Fresh Abalone: A Luxurious Recipe with Butter-Seared and Sashimi
Abalone Dishes for Special Occasions
Discover how to prepare and enjoy 10 plump, fresh abalones received as a gift. This recipe guides you through meticulous cleaning and preparation, culminating in a delicious butter-seared dish and exquisite abalone sashimi. Elevate your dining experience with the rich flavor and nutrients of abalone.
Ingredients
- 10 extra-large live abalones
- A knob of fresh butter
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing your fresh live abalones. Their freshness is key, so thorough cleaning is essential.
Step 2
Use a toothbrush or a clean scrubbing brush to gently scrub the abalones under running water. Pay close attention to cleaning the crevices of the shell to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 3
Your abalones are now thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next stage of preparation.
Step 4
Separate the abalone meat from the shell. Carefully insert the thin edge of a spoon between the shell and the abalone meat, and gently pry them apart. Be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate abalone flesh.
Step 5
The abalone meat has been cleanly separated from its shell. Notice the beautiful sheen of the fresh abalone.
Step 6
Inside the abalone’s body, you’ll find a hard, mouth-like structure. Pressing this part will often cause the ‘teeth’ to protrude, making them easier to remove.
Step 7
Carefully remove the white ‘teeth’ located at the front of the abalone using a knife or scissors. Removing this part ensures a smoother texture when eating.
Step 8
Here are the cleanly removed abalone teeth. The abalone is now fully prepped for cooking.
Step 9
Score the abalone meat to tenderize it and help it absorb flavors. Create a crosshatch pattern by making shallow cuts across the surface of the abalone. Avoid cutting too deeply.
Step 10
Flip the abalone over and make similar shallow cuts on the other side. Scoring both sides not only enhances the presentation but also ensures a more tender bite.
Step 11
The scored abalone looks appetizing and is ready for its flavorful transformation.
Step 12
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the scored abalone into the pan, cut-side down, and sear until golden brown. Allow the buttery aroma to infuse the abalone.
Step 13
Once the first side is nicely seared, flip the abalone and cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning, and cook until a delightful buttery fragrance emerges.
Step 14
While the abalone is searing, you can thinly slice some of the prepared abalone to create a fresh sashimi dish. Enjoying it raw allows you to savor the abalone’s natural sweet and fresh taste.
Step 15
This is the beautifully butter-seared abalone. The rich, nutty flavor of the butter complements the abalone’s delicate, savory taste, creating an exquisite culinary experience. This dish offers a luxurious and sophisticated flavor profile.
