I first had this dish in Vietnam while eating out with family on my trip last year. The little kids introduced me to cheese on grilled scallops. My initial reaction was, “Grooooss!” Then I remembered I ate grilled silkworms and grilled mouse that this should be a walk in the park.
And you know what? It was surprisingly delicious! I loooooved the savory and richness of the cheese, the amazing aroma of the scallion oil (Mo Hanh), the light crunch of the toasted peanuts and fried pork fat (Tep Mo), and the incredible sweet and spicy flavor of the holy mother sauce, Vietnamese sweet chili dipping sauce (Nuoc Mam Cham).
I made this the other night at home. It was so tasty that for a moment I wished I was single so I didn’t have to share.
For the cheese spread, you must use the Original Laughing Cow Wedge Cheese, which is quite popular in Vietnam. They are readily available in all supermarkets here in the States. Any other cheese is not recommended.
Vietnamese Grilled Scallops with Cheese (So Diep Nuong Pho Mai)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 scallops 1x
Description
Cheese on grilled scallops might sound strange, but it’s surprisingly delicious! Get a taste of Vietnam’s street food scenes with these cheesy scallops.
Ingredients
- 12 large scallops on the half shell
- Scallion Oil (Mỡ Hành)
- 2 wedges Original Laughing Cow Cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons hot water
Toppings:
- Toasted peanuts (coarsely chopped)
- Fried pork fat (Tép Mỡ) (optional)
Dipping Sauce:
- Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce (Nước Mắm Chấm)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, whisk together the Laughing Cow Cheese and water until smooth and creamy.
-
Brush the Scallops: Brush each scallop with scallion oil and add a dollop of the cheese spread on top.
-
Grill the Scallops: Place the scallops on a preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly toasted.
-
Add Garnishes: Sprinkle the scallops with toasted peanuts and fried pork fat for texture. Drizzle with Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce for added flavor.
-
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy the savory, creamy, and crunchy combination.
Notes
Cheese Choice: Use Original Laughing Cow Cheese wedges for the best flavor. Other cheeses may not achieve the same creamy consistency and mild taste.
Scallion Oil Shortcut: Heat vegetable oil in a pan, toss in sliced green onions, and stir until wilted.
Customizations: Replace peanuts with fried shallots for a different crunch.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
