Spicy and Tangy Whelk and Vegetable Salad: A Refreshing Korean Delicacy
The Ultimate Appetizer to Ignite Your Appetite! Whelk and Vegetable Salad
A delicious dish featuring chewy whelks and fresh mixed vegetables tossed in a spicy, sweet, and tangy dressing. It’s simple yet offers a rich flavor, perfect for a special treat.
Main Ingredients- 200g white whelks (defrosted)
- 100g mixed vegetables (store-bought salad mix)
- 1 cucumber
- 5 stalks of green onions (scallions)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
White whelks are often sold frozen (quick-frozen). Please ensure they are fully defrosted according to the package instructions. Once defrosted, rinse them lightly under cold running water, drain any excess water, and they are ready to be used.
Step 2
Prepare a bag of mixed vegetables from the supermarket. These mixes often contain cabbage, carrots, and onions, making them convenient to use without much separate preparation. Briefly rinse the vegetables under running water, drain well, and then chop them into bite-sized, rustic pieces. Cutting them too finely can diminish their crisp texture.
Step 3
Wash the green onions thoroughly. Trim the roots and cut them into sections about 3-4 cm long, separating the white and green parts. The subtle pungency of the green onions will enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor.
Step 4
Wash the cucumber under running water and trim off the ends. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice it diagonally into pieces about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing it this way ensures a pleasant texture when eaten with the other vegetables.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared mixed vegetables, chopped green onions, and sliced cucumber. Loading up on vegetables will make the dish even more delicious.
Step 6
Add the prepared white whelks to the bowl with the vegetables. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of gochugaru and 1 tablespoon of cho-gochujang. Gently toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats the ingredients. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this could mush the vegetables.
Step 7
While cho-gochujang already provides a sweet and tangy flavor, you can add 1/2 tablespoon of plum syrup for extra tanginess or sweetness, if desired. Alternatively, a small amount of corn syrup or sugar can be used. No other seasonings are typically added at this stage. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more cho-gochujang or a pinch of salt if needed.
Step 8
Once all the ingredients are deliciously combined, your whelk and vegetable salad is ready! Serve it immediately in a nice dish and enjoy this fresh and flavorful creation. It’s a wonderful side dish for rice or an excellent accompaniment to a cold beer or soju.
