Refreshing White Whelk Soup (Baek Golbaengi Tang)
Refreshing White Whelk Soup (Baek Golbaengi Tang)
Easy Recipe for White Whelk Soup (Baek Golbaengi Tang) That Pairs Perfectly with Soju (Also Baek Golbaengi Bibim Noodles)
We made Baek Golbaengi Tang, a soup so delicious it’s considered the king of sea snails, with a broth that’s absolutely divine! For a perfect finish, try our Baek Golbaengi Bibim Noodles set. Enjoy the ultimate culinary experience with this pairing. This dish is perfect for any occasion, offering a taste of the sea that will impress your guests.
Ingredients- 1kg White Whelks (Baek Golbaengi)
- 1 bowl of Radish (sliced thinly)
- 4 pieces of Dried Kelp (approx. 10x10cm)
- 1 Tbsp Clam Stock Powder (Jo-gae Dasida)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin or similar)
- 1 handful of Peeled Garlic cloves (halved)
- 1 tsp Seasoning Salt (Mat-sogeum)
- 1 pack of Enoki Mushrooms
- 1 handful of Crown Daisy (Ssukgat)
- 1/2 stalk of Green Onion (sliced diagonally)
- 1-2 pcs of Cheongyang Chili Peppers (sliced diagonally)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper (sliced diagonally)
- 1 serving of Instant Bibim Noodles
- Assorted Ssam Vegetables (for serving)
Seasoning for Bibim Noodles- 2 Tbsp Gochujang-based Sauce (Cho-jang)
- 2 Tbsp Sweet Soy-based Sauce (Cho-ganjang)
- 1/2 tsp Wasabi
- 2 Tbsp Gochujang-based Sauce (Cho-jang)
- 2 Tbsp Sweet Soy-based Sauce (Cho-ganjang)
- 1/2 tsp Wasabi
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly scrub the white whelks using a brush under running water, paying special attention to cleaning between the shell ridges. This step is crucial to remove any grit and ensure a clean-tasting broth.
Step 2
Rinse the cleaned whelks under running water about three to four times until the rinse water runs clear. This helps remove any remaining debris and eliminates any gamey odor.
Step 3
In a pot, combine 1.5 liters of water, the thinly sliced radish, and 4 pieces of dried kelp. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Be careful not to over-boil the kelp, as it can impart a bitter flavor.
Step 4
Once the water comes to a boil, remove the kelp after 5 minutes. Continue to simmer the radish for another 5 minutes to allow the broth to develop a rich flavor.
Step 5
Increase the heat to high, then add all the cleaned white whelks to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking wine to help eliminate any fishy smells.
Step 6
Stir in 1 tablespoon of clam stock powder to enhance the umami of the broth. This is one of the secrets to achieving such a deeply savory flavor.
Step 7
Add a handful of peeled garlic cloves, halved. While whole cloves can be used, halving them allows their flavor to infuse more readily into the broth.
Step 8
Season with 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt to balance the flavors. It’s best to start with this amount and adjust later to your preference.
Step 9
As the soup comes to a boil, foam will appear on the surface. Skim off this foam while simmering for about 5-6 minutes. This process results in a clearer and cleaner-tasting broth. Avoid boiling for too long, as this can make the whelks tough.
Step 10
Finally, add the prepared enoki mushrooms, crown daisy, diagonally sliced cheongyang and red chili peppers, and green onions. Simmer for just about 1 more minute. The fresh aroma and vibrant colors of the vegetables will enhance the dish’s appeal.
Step 11
And there you have it – a delicious Baek Golbaengi Tang! Doesn’t it look mouthwatering?
Step 12
Take a spoonful of the hot broth, and you’ll feel a refreshing sensation from your head to your toes. This deep, clean flavor is what makes you crave another sip (and perhaps another drink!). It’s truly superb! ♥♥
Step 13
Now it’s time to enjoy the perfectly cooked white whelks. Use a fork or skewer to easily extract the tender whelk meat from its shell.
Step 14
Dip the whelk meat into cho-jang (spicy-sweet dipping sauce) or cho-ganjang (sweet soy dipping sauce) according to your preference. A little dab of wasabi adds a delightful zing. The combination of the chewy texture, savory taste, and subtly sweet finish is exquisite. It’s like experiencing the concentrated essence of the sea, tenfold!
Step 15
After enjoying the Baek Golbaengi Tang, don’t let the delicious broth and whelks go to waste! Create a delightful side dish: Baek Golbaengi Bibim Noodles. Prepare one serving of instant bibim noodles and some assorted ssam vegetables you might have on hand. Cook the noodles, then generously add the extracted whelk meat from the soup.
Step 16
Combine the noodles and whelks with the bibim noodle sauce. Chop the ssam vegetables into bite-sized pieces and mix everything together until well combined and slightly saucy.
Step 17
The resulting Baek Golbaengi Bibim Noodles, with their spicy-sweet flavor and chewy whelk texture, offer an unparalleled taste experience. This dish is guaranteed to make you crave a cold beer or a shot of soju.
Step 18
Slurp it up! Each bite is a delightful explosion of spicy-sweetness and chewy goodness, making you exclaim, ‘This is delicious!’ It’s a truly satisfying meal or a fantastic accompaniment to drinks. ♥
