Creamy Baked Tahong with Melted Cheese Sauce

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Recipe Para Kay Hubby (@joanarocacorba)

This creamy baked tahong recipe is a delightful treat for seafood lovers. With a rich cheese sauce and the option to add a spicy kick, it's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Whether you choose to bake it in the oven or use an air fryer, this dish promises a non-dry, non-rubbery texture thanks to its creamy base. Garnish with parsley or green onions for an added touch of freshness.

Creamy Baked Tahong with Melted Cheese Sauce recipe

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Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
40min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 250g)

For the tahong

  • tahong (mussels), cleaned, debeard and boiled until shells open
    tahong (mussels), cleaned, debeard and boiled until shells open
    1kg
  • Garlic (minced)
    Garlic (minced)
  • Butter (for sautéing garlic)
    Butter (for sautéing garlic)
  • Optional: chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
    Optional: chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

For the creamy cheese sauce

  • butter
    butter
    2tbsp
  • all-purpose flour
    all-purpose flour
    2tbsp
  • fresh milk (or evaporated milk)
    fresh milk (or evaporated milk)
    1cup
  • grated cheese (quickmelt or cheddar)
    grated cheese (quickmelt or cheddar)
    1/2cup
  • Salt & pepper to taste
    Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: cream or mayo (extra creaminess)
    Optional: cream or mayo (extra creaminess)
    1tbsp
  • Optional: cayenne pepper, add on top
    Optional: cayenne pepper, add on top
    1/2tsp
  • Optional: chili powder
    Optional: chili powder
    1/2tsp
  • Optional: A few drops of hot sauce (Tabasco/Sriracha)
    Optional: A few drops of hot sauce (Tabasco/Sriracha)

How to make Creamy Baked Tahong with Melted Cheese Sauce

Prep the Tahong

  1. Step 1

    Steam or boil tahong just until they open. Discard the empty shell.

  2. Step 2

    Arrange them on a tray (shell-side down), ready for topping.

Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Step 1

    On low heat, melt butter in a pan.

  2. Step 2

    Add flour and stir for 1 minute.

  3. Step 3

    Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously.

  4. Step 4

    Simmer until thick (3–5 mins), then add grated cheese. Stir until smooth.

  5. Step 5

    Season with salt & pepper.

  6. Step 6

    Optional: Add cream/mayo for extra richness.

  7. Step 7

    Want it spicy? Add cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce to taste.

Assemble & Cook

  1. Step 1

    Sauté garlic in butter and put a bit on each tahong.

  2. Step 2

    Spoon cheese sauce on top of each mussel.

  3. Step 3

    Optional: Sprinkle more grated cheese or parsley.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

352.4kcal (17.62%)

Protein

27.2g (54.34%)

Carbs

15.2g (5.51%)

Sugars

7.6g (15.24%)

Healthy Fat

6.5g

Unhealthy Fat

14.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Secret to non-dry, non-rubbery tahong: Use creamy cheese sauce base, and don’t overbake.

  2. Watch closely in the air fryer as it browns faster than the oven!

FAQS

  1. Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?

    Yes, preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3 minutes, place tahong in a single layer on foil or tray, and air fry for 6–8 minutes.

  2. How can I make the dish spicier?

    Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a few drops of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

  3. What type of cheese is recommended?

    Quickmelt or cheddar cheese is recommended for this recipe.

  4. Can I add extra creaminess to the sauce?

    Yes, you can add cream or mayo for extra richness.

  5. What is the secret to non-dry tahong?

    Use a creamy cheese sauce base and avoid overbaking.

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Recipe Para Kay Hubby

(@joanarocacorba)

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