Authentic Korean Jeonboksal Recipe: Grilled Abalone Steak

Ingredients

2 large abalones
3 tablespoons of sesame oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 green onion, chopped
1 teaspoon of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of mirim (rice wine)
1 pinch of salt

Steps and instructions

Start by cleaning the abalones. Use a brush to scrub the abalones under running water to remove any grit, then pat them dry. Be careful not to damage the flesh.
Next, thinly slice the abalones. Set the slices aside for a moment.
Heat the sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and saute until fragrant.
Add the sliced abalones to the pan, and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they start to curl.
Add the chopped green onion to the pan and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame seeds, ground black pepper, lemon juice, and mirim. Stir until well combined.
Pour the sauce over the abalone in the pan, and stir to evenly coat the slices. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the abalones are fully cooked and tender.
Finally, season the dish with a pinch of salt, give it a good stir, then remove from heat.
Transfer the jeonboksal to a serving plate, garnish with more sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve immediately.

Tools for making

Brush - Used for cleaning the abalones.
Frying Pan - Used for stir-frying the abalones.
Small Bowl - Used for mixing the sauce ingredients.
Spatula - Used for stirring the abalones and sauce.
Plate - Used for serving the jeonboksal.

Recipe variations

Instead of sesame oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil for a different flavor.
For a crispy crust, you can coat the abalones in breadcrumbs or panko before frying.
If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
For a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
If you don't have abalones, you can substitute with other seafood such as scallops or shrimp.
To make it vegetarian or vegan, you can replace the abalones with thinly sliced mushrooms or tofu.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the stir-fry for added color and texture.
For a sweeter twist, drizzle some honey or maple syrup into the sauce mixture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices like ginger, cilantro, or Thai basil to customize the flavor profile.
For a tangy kick, squeeze some lime juice over the jeonboksal before serving.

Recipe overview

This is a delectable recipe for Jeonboksal, a Korean delicacy featuring abalone, a type of sea snail known for its sweet and delicate flavor. Cooking this dish involves pan-frying thinly sliced abalone with fragrant garlic and green onions in sesame oil. The dish is then finished off with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame seeds, ground black pepper, lemon juice, and mirim. The result is a flavorful and nutritious dish that's as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Expect a unique blend of flavors, with the freshness of the sea from the abalone, the nuttiness from the sesame oil and seeds, the tanginess from the lemon juice, and the savory depth from the soy sauce and mirim. This dish is perfect served on its own or as part of a larger meal. Enjoy!

Common questions

Can I use frozen abalones for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen abalones for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cleaning and slicing.
Can I substitute the sesame oil with another oil? While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with a neutral cooking oil if desired.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to the stir-fry for added flavor and texture.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic or other seasonings? Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of garlic, soy sauce, or other seasonings according to your personal taste preferences.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Jeonboksal is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and cook the dish just before serving for the best taste and texture.
What can I serve with Jeonboksal? Jeonboksal can be served as a main dish with steamed rice or as part of a larger Korean meal with other side dishes such as kimchi, banchan (Korean side dishes), and soup.

Serving dishes and utensils

Frying Pan - A medium-sized frying pan is needed to stir-fry the abalones and cook the dish.
Brush - A brush is necessary for cleaning the abalones before cooking.
Small Bowl - A small bowl is required for mixing the sauce ingredients.
Spatula - A spatula or a wooden spoon is handy for stirring the abalones while cooking.
Plate - A serving plate is needed to present and serve the jeonboksal.

Origin stories

Jeonboksal, which translates to 'grilled abalone', is a classic dish from the coastal areas of South Korea, where abalone is plentiful. The preparation of this dish is a testament to the Korean philosophy of cooking, which emphasizes preserving the original flavors of the ingredients. It's a simple stir-fry where the mild yet distinctive taste of abalone is accentuated with the subtle flavors of garlic and sesame. In Korea, abalone is not just appreciated for its delicious taste but also for its health benefits. It's considered a 'superfood' that rejuvenates the body and boosts energy. Such is the popularity of this seafood that there's even an annual festival held in the South Korean city of Wando, the Wando Abalone Festival, where you can enjoy various abalone dishes, including Jeonboksal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.