Tender Grilled Abalone and Fresh Abalone Sashimi
Tender Grilled Abalone and Fresh Abalone Sashimi
Abalone Delicacies Served with the Friendship of My Husband’s Friend
This recipe features abalone prepared with the incredible friendship of my husband’s college friend, whose father farms abalone. Every year, we receive a special delivery of these oceanic gems. This year was no exception, arriving in a well-chilled box. We decided to prepare both refreshing abalone sashimi and rich, buttery grilled abalone. It’s a wonderful way to savor the ocean’s bounty.
Preparing the Abalone- 10 fresh abalones
- A toothbrush (for scrubbing shells)
Abalone Sashimi- 2 prepared abalones
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- Sesame oil dipping sauce (to taste)
Abalone Butter Gratin- 3 prepared abalones
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp butter
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper (optional)
- 2 prepared abalones
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- Sesame oil dipping sauce (to taste)
Abalone Butter Gratin- 3 prepared abalones
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp butter
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Clean and Prepare Abalone: Start by thoroughly scrubbing the abalone shells using a toothbrush to remove any dirt or debris from the crevices. Briefly blanch the scrubbed abalones in boiling water – this makes it easier to separate the meat from the shell. Use a spoon to gently pry the abalone meat away from the shell.
Step 2
Once the meat is out, carefully cut away the hard, tooth-like mouth part from the underside of the abalone. Separate the darker innards from the lighter meat. (The innards can be saved for making abalone porridge later.)
Step 3
If you plan to use the abalone for other dishes like porridge, it’s convenient to prepare and store the meat and innards separately. For this recipe, we’ll prepare the portions needed for sashimi and grilling.
Step 4
2. Making Fresh Abalone Sashimi: Select 2 of the prepared abalones for sashimi. Slice the abalone meat into thin, bite-sized pieces and arrange them attractively on a plate. To best enjoy the pristine flavor of the fresh abalone, lightly dip each slice into the sesame oil and sesame seed dipping sauce.
Step 5
3. Preparing Abalone for Butter Gratin: Now, prepare 3 abalones for the butter gratin. Score the surface of the abalone meat with diagonal cuts; this not only makes them look appealing when cooked but also helps them absorb flavor better. In a bowl, gently toss the scored abalone with 1 Tbsp sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper to marinate. Thinly slice the garlic cloves.
Step 6
Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat and melt 1 Tbsp of butter. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the marinated abalone to the pan. Cook, flipping occasionally, until the abalone is golden brown and cooked through, being careful not to burn it. The combination of butter and garlic will infuse the abalone with a rich, savory flavor, resulting in a delicious butter-gratin abalone.
