How do you get a out of its beautiful shell? Here's all you need to know to attack the challenging task. Keep in mind the sweet rewards.
Instructions
1. Put the fresh abalone meat-side down in a bucket covered with water (preferably sea water and kelp), in the shade (presuming you're outside). The abalone will live up to three days in this condition.
2. Set up a work area for opening and trimming the abalone. It's a messy business. You may want to cover your work surface with newsprint or plastic.
3. Pop open the shell with a . Start at the shallow side and work your way around the shell. Be careful to start at the shallow end; otherwise the guts will spill out (gross) and you may touch the meat with the knife and destroy it.
4. Switch to a very sharp knife (if your wasn't your sharpest) and use a graceful circular motion to remove the guts. They're connected by a small layer of tissue that will come off easily with the circular motion.
5. Trim off the black "lips" and the tough part of the "foot."
6. Dispose of all the guts and lips immediately. Use double trash bags if possible.
7. Use an all-metal mallet to pound the meat until it is tender throughout. Hold the mallet with one hand and feel the meat with the other. When the meat feels soft all around, you're done.
8. Cut the abalone into 1/4-inch slices.
Tags: circular motion, fresh abalone, heavy knife, meat with