Yield: 4 servings
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 pounds | Large scallops |
| 1 tablespoon | Dry vermouth |
| ½ teaspoon | Sugar |
| ¼ cup | Chicken stock |
| 2 tablespoons | Soy sauce |
| 1 tablespoon | Chinese rice wine =OR=- Dry sherry |
| 1 tablespoon | Brown sugar |
| 1 teaspoon | Cornstarch |
| 3 tablespoons | Peanut or corn oil (or more if needed) |
| ½ teaspoon | Salt cut into 1-in pieces |
| 2 teaspoons | Cornstarch |
| 1 teaspoon | Sesame oil |
| 2 teaspoons | Fresh peeled ginger, minced |
| 2 teaspoons | Fresh peeled garlic, minced |
| 2 \N | Green onions; chopped |
| 2 teaspoons | Chili paste with garlic |
| 1 \N | Cucumber; peeled cut into 1/2\" thick pieces |
| 1 tablespoon | Red wine vinegar |
| 1 teaspoon | Sesame oil |
SCALLOP MARINADE
SAUCE MIXTURE
PAT DRY THE SCALLOPS. In a bowl, toss scallops with the marinade; set aside for 30 minutes. In a bowl, mix together the chicken stock, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar and cornstarch; set aside. Preheat the wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil and half the salt. Add dry scallops to the hot oil, stir-fry for about 1 minute.
When the scallops begin to feel firm to the touch, remove from the wok; set aside. Reheat the wok. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Add the ginger, garlic, remaining salt, green onions, and chili paste; cook gently for 15 seconds. Turn heat to high; toss in cucumbers. Stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the sauce mixture and stir quickly to thicken. Return the scallops to the wok, add the vinegar and sesame oil; quickly toss for a few seconds to reheat. Place the cast iron platter on a burner over high heat for 5 to 10 minutes or place in a very hot oven.
Sprinkle a few drops of water to test the heat. It should bubble and sizzle. Put a heatproof trivet on the dining table. Carefully place the hot sizzling platter on top of the trivet. As soon as the scallops are finished, transfer the scallops to a plate and quickly pour the mixture onto the hot platter and listen to it sizzle. Serve hot. Makes 4 servings as the main entree or up to 8 as part of a multicourse Chinese menu.