Japanese Scallops

Hotate Mentaiyaki combines sweet scallops with a rich topping of spicy cod roe, mayonnaise, and melted cheese. The grill creates a golden crust while keeping the scallops juicy and tender. It is an impressive seafood dish that is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings Portions

Ingredients

8 large scallops in half shells
60 g spicy cod roe mentaiko, membrane removed
4 tbsp mayonnaise
50 g mozzarella cheese grated
20 g Parmesan cheese grated
1 tsp lemon juice
1 spring onion finely sliced
1 tsp parsley chopped for garnish

Alternative Topping if Mentaiko

40 g salmon roe or other fish roe
1 tsp chilli sauce
4 tbsp mayonnaise

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven grill setting, preheat it to 220°C.
Rinse the scallop shells if needed and pat them dry. Place the scallops on a baking tray.
8 large scallops
Remove the membrane from the spicy cod roe and place the roe into a mixing bowl.
60 g spicy cod roe
Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
4 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp lemon juice
Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
50 g mozzarella cheese, 20 g Parmesan cheese
Spoon the mixture evenly over each scallop.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the tops.
50 g mozzarella cheese, 20 g Parmesan cheese
Place the tray under the grill for 8 to 10 minutes.
Cook until the cheese melts and develops a light golden colour. The scallops should feel firm but still tender.
Remove the tray from the grill and allow the scallops to rest for 2 minutes.
Scatter over the sliced spring onion and chopped parsley.
1 spring onion, 1 tsp parsley
Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Alternative to Cod Roe

Stir the chilli sauce and mayonnaise together and then fold in the roe.
40 g salmon roe, 1 tsp chilli sauce, 4 tbsp mayonnaise

Equipment

Notes

Serving:

Serve Hotate Mentaiyaki as a starter with lemon wedges. It also pairs well with steamed rice, a simple green salad, or lightly pickled vegetables. For a larger Japanese-inspired meal, serve alongside miso soup and sushi rice.

Nutrition