How to Perfectly Boil Vietnamese Sea Snails (Bong La) for a Delicious Bite
A Comprehensive Guide to Boiling Fresh Sea Snails
Experience the delightful chewy texture and deep ocean flavor! This guide will show you the secret to boiling fresh Vietnamese sea snails whole. Enjoy a gourmet seafood dish with this simple process.
Ingredients
- Fresh Vietnamese sea snails
- 1 soju cup (approx. 50ml) of soju (for deodorizing)
- Coarse sea salt (for purging and seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s crucial to purge the fresh sea snails to remove any grit. Place the snails in a bowl and cover them with water. Add coarse sea salt to create a brine similar to seawater. Let them purge for about 30 minutes; this helps them expel impurities, ensuring a cleaner taste. After purging, rinse the snails thoroughly under running water, using a brush if needed to scrub away any surface dirt.
Step 2
Place the cleaned sea snails in a pot. Add enough cold water to completely submerge the snails. Pour in 1 soju cup (about 50ml) of soju, which will effectively help to eliminate any fishy odors.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to cook. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium to prevent overflow. It’s a good idea to leave the lid slightly ajar, allowing steam to escape. Cook like this for about 15 minutes. This simmering time will ensure the snails are cooked through and achieve a wonderfully chewy texture.
Step 4
Once the sea snails are perfectly boiled, you can extract the meat using a chopstick or skewer. Insert the chopstick into the snail’s opening and gently twist to loosen and pull out the meat. Remember to remove the tough inner shell (often called the ‘operculum’) before eating for a more pleasant experience.
Step 5
If you plan to use the sea snails as a side dish, it’s recommended to remove the internal organs (entrails) as they can sometimes impart a slightly bitter taste. Use a skewer to carefully pull out the entrails, discarding them. This will leave you with just the delicious meat, perfect for incorporating into other dishes for a subtle oceanic flavor.
