Crumbed Pāua Hua

Pāua hua, or the gut of the pāua, is a true delicacy—rich in flavor and a treat for those in the know. Pāua hua comes in a range of colours, from creamy whites to vibrant oranges, depending on the season and what the pāua has been eating. Here’s how to prepare them into crispy, golden perfection.

Ingredients:

  • Pāua hua (cleaned and rinsed)

  • Panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • Oil for frying

For the Chipotle Mayo:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 teaspoon chipotle sauce or smoked paprika (adjust to taste)

  • A squeeze of fresh lemon

Method:

  1. Prepare the Pāua Hua:

    • Lightly pat the pāua hua dry with a paper towel after rinsing.

    • In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

  2. Crumb the Pāua Hua:

    • Coat each pāua hua lightly in oil (this helps the crumbs stick).

    • Roll the hua in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

  3. Fry to Perfection:

    • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

    • Place the crumbed pāua hua into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

  4. Make the Chipotle Mayo:

    • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chipotle sauce or smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.

  5. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Sprinkle the pāua hua with finely chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

    • Serve hot with the chipotle mayo on the side for dipping.

Pro Tip:
The colour and richness of the pāua hua add to the experience—don’t shy away from trying them in all their seasonal variations.

This dish is a crunchy, smoky celebration of pāua hua, perfect as a snack, starter, or part of a feast. Let us know if you give it a try—we’d love to see your creations!