Unloved and overlooked the humble whelk deserves more. In fact, there is more of a market in South Korea than Britain for British caught whelks. That can’t be right. Let’s make Whelk recipes popular again!
Identity crisis
Maybe if they were named, I don’t know, the lobster snail or the turbot spiral-shell snail, they’d be more popular. Let’s be honest, whelk isn’t the nicest of names (apologies to anyone called ‘whelk’ out there).
Plus, most people think of whelks as being the chewy, rubbery things served in little polystyrene pots from seaside kiosks. However, you can get live whelks and if you do see them in your fishmongers give them a go. They’re at their best from spring onwards, but should avoid being bought during spawning season, which runs from late autumn into winter.
Preparation advice varies. Some say soak them, others to freeze them overnight.
Nobody seems quite sure how to cook them either. I’ve come across recipes instructing to boil them for 15 minutes, another for 5 minutes, and one suggesting to not let the water boil at all.
Whelk recipes
I’ll be honest, I haven’t quite worked out yet the best way to cook whelks. And there isn’t a great number of Whelk recipes to help out.
In France, whelks are boiled and served with mayonnaise, but I want to create something special.
I did attempt whelk croquettes, but that was an absolute disaster.
My next idea is to approach them like I would an octopus. I’ll freeze them, defrost them, and then simmer them slowly.
After they’ve cooked, I’ll cut them into thick slices, give them a good whack of smoked paprika, a drizzle of olive oil and stick them under the grill for a couple of minutes.
Once I discover my own favourite method I’ll let you know! Or, give me a shout if you beat me to it.
***UPDATE*** We did it! We found the one – read more about our whelk quest and the victorious winning whelk recipe.
Seasonality
Whelks are said to be available all year-round, but that doesn’t seem to be the case down here in Poole. I’ll keep my eye on things and update you in due course.
Sustainability
The latest Marine Conservation Society Good Fish Guide rating can be found here.