Spicy and Sweet Whelk Salad with Noodles
The Ultimate Snack/Appetizer: Whelk Salad with Noodles!
My husband asked for a snack, so I whipped up this delicious whelk salad. It’s a visually appealing and mouth-watering spicy and sweet dish. This recipe offers a perfect harmony of abundant vegetables, chewy whelks, and accompanying noodles, making it an ideal accompaniment for drinks. Try making this simple yet special dish at home for a delightful treat or as part of your drinking spread!
Main Ingredients- 2 cans of whelks (canned, often in oil or brine)
- 1 fresh cucumber
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 bunch of perilla leaves (깻잎)
- 7 large lettuce leaves
- A small amount of carrot
- 1 large green onion (scallion)
- 2 Korean chili peppers (청양고추)
- Noodles for 5 servings (e.g., somen, thin wheat noodles)
- A small amount of dried shredded squid (진미채)
Spicy and Sweet Dressing- 7 Tbsp gochujang-based spicy-sweet sauce (초고추장)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 Tbsp red chili powder (gochugaru)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 7 Tbsp gochujang-based spicy-sweet sauce (초고추장)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 Tbsp red chili powder (gochugaru)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare all the fresh vegetables that will go into our salad. Gather lettuce, perilla leaves, cucumber, carrot, onion, chili peppers, and green onions from your kitchen. Wash them all thoroughly. The more variety of vegetables you use, the richer and more delicious the salad will be.
Step 2
Slice the cucumber and carrot into half-moon shapes, bite-sized pieces. Wash the perilla leaves, stack them, and slice them into thick ribbons – this helps retain their fragrance. Tear or slice the lettuce into similar sizes. Thinly julienne the green onion and onion; this allows them to absorb the dressing better and enhances the flavor.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to make the delicious dressing! In a bowl, combine 7 tablespoons of gochujang-based sauce (cho-gochujang), 2 tablespoons of vinegar for a tangy kick, and 3 tablespoons of red chili powder for a pleasant heat. Add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness and finish with 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil for a fragrant aroma. Mix everything well until you have a smooth dressing.
Step 4
Prepare the star ingredient: two cans of whelks. Drain the liquid from the cans and carefully take out the whelks. You’ll notice a generous amount, promising a satisfying dish!
Step 5
Cut the whelks in half. This makes them easier to eat and ensures they are coated evenly with the dressing. Avoid cutting them too small.
Step 6
No whelk salad is complete without chewy noodles! Cook enough noodles for 5 servings, such as somen or thin wheat noodles, until al dente. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking, then drain well.
Step 7
In a large mixing bowl, place the prepared whelks and pour all the homemade spicy and sweet dressing over them.
Step 8
Add a small amount of dried shredded squid (jinmichae) to the bowl. This adds an extra layer of chewy texture and savory flavor, making the dish even more interesting.
Step 9
Gently mix all the ingredients – the whelks, jinmichae, and vegetables – with the dressing. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything until well combined and evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix, especially the vegetables, to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Step 10
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the top. This adds a lovely visual appeal and a final burst of nutty flavor. Your delicious spicy and sweet whelk salad is now complete! Serve it generously over the cooked noodles for a delightful meal.
