Korean Grilled Abalone Recipe: Jeonbok Gui

Ingredients

2 large abalones
2 tablespoons of cooking wine
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 tablespoon of crushed garlic
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 green onion, sliced
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
1 tablespoon of red chili pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon of ginger (optional)

Steps and instructions

Clean the abalones thoroughly and remove the teeth and guts. Slice into thin pieces.
In a bowl, combine cooking wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, crushed garlic, sugar, black pepper, green onions, sesame seeds, and red chili pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of spice. If using, add ginger.
Marinate the abalone slices in the prepared sauce for about an hour to let the flavors fully seep in.
Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, arrange the marinated abalone slices on the pan.
Grill each side for about 1-2 minutes or until they turn a nice, golden brown color. Be careful not to overcook, as this could make the abalone tough and chewy.
Once cooked, remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your Jeonbok Gui with a side of rice and fresh vegetables.

Tools for making

Grill pan - A flat pan with ridges used for grilling the abalone slices.
Bowl - A container for mixing and marinating the abalone slices.
Knife - Used for cleaning the abalones and slicing them into thin pieces.
Tongs - Used for flipping and handling the abalone slices on the grill pan.
Measuring spoons - Used for accurately measuring the ingredients.

Recipe variations

Instead of grilling, you can pan-fry the abalones in a little oil for a crispy texture.
For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.
Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter marinade.
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the abalones for an additional crunchy coating.
Try using different herbs or spices in the marinade, such as thyme, oregano, or paprika, to add a unique flavor profile.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute the abalones with mushrooms, such as king oyster mushrooms or portobello mushrooms.
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of garlic and red chili pepper flakes.
Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, for a tangy twist.
Serve the Jeonbok Gui with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Jeonbok Gui, a popular Korean dish known for its rich, savory flavors and delightful textures. This dish features abalone, a unique seafood delicacy, marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of spice. Through this recipe, you'll learn how to perfectly prepare and grill abalone to create a dish that's both luxurious and surprisingly easy to make at home.

With just a few simple steps, you'll be able to transform the fresh abalone into a beautiful, golden-brown grilled dish. Each slice of abalone soaks up the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a dish that's packed full of umami with a hint of sweetness and spice. Jeonbok Gui pairs excellently with a side of steamed rice and fresh vegetables, making it a complete meal full of balanced flavors. So, if you're ready to try your hand at a new, exciting seafood dish, let's dive in!

Common questions

What is Jeonbok Gui? Jeonbok Gui is a Korean dish made with grilled abalone.
Where can I get abalones? Abalones can be found at seafood markets, specialty grocery stores, or online seafood suppliers.
Can I use frozen abalones? Fresh abalones are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but if fresh ones are not available, you can use frozen abalones as well.
Can I substitute the cooking wine? If you don't have cooking wine, you can use dry white wine or rice wine vinegar as a substitute.
Can I grill the abalones on an outdoor grill? Yes, you can use an outdoor grill instead of a grill pan if you prefer.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Yes, you can adjust the amount of red chili pepper flakes or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
What can I serve with Jeonbok Gui? Jeonbok Gui is often served with steamed rice and a variety of fresh vegetables or side dishes like kimchi.
How do I know when the abalones are cooked? The abalones are cooked when they turn a golden brown color and become slightly firm. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming tough and chewy.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill pan - A grill pan is ideal for cooking Jeonbok Gui as it helps achieve those beautiful grill marks on the abalone slices.
Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the abalone slices while grilling.
Bowl - A bowl is needed to combine the marinade ingredients and marinate the abalone slices.
Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for cleaning the abalones, removing the teeth and guts, and slicing them into thin pieces.
Spatula - A spatula can be handy for transferring the grilled abalone slices from the grill pan to a serving plate.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are useful for accurately measuring the cooking wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, crushed garlic, sugar, black pepper, and other ingredients.

Origin stories

Jeonbok Gui, a grilled abalone dish, is a classic delicacy hailing from the coastal regions of South Korea, where abalone is abundant and considered a healthful food. The practice of eating abalone in Korea dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), where it was considered a high-quality ingredient served to the royal families and noble classes. Today, it remains a celebrated dish often enjoyed during special occasions. Interestingly, Jeonbok Gui is not just praised for its unique, tender taste but also for its potential health benefits. Koreans believe that abalone has beneficial properties for the liver, eyes, and immune system due to its high content of protein, vitamins, and minerals. As such, Jeonbok Gui serves as a testament to the Korean tradition of food being a form of medicine.

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.