A colorful bowl of Golbaengi muchim, a traditional Korean dish made with spiralized conch meat mixed with a spicy and tangy sauce.
Recipes Lunch Seafood

Golbaengi Muchim Recipe 골뱅이무침

What is Golbaengi Muchim (Sea Snails)?

Golbaengi muchim is a traditional Korean dish made with golbaengi, or minor, young whelks, and various seasonings. The whelks are typically boiled until they are tender, then sliced and mixed with a seasoning blend that typically includes gochujang (red pepper paste), vinegar, garlic, and other ingredients. The dish is then chilled and served as a cold side dish or appetizer.

Golbaengi muchim is a popular and delicious way to enjoy whelks in Korea and is often served as a part of a traditional Korean meal. Its spicy and tangy flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes, and its tender and chewy texture is a unique and enjoyable experience. In addition to being delicious, golbaengi muchim is also believed to have a number of health benefits, as whelks are a good source of protein and other nutrients. Whether you’re looking to try something new and unique or simply want to enjoy a tasty and flavorful side dish, golbaengi muchim is a great choice.

How To Make Golbaengi Muchim

Ingredients

  • 1 pound golbaengi (baby snails)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the snails thoroughly under cold running water.
  2. In a large pot, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the snails to the pot and boil for 10-15 minutes, or until the snails are tender.
  3. Drain the snails and rinse them under cold water.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the gochujang, sugar, rice vinegar, and garlic.
  5. Add the boiled snails to the bowl and toss to coat with the sauce.
  6. Garnish the snails with green onion and sesame seeds.
  7. Serve the Golbaengi Muchim cold as a side dish.

Party Dish To Remember

One of my most memorable experiences with golbaengi muchim was at a backyard barbecue with my friends. It was a hot summer day, and we had been grilling up all sorts of delicious meats and vegetables on the grill. As we were getting ready to sit down and eat, one of my friends pulled out a small bowl of golbaengi muchim and placed it on the table.

I had never tried golbaengi muchim before, but the spicy and tangy aroma of the dish caught my attention immediately. I scooped a spoonful onto my plate and took a bite, and was pleasantly surprised by the flavors and textures of the dish. The golbaengi muchim was mixed with a spicy and tangy sauce made of gochujang and vinegar, and the whelks were tender and chewy. It was the perfect complement to the grilled meats and vegetables and added a unique and exciting element to the meal. I ended up going back for seconds and had a great time trying something new and different. It was definitely a memorable and enjoyable experience, and I will always be grateful to my friends for introducing me to golbaengi muchim.