Cheesy Baked Scallops (Hong Garibi) with Air Fryer: A Simple Yet Delicious Seafood Delight!
Air Fryer Baked Scallops, How to Steam Fresh Scallops, Scallop Preparation and Storage, Delicious Scallop Recipe
Enjoy restaurant-quality scallops right at home! This recipe uses an air fryer to create a delightful combination of plump, tender scallops and savory melted cheese. It’s a perfect way to enjoy fresh seafood and is ideal for a special meal.
Seafood & Vegetables- 1kg fresh Hong Scallops (type of scallop)
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Place the fresh scallops in a clean bowl and cover them with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt for purging. Stir gently, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Let them sit in a cool, dark place for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to purge any sand or grit. (TIP: Thorough purging ensures a clean bite without any gritty sand. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but purging is recommended for the best texture.)
Step 2
Once purged, gently scrub the scallops with a brush under running water to remove any dirt or barnacles. Rinse them thoroughly multiple times.
Step 3
Fill a steamer pot about one-third full with water. Arrange the scallops in the steamer basket with the opened side facing upwards to prevent juices from escaping. Pour 100ml of rice wine or sake evenly over the scallops and cover with a lid. Steam over medium-high heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and let them rest for 3 minutes. (TIP: This steaming time is for 1kg of scallops. Adjust the time based on the quantity. The scallops are cooked when their shells have fully opened.)
Step 4
Depending on your preference, you might want to remove the scallop ‘roe’ or ‘gut’ as it can sometimes have a bitter taste or contain impurities. Carefully remove the scallop meat from the shell and discard the innards.
Step 5
Finely dice the yellow and red bell peppers. These are primarily added for color, so you can omit them or substitute with other vegetables you enjoy.
Step 6
Arrange the prepared scallops (with innards removed, if desired) in their shells. Sprinkle the diced bell peppers over the scallops, followed by a generous amount of pizza cheese. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your liking.
Step 7
Place the filled scallops into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 6 to 7 minutes. Since the scallops are already cooked from steaming, the goal is just to melt and lightly brown the cheese. (TIP: Avoid overcrowding the basket or piling the cheese too high, as it might stick to the shell and become difficult to separate.)
Step 8
Your delicious Cheesy Baked Scallops are ready! The combination of rich, melted cheese and tender scallops is exquisite. For an extra flavor boost, dip them in Sriracha sauce for a sweet and spicy kick. This dish is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any meal.
