Spicy & Tangy Whelk Salad Recipe
Revive Your Appetite This Summer with a Zesty Whelk Salad!
Feeling a lack of appetite due to the summer heat? This spicy and tangy dish is the perfect way to stimulate your taste buds! Whelk salad is a classic go-to for a reason. Let’s bring back your zest for food with this delicious recipe!
Main Ingredients- 1 can of whelks (drained)
- 1 cucumber (halved, seeds removed, thinly sliced)
- 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- A drizzle of sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- Pasta (optional, for added chewy texture)
Spicy & Tangy Dressing- 3 Tbsp whelk can liquid (for umami!)
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp vinegar (the key to tanginess!)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust spiciness)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp whelk can liquid (for umami!)
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp vinegar (the key to tanginess!)
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust spiciness)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, drain the liquid from the whelk can. Lightly rinse the whelks under running water. Cut them into three bite-sized pieces. Avoid cutting them too small, as this can diminish the enjoyable chewy texture.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the spicy and tangy dressing that defines this dish. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of the whelk can liquid, 3 tablespoons of gochujang, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, and 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined, ensuring there are no lumps. This is the golden ratio for a perfect sweet, sour, and spicy balance!
Step 3
Wash and thinly slice the cucumber and onion. Add the sliced cucumber and onion to the bowl with the prepared whelks. Pour the dressing over the ingredients. Gently mix everything with your hands, massaging the ingredients to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for a rich, nutty aroma and give it another gentle mix.
Step 4
If you’re adding pasta, bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add the pasta and cook for about 7 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water to remove excess starch and drain well. The chewy texture of the pasta makes a fantastic pairing with the whelk salad!
Step 5
Arrange the prepared whelk salad attractively on a serving plate. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds over the top for added nutty flavor and texture. Your delicious spicy and tangy whelk salad, perfect for reigniting your appetite, is now ready! It’s fantastic as a side dish or as a snack with drinks.
