Night Market · Grilled Scallops

Kao Xianbei (烤扇贝) — Garlic Vermicelli Grilled Scallops

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The tangle of glass noodles under each scallop is there to soak up the garlic butter — it often disappears before the scallop itself does.

Fresh scallops on the half-shell are topped with soaked glass vermicelli, chopped garlic and chili, and a drizzle of oil, then set straight on a charcoal grill until the shell edges char. Dalian's coastal night markets sell them by the tray.

Why it's made this way: Dalian sits on one of China's richest scallop-farming coastlines, and grilling them to order lets vendors serve seafood at true just-caught freshness.