and place them on a small plate, topping only with cheese. This way, even little ones who might not enjoy the spicy sauce can savor the cheesy goodness.
Step 9
Once the mozzarella cheese is perfectly melted and slightly golden, your delicious scallop dish is ready to be enjoyed! Savor the wonderful combination of fresh scallop flavor, creamy cheese, and the zesty touch of spicy chili sauce.
