Steamed Scallops with Cheese: A Perfect Home Party Dish!
Home Party Dish / Special Occasion Guest Meal / Simple Steamed Scallops
Enjoy a delightful home party without leaving the house! In these times when dining out can be challenging, this special dish uses fresh scallops to create wonderful moments with your family. The combination of chewy scallops, sweet and spicy sauce, and gooey melted cheese is exquisite. It’s easy to make, making it perfect as a drinking snack or a standout dish for special occasions.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh live scallops (as needed)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang-based chili sauce (cho-gochujang)
- 1 Tbsp Chili sauce
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (seeds removed, finely minced)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (to taste)
- Parchment paper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the scallops. If you have fresh live scallops, soak them in plenty of water with a bit of coarse sea salt for about an hour to purge them. This removes any grit or impurities, ensuring a cleaner taste.
Step 2
Rinse the purged scallops thoroughly under running water. Bring water to a boil in a steamer. Once steaming, place the prepared scallops inside and steam for a short 2-3 minutes, just until they begin to open. Overcooking can cause them to lose their juices and flavor. As soon as they open, turn off the heat and remove one half of the shell to allow the sauce to penetrate better.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce. Using plain cho-gochujang can be too intense, so we’ll mix it with chili sauce in a 1:1 ratio. This mellows the spiciness while adding more umami, resulting in a richer flavor. You can also add a little sugar or corn syrup to your preference.
Step 4
Spoon the prepared sauce generously over the steamed scallops. Using a spoon or a brush to coat them evenly will ensure the flavor is well distributed and delicious.
Step 5
Sprinkle the finely minced Cheongyang chili pepper over the sauced scallops. The refreshing spiciness of the chili pepper will enhance the scallops’ flavor. While delicious as is, today we’re making it even more special by adding melted cheese!
Step 6
Generously top the scallops with shredded mozzarella cheese. Now, prepare a pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper. Place the cheese-topped scallops on the parchment paper and cook over low heat with the lid on until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also conveniently melt the cheese in a microwave. It’s ready to eat once the cheese has melted beautifully.
Step 7
Behold the perfectly cooked steamed scallops, bubbling with melted cheese! The savory, sweet, and spicy sauce, combined with the rich cheese and fresh scallops, creates a burst of flavor in your mouth. The tempting appearance alone makes it an excellent choice for a drinking snack or a special occasion meal.
Step 8
The centerpiece of our intimate home party with loved ones! Sharing delicious food over warm steamed scallops, we wrap up the day. This time spent together feels truly precious. Why not create a special dinner with these delightful steamed scallops tonight!
