Garlic Butter Whelk Delight
Cha Ye Ryun’s ‘Stars’ Top Recipe: Whelk Dish, Garlic Dish, Cream Corn Dish, Perfect with Drinks, Wine, Beer!
Have you only ever enjoyed whelks seasoned with gochujang (red chili paste)? Now, try them sautéed in butter with added cream corn for a delightful twist! This recipe transforms the common whelk into an elegant dish with the rich aroma of garlic and butter, complemented by the sweetness of corn. It’s perfect as a simple yet impressive appetizer or a delightful snack to pair with your favorite drinks.
Ingredients
- 1 can whelks (drain the liquid)
- 20 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
- 150g canned cream corn (drained)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (cheongyang pepper) (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color and mild sweetness)
- 30g unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup/honey for sweetness)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the canned whelks. Drain the brine from the can. Cut the whelks into bite-sized pieces, usually 1 to 2 cuts per whelk, depending on their size. Avoid cutting them too small to maintain a satisfying texture.
Step 2
Next, prepare the chili peppers. Wash the Korean green chili pepper and red chili pepper. Remove the stems and finely chop them (or slice thinly). If you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds from the green chili pepper.
Step 3
Melt the unsalted butter in a wide pan over medium-low heat. Once the butter is fully melted and fragrant, add the 20 cloves of garlic. Sauté the garlic until it turns a light golden brown, being careful not to burn it. This step infuses the butter with a wonderful garlic aroma.
Step 4
When the garlic is nicely golden, add the prepared whelks to the pan. Sauté the whelks with the garlic and butter for about 1 to 2 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
Step 5
Add the chopped chili peppers (both green and red) to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt to taste. Drizzle in the sesame oil for its nutty fragrance. Stir everything together gently to combine and continue to sauté for another minute.
Step 6
Once the ingredients are sizzling and well combined, add the drained cream corn and the oligosaccharide. Stir well and sauté for another minute, ensuring the corn is heated through and all the flavors are melded together. The corn adds a lovely sweetness and texture.
Step 7
Your delicious Garlic Butter Whelk is now ready! Transfer the cooked whelks to a serving plate. This dish makes a fantastic appetizer or accompaniment to drinks. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the exquisite blend of garlic, butter, and sweet corn!
