Abalone Butter Grill: A Simple & Elegant Dish to Brighten Your Holiday Table
Elevate your Chuseok holiday feast with this incredibly easy and delicious Abalone Butter Grill recipe.
As the Chuseok holiday approached, I started preparing dishes a few days in advance. On the morning of the holiday itself, the final touch to our table was this fresh abalone butter grill. It’s a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also universally loved by everyone. I had pre-cleaned and frozen the abalone, which made the cooking process so much more convenient, though I did notice a little water released during grilling – a minor point, as it didn’t affect the fantastic taste at all!
When my daughter saw the abalone butter grill on the breakfast table, she exclaimed it looked like a royal banquet! Her delight instantly melted away any fatigue I had. Sometimes, when I create such special meals, I wonder if I was perhaps a palace kitchen maid in a past life, haha. But seeing my family enjoy the food is truly what brings me the most happiness.
Just like the abalone butter grill, which emanated a rich, buttery aroma, our Chuseok table was filled with warmth and joy. I hope you all continue to enjoy your holidays with delicious food and wonderful moments! ♡
Main Ingredients- 9 Abalones
- 2 Tbsp small whole garlic cloves
- Rice water (for cleaning abalone)
- Soju (for cleaning abalone)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- Pinch of salt or sea salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Chopped green onion (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- Pinch of salt or sea salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Chopped green onion (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully separate the abalone meat from the shells and clean thoroughly. Soak the abalone in a mixture of rice water and soju for about 30 minutes to remove any impurities. Rinse with cold water and pat dry. This step helps to eliminate any fishy odor and ensures a cleaner flavor.
Step 2
Remove the abalone’s innards cleanly and trim off the hard ‘beak’ or ‘teeth’ at the bottom. Score the top surface of the abalone in a diagonal pattern. This not only makes it look more appealing but also helps the seasonings penetrate better and ensures even cooking. Be careful not to score too deeply.
Step 3
Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat the surface evenly. Be mindful not to let the butter burn.
Step 4
Once the butter is melted and fragrant, add the small whole garlic cloves. Sauté over medium-low heat until the garlic is golden brown and aromatic. This infuses the butter with a wonderful garlic flavor.
Step 5
When the garlic is about halfway cooked and releasing its aroma, add the scored abalone to the pan. Cook over high heat for a short time to sear the abalone, which helps to lock in its juices and maintain a tender, chewy texture.
Step 6
Once the abalone has started to cook, add the seasoning ingredients in order: 1 tablespoon of mirin, a pinch of salt (or sea salt), and a pinch of black pepper. Stir-fry gently for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the abalone is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Step 7
Arrange the beautifully grilled abalone on a serving plate, or serve them nestled back in their cleaned shells for an impressive presentation. Garnish with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a final touch. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
