Korean Marinated Crab: A Delicious Seafood Dish

If you're a fan of seafood, you've probably tried crab in a variety of dishes. However, have you ever tried Korean marinated crab, also known as gejang?

This popular Korean dish is made by marinating fresh raw crabs in a spicy sauce made from soy sauce, chilli pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger. The result is a delicious, savoury dish that is perfect for seafood lovers.

Preparing the crab for gejang can be a bit tricky, as it involves cleaning and prepping the raw crabs before marinating them. However, the effort is well worth it once you taste the final dish.

In Korean culinary context, gejang is often served as a side dish to rice, and is a popular dish for special occasions and celebrations.

Whether you're a fan of Korean food or just love trying new seafood dishes, gejang is definitely worth a try.

Key Takeaways

• Korean marinated crab, or gejang, is a popular Korean dish made by marinating fresh raw crabs in a spicy sauce.
• Preparing the crab for gejang can be a bit tricky, but the effort is well worth it for seafood lovers.
• Gejang is a popular dish for special occasions and celebrations in Korean culinary context, and is often served as a side dish to rice.

Preparing the Crab

Preparing marinated crab requires some basic knowledge and skills. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Selecting the Right Crab

The best crabs for marinating are the ones that are alive and fresh. You can use either male or female blue crabs for this recipe.

Female crabs are known to have more roe, which adds a unique flavour to the dish. When selecting crabs, look for ones that are heavy for their size and have shiny shells.

Cleaning and Preparing

Before cleaning the crabs, you need to make sure they are alive. Once you have confirmed this, you can start cleaning them.

First, remove the gills and apron from the crab. Then, rinse the crab under running water and use a kitchen brush to remove any dirt or debris. Finally, place the crab in a colander and let it drain for a few minutes.

Marinating Basics

To marinate the crab, you will need to prepare a seasoning sauce. The basic ingredients for this sauce include soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and sesame seeds.

You can also use rice syrup to add sweetness to the sauce. For a spicy flavour, add chili pepper or gochugaru (Korean pepper) or dried red chili peppers.

Flavour Variations

There are many ways to vary the flavour of marinated crab.

For example, you can use a soy sauce brine to add a salty flavour to the dish. You can also add more or less sugar to make the dish more or less sweet.

For a spicy flavour, add more chili pepper or gochugaru. You can also add other seasonings such as rice wine or vinegar to create a unique flavour.

Serving Suggestions

Marinated crab is typically served as a side dish or banchan in Korean cuisine. It pairs well with rice, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), or other Korean dishes.

To eat the crab, use a rice thief to extract the meat from the shell. You can also use your hands to crack open the shells and suck out the meat.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover marinated crab, store it in the fridge or freezer.

To refrigerate, place the crab in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze, place the crab in a freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the crab in the fridge overnight before serving.

Culinary Context

Cultural Significance

Marinated crab, also known as ganjang gejang, is a popular Korean dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the coastal regions of Korea, where fresh seafood is abundant.

The dish is typically made with Korean flower crabs, also known as kkotge, which are small and delicate.

In Korean culture, marinated crab is often served as a side dish, or banchan, to accompany rice. It is also a popular ingredient in other Korean dishes, such as tteokbokki, a spicy rice cake dish.

The dish is often enjoyed during special occasions, such as weddings and family gatherings.

Pairing with Other Dishes

Marinated crab is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of other Korean dishes.

It is often served with rice and other banchan, such as kimchi and pickled vegetables. The spicy and savoury flavours of the dish also complement other spicy Korean dishes, such as bulgogi and bibimbap.

Cooking Techniques

To make marinated crab, the crabs are first boiled, then strained and cleaned. They are then marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, water, dried chili pepper, ginger, apple, dried kelp, onion, garlic, and rice syrup.

The crabs are left to marinate for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavours to permeate the meat.

Garnishing and Presentation

Marinated crab is typically served cold, and is often garnished with lemon, scallion, fresh ginger, and onions.

The dish is also often sprinkled with black pepper for added flavour. The presentation of the dish is important, with many Korean chefs taking great care to arrange the crabs in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare a traditional Korean marinated crab dish?

Preparing traditional Korean marinated crab dish requires cleaning the crabs, removing their shells, and marinating them in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients.

The dish is usually served cold and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. You can find many recipes online that provide step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this dish.

What's the best place to purchase Korean marinated crab online?

There are many online stores where you can purchase Korean marinated crab.

Some popular options include Korean supermarkets such as H Mart or Lotte Mart, as well as online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. You can also find specialty Korean food stores that offer a variety of marinated crab dishes.

Can you recommend a top spot to find Korean marinated crab?

If you're looking for a top spot to find Korean marinated crab, you can try visiting Korean restaurants that specialize in seafood dishes.

Some popular options include GogiJip in Tanjong Pagar, Singapore, or Marinated Crab Korean in Canberra, Australia. You can also check out online reviews and ratings to find the best places to try this dish.

What are the safety considerations when eating Korean marinated crabs?

When eating Korean marinated crabs, it's important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming raw seafood.

To minimize the risk of foodborne illness, make sure that the crabs are fresh and properly cleaned before marinating them.

It's also recommended to consume marinated crabs within a day or two of preparation and to store them in a cool place.

How should I store Korean marinated crab to ensure freshness?

To ensure the freshness of Korean marinated crab, you should keep the crabs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.

Make sure to consume the crabs within a day or two of preparation to avoid spoilage.

What are the key differences between Yangnyeom Gejang and Ganjang Gejang?

Yangnyeom Gejang and Ganjang Gejang are two popular types of Korean marinated crab dishes. The main difference between the two is the type of marinade used.

Yangnyeom Gejang is marinated in a spicy sauce made with chili peppers, while Ganjang Gejang is marinated in a mild soy sauce-based brine.

Yangnyeom Gejang is typically sweeter and spicier, while Ganjang Gejang has a more savory flavor.