Braised Abalone with Aged Soy
Rated 5.0 stars by 3 users
Author:
Drogo
Servings
1 - 2
Prep Time
5 minutes
This luxurious braised abalone is a true seafood delicacy, showcasing one of the most prized ingredients in Asian cuisine. If you're looking for an impressive abalone recipe, this slow-cooked preparation allows the abalone to become beautifully tender while absorbing the rich flavours of aromatic spices, ginger and other seasonings. The result is an elegant dish with remarkable depth of flavour and a silky texture that's well worth the time and care involved.
For those wondering how to cook abalone, gentle, prolonged cooking is key. This slow cooked abalone is simmered until tender in a fragrant broth, creating a deeply savoury sauce that perfectly complements the delicate shellfish. Once cooked, the abalone is sliced and served with its cooking liquor and a finishing drizzle of premium aged soy sauce. The combination of abalone in aged soy creates an exceptional balance of umami-rich flavours, making this braised abalone recipe a sophisticated dish for special occasions, celebrations and fine dining at home.
We offer several exceptional aged soy sauces that pair beautifully with this dish, enhancing the natural sweetness of the abalone while adding complexity and depth to the finished sauce.
Ingredients
Braised Abalone with Aged Soy
-
1 abalone
-
4 dried shiitake
- A few slices ginger
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon shaoxing wine
-
A few drops aged soy sauce
Directions
Method
- Step 1, Once the abalone is thawed, use a spoon to prise the meat from the shell. Save the shell and wash it for serving.
- Step 2, Turn the abalone over and remove the digestive sack, along with any other black parts. At one end you will feel the hard mouth parts, which you should also remove. You want to be left with a nice piece of cream-coloured meat.
- Step 3, Add the abalone to a saucepan with all the other ingredients (except the aged soy) and enough water to cover.
- Step 4, Bring to the boil, reduce to a simmer and cook with the lid on (leave a very small gap) for 5 hours, topping up with water as necessary.
- Step 5, Once this time is up, remove the abalone and slice into thin slices. Place back into the shell. Spoon some of the cooking liquor over the top.
- Step 6, Serve with white rice, steamed greens and some of our very special aged soy sauce, if you like.
Recipe Note
How do you cook abalone?
If you're wondering how to cook abalone, slow cooking is one of the most popular methods. Gently braising the abalone allows it to become tender while absorbing the flavours of the cooking liquid, making it ideal for a braised abalone recipe.
How long does it take to cook braised abalone?
Braised abalone requires long, gentle cooking to achieve its signature tender texture. Depending on the size and type of abalone, cooking can take several hours, but the result is a rich and flavourful seafood dish that's well worth the wait.
Why is slow cooked abalone so tender?
Slow cooked abalone becomes tender because the prolonged cooking process gradually softens the naturally firm muscle. This method also allows the abalone to absorb the flavours of aromatics, stock and soy sauce.
What does abalone taste like?
Abalone has a delicate, slightly sweet flavour with a firm texture often compared to scallops or squid. In this abalone recipe, the aged soy enhances the natural umami of the shellfish without overpowering its subtle taste.
What is the best soy sauce for abalone in aged soy?
Premium aged soy sauces are ideal for abalone in aged soy because they provide depth, complexity and umami. The rich flavour of aged soy complements the sweetness of the abalone and enhances the finished sauce.
Can I make a braised abalone recipe ahead of time?
Yes, many chefs believe a braised abalone recipe tastes even better when made in advance. The abalone can be gently reheated in its sauce, allowing the flavours to develop further before serving.
Why is abalone considered a delicacy?
Abalone is prized for its unique texture, delicate flavour and the time required to prepare it correctly. As a result, dishes such as braised abalone are often served for celebrations, banquets and special occasions.
What sake pairs well with braised abalone?
A rich Junmai Daiginjo, Junmai Ginjo or aged Koshu sake pairs beautifully with braised abalone. These styles have the depth and umami character needed to complement the savoury flavours of abalone in aged soy without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the shellfish. For a more luxurious pairing, an aged Koshu sake is particularly well suited to a slow cooked abalone dish, as its nutty, complex notes mirror the richness of the braising sauce.
Ingredients you'll need
