Whelk in Garlic Butter
Whelk in garlic butter is a classic seafood dish featuring tender sea snails sautéed in a rich, aromatic sauce of butter, garlic, and often fresh herbs. It's a popular appetizer or tapa, especially in Mediterranean and coastal European cuisines, where the simplicity of the preparation highlights the natural, slightly sweet flavor of the whelk.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate option, with most of its calories coming from the healthy fats in the butter. It provides a good source of essential minerals like iron and selenium, with a typical serving containing roughly 200-250 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg |
| Selenium | 35 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 8.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Zinc | 1.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Potassium | 280 mg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 0.4 g |
Per 100 g (about 6-8 medium whelks) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, whelk has been a foraged and enjoyed seafood for centuries, particularly in the UK and Mediterranean regions. Nutritionally, it's a lean protein source that is rich in vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain and heart health.
