Savory & Buttery Pollack Roe Gratin: Ultra-Simple Snack Recipe
5-Minute Myeongran Butter Gratin: Make it at Home!
Pollack roe, a beloved ingredient in Korean cuisine, is enjoyed in various dishes like salads, stews, pasta, and grilled preparations. Today, we’re presenting ‘Butter Myeongran Gratin,’ an incredibly simple yet elegant dish perfect as a snack or a side. The pollack roe, grilled to perfection with butter for enhanced flavor, pairs wonderfully with fresh cucumber. Adding mayonnaise and wasabi creates a complex flavor profile that’s truly addictive.
Ingredients- 2 pieces pollack roe (myeongran)
- 1 cucumber
- 20g butter
- Mayonnaise, to taste
- Wasabi, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumber thoroughly to ensure it’s clean. For an even better result, rub it with coarse salt to remove any residue and impurities. Slice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 to 1 cm thick.
Step 2
Melt 20g of unsalted butter in a heated pan. The rich, buttery aroma will significantly enhance the savory flavor of the pollack roe. If you don’t have butter, you can use cooking oil and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for a similar flavor profile. Feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Step 3
Carefully place the prepared pollack roe into the pan with the melted butter. To prevent the roe sacs from bursting, cook over medium-low heat, gently turning them to ensure even browning. This cooking method will result in a delightful texture and release the pollack roe’s subtle umami.
Step 4
Once the pollack roe is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan. Slice it into easy-to-eat pieces and arrange it on a plate with the cucumber slices. You can cut them into larger chunks or similar sizes to the cucumber, as you prefer.
Step 5
Your delicious Myeongran Butter Gratin is almost ready! Arrange the appetizingly presented dish on a plate. This recipe is incredibly quick to make, making it perfect for a relaxing drink after a long day of work or as a sophisticated appetizer when entertaining guests. It’s sure to create a delightful restaurant-like ambiance at home.
Step 6
To elevate this dish further, consider these delicious additions! A creamy dollop of mayonnaise and a touch of wasabi (Japanese horseradish) create a wonderful harmony. The salty pollack roe, rich butter, and refreshing cucumber are perfectly complemented by the smoothness of mayonnaise and the pungent kick of wasabi. This combination enhances each ingredient’s flavor, making it an absolute must-try!
