Nutritious Abalone Porridge for Rejuvenation
When You Need a Boost: Let’s Make Delicious Abalone Porridge Packed with Nutrients!
I cooked this abalone porridge to help my wife regain her strength, as I was worried about her health. Although it was my first time, it turned out quite delicious with a lot of effort. My wife enjoyed it a lot too. If you’ve lost your appetite this spring, try making abalone porridge to replenish your energy. Abalone is rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus, and vitamins B1 and B12. It’s low in calories and fat, making it great for dieting, and its abundance of minerals is effective for nutritional replenishment.
Main Ingredients
- 5 Fresh Live Abalones (1 pack)
- 3 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 4 Servings of Rice (soaked)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Nowadays, fresh live abalone is quite affordable, so I prepared a pack of 5 large abalones. The most crucial step in making abalone porridge is ‘cleaning’ the abalone. This step significantly impacts the final dish. Even if it’s a bit tedious, use a brush to meticulously clean the abalone. You’ll understand the importance of proper cleaning when you see the pearly white flesh underneath.
Step 2
The next important step is separating the abalone meat from its shell. In the picture, at the 10 o’clock position, you’ll see a hard, bone-like part – this is the abalone’s ‘beak’. When separating the meat, insert a spoon’s edge towards the beak side and gently pry it open. This method helps to detach the meat smoothly without damaging the innards. Doing it this way ensures the innards remain intact.
Step 3
Here’s the freshly separated abalone meat. The innards are also perfectly preserved and retain their vibrant green color. While it might be tricky the first time, you’ll quickly get the hang of it after a few tries.
Step 4
Now comes the final hurdle in abalone preparation: removing the ‘beak’. The first challenge was thorough cleaning, the second was separating it from the shell, and the third is removing the beak. Initially, it was difficult, but with practice, I found it easier to remove. If you can remove the beak starting from its base down to the longer tail-like part, as shown in the photo, it’s perfectly prepared.
Step 5
Carefully separate the abalone innards and finely mince them with a knife. These minced innards will add a deep flavor and a beautiful color to your porridge.
Step 6
Slice the abalone meat into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure a pleasant chewy texture. Since it’s live abalone, the meat is firm and resilient.
Step 7
Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in cold water for about 1 hour. It’s best to prepare the rice soaking stage before you even start cleaning the abalone to save time.
Step 8
Mix the minced abalone innards with the well-soaked rice. Combining the innards with the rice beforehand helps to distribute the color evenly and enhance the overall flavor of the porridge.
Step 9
Heat a pot over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and then add the minced abalone meat. Sauté gently. This step helps to remove any potential fishy smell and adds a savory aroma.
Step 10
Once the abalone meat is lightly sautéed, add the soaked rice mixed with the innards to the pot and continue to stir-fry.
Step 11
Increase the heat to high and stir-fry until the rice grains become somewhat translucent. Thoroughly stir-frying is said to help eliminate any fishy odor and develop a better texture. Don’t skip this important step!
Step 12
After sufficient stir-frying, gradually add water while stirring continuously to prevent the porridge from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The rice will gradually break down and transform into a smooth porridge. Adding water little by little helps in achieving the perfect consistency.
Step 13
Add enough water to reach your desired consistency and bring it to a boil. The abalone innards will give the porridge a deep, rich green color. Finally, stir in about 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 14
You can adjust the amount of water to achieve your preferred porridge consistency. If you like, you can also add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra flavor and texture. However, we chose to focus solely on the abalone flavor by omitting other ingredients.
Step 15
The abalone porridge is now complete, boasting a visually appealing, rich color. The nutty aroma of sesame oil and the subtle scent of abalone blend together, tantalizing your senses and whetting your appetite. Just the smell alone makes you feel invigorated.
Step 16
This nourishing abalone porridge is as revitalizing as ginseng or Phellinus linteus. It turned out exceptionally delicious. Served with kimchi, it provided a hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family. This abalone porridge is truly rich in both taste and nutrition.
