Chinese New Year is around the corner and that means it’s time to gear up for reunions and lots of feasting. One of the star delicacies we look forward to is abalones — juicy, chewy, and tender shellfish that are oh-so-delicious. Shaped like golden ingots, abalones symbolize good fortune. Its Chinese name, bao yu, also loosely translates to ‘guaranteed prosperity’ — which is why it’s a long-time tradition to enjoy them as we usher in the new year. If you’re in charge of preparing your reunion dinner this 2024, read our guide on how to cook abalone and our list of fresh and canned abalone recipes that are sure to wow your guests!
One of the most classic and popular recipes for canned abalones is to braise them with mushrooms. Mushrooms and abalones go together like one true pair — and when braised with quality ingredients, get ready for a burst of delicious flavour with every bite!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
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CNY reunion spreads are all about auspicious ingredients. Apart from abalones, Chinese spinach is another ingredient associated with prosperity due to its reddish roots — a colour that symbolises joy and good fortune. If you’re looking for ways on how to cook canned abalone, try this recipe that teaches you how to braise them with Chinese spinach. You’ll get to enjoy a colourful, decadent abalone dish that’s nutrient-rich too!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Servings: 6
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Abalone and fish maw soup is a festive dish that you should definitely try out this CNY. It is relatively simple to put together, so if you’re not sure how to cook canned abalone, follow this beginner-friendly canned abalone recipe!
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 – 10
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While canned abalone can be enjoyed straight from the can, stir frying them with a plethora of spices and sauces can make a huge difference. This delicious stir fried canned abalone recipe is a classic way of preparing abalones, and can be done within 30 minutes!
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings:5
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Fresh abalone recipes tend to be much simpler and easier compared to most canned abalone recipes, with a focus on adding flavour to them. It is recommended to only cook them for a few minutes. Avoid overcooking the abalone or it will affect its texture.
This sautéed abalone recipe is perfect for those who love a buttery, savoury flavour! It is also one of the simplest fresh abalone recipes that’s easy to create even if it is your first time.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 3 – 4
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Another way to enjoy fresh abalones is to steam them along with a myriad of ingredients to add flavour. This easy fresh abalone recipe is quick and fuss-free, yet promises a juicy, tender and flavoursome plate of abalones. If you’re short on time, this is the recipe for you!
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
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Canned abalones are the most popular option to get during Chinese New Year as they’re the most convenient and require the least preparation. You can get canned abalone in brine (salt and water) which are lighter in flavour, or canned abalone in sauce which are tastier. They can both be consumed immediately, which is perfect for those who are not sure of how to cook abalone. Do be careful to not season them too much as they already contain a good amount of salt.
Fresh abalones, on the other hand, are highly perishable and recommended to be eaten as soon as possible. Fresh wild caught abalones are rarer, hence they tend to have a higher price tag. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you can look for fresh farmed abalones instead.
Type of abalone | Taste/texture | Best for |
Canned abalone in brine | Flavorful and tender | Soup and stir fry recipes |
Canned abalone in sauce | Serving with vegetables like spinach and mushrooms | |
Fresh abalone | Fishy and crunchy | Grilling and steaming |
Dried abalone | Rich and hard (requires soaking) | Simmering in broths and soups |
Fresh abalone recipes tend to be quicker and simpler. However, the tedious part is in the cleaning. It is recommended to use a clean toothbrush to brush the side of the abalone. Next, use a spoon or a small knife to pry out the abalone from the side. After you’ve gotten the flesh out, brush the entire abalone shell clean, wash with water and set aside to dry.
After that, remove the guts from the abalone with a sharp knife. For this, simply let the viscera dangle down and slice it. Scrub the black film off the abalone and slice away the rough edges so that it is easier to eat.
With our guide on how to cook canned and fresh abalone, as well as the myriad of recipes in this list, we hope that your reunion dinner this CNY will be a sumptuous one! Not sure how to choose canned abalones? We’ve got you covered with a list of the best canned abalone in Singapore! If you’re hosting steamboat dinners too, check out our lowdown on the best steamboat pots in Singapore. Snag all your CNY essentials at awesome discounted prices at our Shopee CNY Sale!
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