Tender and Flavorful Butter-Seared Abalone Recipe
Homemade Gourmet Dish: The Ultimate Butter-Seared Abalone Recipe | From Prep to Perfection
Recently, abalone prices have become quite affordable, so I decided to treat myself to a generous purchase! Using 5 fresh, live abalones, I made this incredibly tender and flavorful butter-seared abalone, infused with a rich buttery aroma. The chewy and firm texture of abalone is perfect for various preparations like searing, braising, or cooking in rice. Today, I’ll guide you through making this popular butter-seared version. It’s a sophisticated dish that’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for home parties or special occasions. Adding some red chili peppers and whole garlic cloves for garnish would elevate it even further! The recipe uses standard measuring cups and spoons, where 1 tablespoon equals 15ml and 1 teaspoon equals 5ml.
Ingredients
- 5 fresh abalones
- 20g unsalted butter
- Whole garlic cloves (optional)
- Lemon (for garnish, optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The fresh abalones have arrived! Their large and lively appearance made me eager to start cooking. 5 abalones are a satisfying portion for one person.
Step 2
Gently scrub the abalones with a kitchen brush to clean them thoroughly. Rinse them under running water until clean, then set aside. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can make the abalone flesh mushy. A gentle cleaning is key.
Step 3
Locate the pointed end of the abalone, which is its mouth. Insert a spoon into this part and gently pry to separate the shell from the meat. For very fresh abalones, this separation might be a bit challenging. Apply gentle leverage and twist slightly.
Step 4
If you want an easier way to detach the shell, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Submerge the abalones for precisely 10 seconds, then remove them. They will detach from the shell much more easily. Immediately rinse them under cold water to cool.
Step 5
Carefully remove the abalone’s guts using scissors. It’s important to also remove the hard sand sac and the mouthparts (the ‘teeth’) from within the guts to avoid any bitter taste and ensure a delicious result.
Step 6
After thoroughly cleaning the abalone meat, score it with a knife. This allows seasonings to penetrate better and enhances the flavor. Scoring in a crosshatch pattern not only makes the abalone look beautiful when cooked but also ensures a tender texture.
Step 7
The separated abalone guts can be washed clean, drained, and then blended in a mixer. This purée is excellent for adding to congee (jook) or rice for a nutritious boost.
Step 8
Now, heat a pan and melt the butter. Adding whole garlic cloves to cook alongside the abalone will significantly enhance the flavor, so try to prepare them if possible. Once the butter is melted, place the scored abalone, scored side down, into the pan first. This helps them cook into a beautiful, round shape. If you are sensitive to any fishy odors, you can sprinkle a little cooking sake (cheongju) over the abalone while it sears to help neutralize any unwanted smells.
Step 9
Sear the abalone over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Abalone can become tough if overcooked, so aim for a tender and chewy texture by cooking it briefly. Avoid prolonged cooking.
Step 10
For an attractive presentation, serve the seared abalone on its cleaned shell, which can be washed or lightly blanched. Adding some grilled garlic or lemon slices alongside would make it even more visually appealing and flavorful. While I only seared the abalone this time, I’ll definitely try grilling garlic with it next time! Given the current great prices for abalone, this simple recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a special dish at home.
Step 11
The rich, buttery flavor combined with the inherent sweetness of the abalone creates a delightful taste sensation! The chewy yet tender texture is perfectly preserved. This butter-seared abalone is a simple yet universally loved delicacy.
Step 12
Enjoying the seared abalone with the accompanying grilled garlic makes the dish even more delicious. With abalone being so affordable these days, try making this easy #ButterSearedAbalone recipe for a wonderfully satisfying meal at home!
