Chewy Whelk Salad with Sweet and Tangy Noodles
Chewy Whelk Salad with Sweet and Tangy Noodles
#WhelkSalad #PrecookedWhelk #WhelkWithNoodles #DrinkSnack #HousewarmingParty #ChristmasParty
Make a delicious whelk salad and noodles at home easily using frozen precooked whelks. The sauce is a fundamental and irresistible bibimjang (spicy mixed sauce), which is incredibly delicious when mixed with the chewy whelks and noodles. Unlike canned whelks, these precooked whelks are made from fresh whelks (both white and red varieties) that have been cleaned, blanched, and then flash-frozen. After thawing, simply rinse them thoroughly under cold water, and you can enjoy the pure whelk flavor without any added seasoning, perfect for dipping in spicy chili sauce. Their size and freshness are exceptional, befitting their West Sea origin. This recipe introduces a fresh and delicious whelk salad with noodles, easy for anyone to make with a simple sauce based on gochujang, chili powder, and soy sauce, making it a perfect snack to enjoy with drinks.
Main Ingredients- 300g Precooked Whelks
- 1 Cucumber
- 1/2 bunch of Korean Water Parsley (Minari)
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Green Onion
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thaw the frozen precooked whelks by placing them in cold water. Once thawed, rinse them thoroughly under cold water several times. If the whelks are large, cut them into 3-4 bite-sized pieces. It’s crucial to completely drain the whelks; using paper towels to absorb excess moisture is the quickest and easiest method to ensure the sauce adheres well and enhances the flavor.
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables for the whelk salad. Wash the cucumber and slice it diagonally, then cut each slice in half to create long, crescent shapes. Separate the stems and leaves of the Korean water parsley (minari) and cut them into approximately 4cm lengths. Finely chop the green onion. Once all vegetables are prepped, you’re ready to mix the salad.
Step 3
Combine the prepared whelks and all the cut vegetables in a bowl. Now it’s time to make the delicious sauce and add it. Mix in 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 4 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp honey, 2 Tbsp plum extract, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, and 1 tsp sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together by hand (jok-jok) until the ingredients are well combined and coated with the sauce. Be gentle to avoid breaking the whelks.
Step 4
Your delicious, sweet, and tangy whelk salad is ready! Serve it with freshly boiled somen noodles for a perfect whelk and noodle dish. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you want it tangier, add more vinegar; if it needs more saltiness, add a bit more soy sauce. If you notice any fishy taste from the whelks, adding a splash of white wine or more plum extract can help neutralize the smell and taste. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful whelk salad!
