At the table
Lift the scallop and noodles out of the shell with chopsticks or a spoon. Eat the noodles with the cooking juices; leave the shell. Let hot portions cool first.
Contains shellfish and usually soy sauce, which may contain wheat. Check sesame oil and other seasonings if relevant to your allergies. Shell edges can be sharp; for children, remove the shell and cut the scallop into suitable small pieces.
Scallops make this neither vegetarian nor vegan. The representative garlic-and-soy recipe has no chili; chili garnishes or sauces can change the heat. Glass noodles and other seasonings vary.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Some versions use fried garlic, others lightly cooked garlic. Scallions or coriander may finish the dish; noodles and the seasoning mix vary.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Sweet shellfish, fragrant garlic and savoury soy.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Tender scallops with soft, slippery noodles when included.
- How it’s made
- Prepare the garlic in oil, arrange it over the scallops and steam; add the soy dressing and garnish.
Some versions use fried garlic, others lightly cooked garlic. Scallions or coriander may finish the dish; noodles and the seasoning mix vary.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Guangdong.
About this regional connection
Guangdong: Guangdong/Cantonese association, not an exclusive origin claim.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有蒜蓉蒸扇贝吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
July scallop season on Guangdong’s Shanwei coast
On Guangdong’s Shanwei coast, July is scallop season in the local seafood calendar. Garlic and glass noodles are a classic pairing for steamed scallops: the garlic perfumes the shellfish, and the noodles catch the cooking juices. Season and preparation can vary beyond Shanwei.