Perfect Guide to Cleaning and Steaming Abalone
Abalone, the Jewel of the Sea! Easy Cleaning Steps and Perfect Steaming Time Revealed
Abalone, revered as ‘ginseng of the sea’ for its nutritional value! Master the seemingly complex task of cleaning abalone easily and thoroughly. Learn the secrets to making delicious steamed abalone, perfect for entertaining guests. Enjoy a luxurious seafood dish right at home.
Main Ingredients- 12 fresh live abalones
Seasoning & Garnish- 0.5 Tbsp coarse salt (for cleaning)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for dipping, optional)
- 0.5 Tbsp coarse salt (for cleaning)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for dipping, optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 12 fresh live abalones. Using live abalone ensures the freshest taste and best quality.
Step 2
Let’s clean the surface of the abalone, removing the dark, gritty parts. Gently scrub the surface and between the shell and flesh with a toothbrush. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can detach the meat. Scrubbing along the grain of the abalone helps lift the grime effectively. After trying various tools, a fine-bristled toothbrush proved to be the most efficient.
Step 3
If your toothbrush has very fine bristles, it might lack scrubbing power. Ensure you also clean the inner side of the shell. If you are sensitive to any fishy odor, soaking the cleaned abalones in saltwater for about 5 minutes before rinsing can help neutralize it further.
Step 4
Arrange the thoroughly cleaned abalones in a steamer basket. Fill the pot with enough water to steam and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Step 5
Steaming over high heat for approximately 15 minutes is ideal. This duration ensures both the abalone meat and its innards are cooked perfectly. The exact time might vary slightly depending on the size of the abalone.
Step 6
Once the steaming time is up, turn off the heat but keep the lid on for another 5 minutes. Allowing it to rest in the residual heat will ensure the abalone is cooked through and tender.
Step 7
Steamed abalone can be enjoyed as is, perhaps dipped in sesame oil or soy sauce. It makes an excellent appetizer or main dish when entertaining guests.
Step 8
When separating the abalone meat from the shell, using a spoon is the easiest and safest method. Insert the tip of the spoon between the meat and the shell, and gently lever it out, as if scooping it off.
Step 9
As you can see, using a spoon allows for a clean separation without damaging or mashing the abalone meat.
Step 10
The abalone’s roe (innards) may have a vibrant green color. It’s best to separate and slice this for a cleaner presentation. While you can use the roe to make abalone porridge, you can also simply serve it alongside if you prefer.
Step 11
Remove the abalone’s ‘teeth’, which are located at the bottom of the meat. You can do this by pressing down with the tip of your knife and pulling outwards.
Step 12
With the teeth removed, the abalone is now ready to be sliced and served as desired. You can thinly slice it for sashimi, stir-fry it, or grill it. Your abalone is now perfectly cleaned and prepared!
Step 13
Try making steamed abalone at home – it’s a simple yet impressive dish!
