Crispy Fried Whelks: A Perfect Blend of Crunch and Sweet & Spicy Flavor
Fried Whelks (Half Spicy Sauce, Half Fried) – A Unique Recipe for Drinks and Snacks
After seeing fried whelks featured on the TV show ‘Happy Together,’ I was curious about the taste. Luckily, I had some canned whelks at home, so I decided to give it a try! These crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside fried whelks are fantastic as a snack or a perfect companion to your favorite drinks. We’ll prepare them in two ways: coated in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce, and as plain crispy fried whelks. This recipe makes it easy to create these delightful treats right in your own kitchen!
Main Ingredients- 2 cans canned whelks (drained)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp chopped green chili peppers (e.g., Korean Cheongyang chili)
- 1 cup tempura flour
- 1 egg
- Water, as needed (for batter consistency)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Sauce (Sweet & Spicy)- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 4 Tbsp ketchup
- 4 Tbsp sugar
- 3-4 Tbsp honey (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Water, as needed (for sauce consistency)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 4 Tbsp ketchup
- 4 Tbsp sugar
- 3-4 Tbsp honey (or corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Water, as needed (for sauce consistency)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the batter. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of tempura flour with 1 egg. Gradually add water while stirring until you achieve a consistency that will nicely coat the whelks – not too thin, not too thick. Add the drained canned whelks to the batter and mix well to ensure they are evenly coated.
Step 2
Now, let’s add flavor to the batter-coated whelks. Mix in 2 Tbsp of minced garlic and 3 Tbsp of finely chopped green chili peppers for a spicy kick, along with a pinch of salt. You can adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preference or omit them if you prefer less heat. This addition helps cut through any richness and adds a pleasant zest. Finally, stir in 1 cup of breadcrumbs, mixing gently to coat the whelks. The breadcrumbs will create a wonderfully crispy exterior.
Step 3
It’s time to fry! Pour enough cooking oil into a pot or deep pan to fully submerge the whelks, and heat it to about 350-360°F (170-180°C). Carefully add the breaded whelks to the hot oil. Fry them until they turn a beautiful golden brown. For an extra crispy texture, you can fry them once, let them rest for a minute, and then fry them a second time. Once golden brown, remove the fried whelks and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4
Next, let’s prepare the delicious sweet and spicy sauce. In a small saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients except water: 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp gochujang, 4 Tbsp ketchup, 4 Tbsp sugar, 3-4 Tbsp honey, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency. (Tip: You can set aside some of the sauce for dipping). Once the sauce is ready, take about half of the fried whelks and toss them in the sauce over medium-high heat until evenly coated. This creates the saucy fried whelks! Enjoy the remaining plain fried whelks as they are, or serve the saucy ones alongside for dipping if you prefer.
