Live Vietnamese Whelk

Product Description: Sourced from the coastal waters of Vietnam, our live Whelks are a prized delicacy known for their sashimi-grade quality. They offer a unique combination of briny, sweet, and umami-rich flavours with a satisfyingly firm texture, making them exceptionally versatile for both raw and cooked dishes.

• Origin: Vietnam
• Flavor Profile: Briny, mildly sweet, and rich in umami.
• Texture: Firm yet tender with a pleasant chew.
• Best Feature: Sashimi-grade; highly versatile for raw and cooked applications.

• Raw (Sashimi): Once properly prepared (see instructions below), serve thinly sliced with soy sauce, citrus ponzu, or wasabi.
• Steaming/Boiling: Lightly cook for 5-7 minutes to enhance their natural sweetness and tender texture.
• Grilling: Briefly blanch, then grill over charcoal for a few minutes for a smoky depth.
• Stir-Frying: Toss with bold ingredients like garlic, chili, and fish sauce.
• Soups & Hotpot: Simmer in broth to deepen the soup's umami flavour.

• Storage: Keep live whelks chilled in the refrigerator (0–4°C), covered with a damp cloth or in aerated water until use.
• Cleaning: Rinse thoroughly under cold water. Before cooking, soak in salted water for 30 minutes to allow them to purge any sand.
• For Raw (Sashimi) Consumption: This requires careful preparation. Briefly boil the whelks (5-10 seconds) to loosen the meat from the shell. Extract the meat, then carefully remove the digestive tract and any dark parts. Slice the clean meat thinly and serve immediately.

While sashimi-grade, proper cleaning and preparation are essential for raw consumption as detailed above. For all cooking methods, avoid overcooking, as the meat can become tough and rubbery.