Spicy & Tangy Whelk Noodles (Golbaengi Somen)
Must-Try Spicy Whelk Salad & Golbaengi Somen: A Delicious Bar Snack Recipe
Craving that irresistible spicy and tangy whelk salad (Golbaengi Muchim)? It’s perfect as a side dish or, with the addition of chewy noodles, becomes a fantastic late-night snack or perfect accompaniment to drinks. This recipe for Golbaengi Somen is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Main Ingredients- 1 can (230g) canned whelks, drained
- 1/2 medium onion
- 20g carrot
- 50g cabbage
- 1/2 medium cucumber
- 5 leaves perilla (shiso) leaves
Spicy & Tangy Dressing- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Finishing Touches & Optional- A drizzle of sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 4 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Finishing Touches & Optional- A drizzle of sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Open the can of whelks. Reserve the brine for another use, and drain the whelks. Slice the whelks into bite-sized pieces (usually in half is perfect).
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing that’s the star of this dish. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, gochugaru, brown sugar, vinegar, gochujang, plum extract, and sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Step 3
Add about two-thirds of the prepared dressing to the sliced whelks. Gently mix to ensure the whelks are coated, and let them marinate for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 4
While the whelks are marinating, prepare your vegetables. Thinly slice the cucumber (or julienne it). Roll the perilla leaves and thinly slice them into fine shreds. Thinly slice the onion and julienne the cabbage to similar sizes. This ensures even coating with the dressing.
Step 5
Combine the marinated whelks with all the prepared vegetables. Add the remaining dressing and mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more dressing for extra spice or tang. For a finishing touch, add a small drizzle of sesame oil for aroma, or for a cleaner flavor, serve it individually by adding sesame oil to each person’s bowl. I love to serve this over cooked somen noodles!
