Chinese name: 罐頭鮑魚 (Mandarin: guàntóu bàoyú)
What is abalone?
- Abalone is a sea mollusk found in cold water off the coasts of South America, West Coast of North America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The best canned abalone are from Mexico.
- For the Chinese, it is considered one of the big four delicacies of the sea “鮑、參、翅、肚” , including abalone, sea cucumber, shark fins and fish maw.
- Abalone is a symbol of wealth and prosperity, thus a must-have at feasts and festivities.
What is canned abalone?
- Canned abalone is imported from Japan, Mexico, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Canned abalone is most often used in home cooking because it is cheaper and easier to prepare.
Are there any health benefits?
- Abalone is an excellent source of many vital nutrients. It is high in protein yet low calories. It also contains blend of minerals and vitamins including iodine, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin A. The fat content remains low with no cholesterol.
- It can relieve dry coughs and nourishes liver and promote eye health.
How do I select canned abalone?
- Each can of abalone is categorized by 頭, or “heads”: the fewer the “heads”, the bigger the piece of abalone.
- Keep in mind that larger abalones are more rare and slightly more expensive.
- The taste and texture of each abalone differ depending on origin.
How do I prepare/eat canned abalone?
- Canned abalone requires little preparation. The canned abalone is completely cleaned and ready to eat.
- Slice thinly and sauté slightly to warm and serve with abalone sauce (often over a bed of green vegetables).
