What is conpoy soup?

Dried scallop (干贝, gan bei), or conpoy, is made from the adductor muscles of scallops. Dried scallop is a common ingredient in Cantonese cuisine. It is also a main ingredient in XO sauce. It is often used in congees, soups, and sauces to infuse a rich, savory flavor without adding any meat or stock to the dish.

What can you do with dried scallops?

Dried scallops have very intense flavor and lend some sweetness to the finished dish too. Dried scallops are commonly used to cook congee like this, stir-fry, sauces, and stews. The famous Cantonese XO sauce that is used in stir-fry dishes is made with mainly dried scallops.

Do you need to soak dried scallops?

Because the scallops become very hard when they’re dried (like rocks), you want to make sure to rehydrate the scallops before using them. This means soaking them in water for about 25 to 40 minutes, until they soften. The larger the scallop, the more time they’ll need to be soaked.

How do you cook Chinese dried scallops?

Method:

1. Soak dried scallops until softened. Use clean hands to tear them apart into very thin strips. Steam in a wok over high heat about 15 to 20 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add more water to soaking water and make it up to 300ml. Add whisked eggs, salt, oil, and mix well. Drain through a fine sift into a plate.

Why are dried scallops so expensive?

Why are they so expensive? Well, fresh scallops are not exactly cheap either. If scallops’ water content is supposed to be around 75%, the dried ones are then 3-4 times as expensive per pound. The most sought after dried scallops are from Hokkaido, Japan.

Are dried scallops healthy?

The scallop’s adductor muscles are roughly 20% protein and when dried the ratio rises to roughly 65%, making dried scallop a protein food with super-high nutritional value.

Can dried scallops go bad?

They can be stored sealed in the fridge for up to 2 years and in the freezer for many years. If fridge space is limited, place them in a sealed glass container away from moisture and sunlight for up to 6 months.

Can dried scallops be eaten raw?

Yes, you can eat raw scallops. Despite being a mollusk, and thus a source of meat and protein, scallops can be eaten raw. It’s not a common way to eat them, but it’s very enjoyable for those who love seafood. Usually only the adductor muscle is eaten.

Why are scallops so rich?

Scallops are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats that can balance your cholesterol levels, reducing your heart disease risk. The high magnesium content in scallops can contribute to heart health as well.

Why is dried scallop so expensive?