Spicy Buttered Whelk Stir-fry: A Chewy Delicacy, Perfect as a Side Dish!
Have You Tried Whelk Stir-fry?
We’ve discovered a delicious way to enjoy whelks – by stir-frying them in butter! This dish, usually enjoyed in a spicy sauce, transforms into a savory and satisfying meal. The chewy texture of the whelks, combined with fragrant garlic and a hint of chili, makes it an excellent side dish for rice or a great accompaniment to drinks. It’s surprisingly simple to make!
Ingredients- Canned whelks 300g
- Garlic, a generous amount
- 1 spicy chili pepper (e.g., Cheongyang chili)
- Bok choy, a generous amount
- 1 Tbsp butter
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Drain the canned whelks using a sieve. It’s important not to rinse or boil them; simply drain the liquid from the can to preserve the whelks’ unique flavor.
Step 2
Wash the bok choy and cut it in half lengthwise. Finely chop the spicy chili pepper. Removing the seeds from the chili will reduce its heat, so adjust according to your preference. The spiciness of the chili will cut through the richness of the butter.
Step 3
Peel the garlic cloves and slice them into uniform pieces about 3-4mm thick. Slicing them too thinly might cause them to burn during cooking.
Step 4
Heat about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Add the sliced garlic and chopped chili pepper. Gently stir-fry until the garlic turns a light golden brown and becomes fragrant. This slow process unlocks the garlic’s full flavor.
Step 5
Once the garlic is lightly browned, add the drained whelks to the pan and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Avoid overcooking the whelks, as they can become tough. A quick sauté is best.
Step 6
Reduce the heat slightly and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt completely. Sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper to enhance the aroma. The rich, buttery flavor will beautifully complement the whelks.
Step 7
Finally, add the prepared bok choy to the pan. Increase the heat to medium and stir-fry quickly, just until the bok choy is slightly wilted but still retains some crispness, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This ensures the bok choy remains vibrant and slightly crunchy. Your delicious buttered whelk stir-fry is now ready!
