Spicy and Sweet Stir-Fried Whelk Salad
Super Simple Camping Dish! Perfect Whelk Salad for Beer Snacks
When you don’t feel like cooking a complicated meal, or when you’re camping and wondering what to make, a quick and easy whelk salad is the perfect solution! In the past, people would make the sauce ahead of time and pack it in a container. But nowadays, if you bring your sauce bottles, mixing it fresh on-site makes it even more delicious. With just one can of whelks and some fresh salad vegetables from the supermarket, you can whip up a fantastic camping dish or a delightful snack to go with your drinks. You can enjoy a rich flavor without needing many complicated ingredients.
Main Ingredients- 1 can of whelks (approx. 200-300g)
- 1 pack of mixed salad greens (approx. 100-150g)
- 2 Cheongyang peppers (adjust to your preference)
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste) (start with 2 Tbsp and adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine for cooking)
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 5 Tbsp Vinegar (add 1-2 more Tbsp if you like it tangier)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (freshly minced garlic is also great)
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (about 1/2 Tbsp)
- Pinch of sesame oil (about 1/2 Tbsp)
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste) (start with 2 Tbsp and adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine for cooking)
- 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 5 Tbsp Vinegar (add 1-2 more Tbsp if you like it tangier)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic (freshly minced garlic is also great)
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (about 1/2 Tbsp)
- Pinch of sesame oil (about 1/2 Tbsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the heart of this delicious whelk salad: the sauce! If you have fresh garlic, mince about 1 tablespoon’s worth finely. Store-bought minced garlic is also perfectly fine.
Step 2
Add 3 tablespoons of gochujang to a bowl. A good tip is to start with 2 tablespoons and add more later after tasting. I’m adding 3 tablespoons today to make it nicely spicy.
Step 3
Add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (chili flakes) and 2 tablespoons of sugar to bring in sweetness and spice. If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add a bit more gochugaru.
Step 4
Add 1 tablespoon of mirin to help remove any unwanted odors and add a savory depth, followed by 4 tablespoons of soy sauce for a rich flavor.
Step 5
Pour in 5 tablespoons of vinegar to create that signature sweet and sour taste. If you prefer a tangier salad, feel free to add an extra 1-2 tablespoons. Finally, add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma.
Step 6
Use a spoon or whisk to thoroughly mix all the prepared sauce ingredients together, ensuring there are no clumps. And there you have it – a delicious sauce is ready!
Step 7
Now, let’s prepare the fresh vegetables. You can use any assortment of greens you like, but when camping or outdoors, simplicity is key. This is where a pre-mixed salad greens bag from the supermarket becomes incredibly convenient. They used to be available only at specific large stores, but now they’re becoming more common. I got mine from Homeplus. (Please note that product availability may vary by store).
Step 8
These pre-shredded salad greens are very handy for making stir-fry or salad dishes. To ensure freshness, wash them thoroughly and pat them dry before using.
Step 9
Drain the canned whelks completely using a sieve. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a chewier texture and larger pieces, you can leave them whole.
Step 10
Place a generous amount of the washed salad greens into a large bowl.
Step 11
Arrange the cut whelks attractively over the greens.
Step 12
For an extra spicy kick, thinly slice 2 Cheongyang peppers and add them to the mix. Using more than 3 might make it too hot, so adjust the quantity to your liking.
Step 13
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the ingredients in the bowl. You can adjust the amount of sauce based on the quantity of your ingredients.
Step 14
Gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the vegetables mushy. Finally, drizzle a bit of sesame oil for that aromatic finish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
