Authentic Korean Gejang: Marinated Raw Crab Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 fresh raw crabs (female crabs are preferable)
  • 1 cup of soy sauce
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of rice syrup (can be replaced with corn syrup)
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1 onion
  • 10 cloves of garlic
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 3 spring onions
  • 2 red hot chili peppers
  • 5 dried red chili peppers
  • 10 dried dates (without seeds)
  • 5 dried chestnuts

Steps and instructions

  1. Clean the crabs thoroughly by brushing the shells and rinsing under running water. Make sure to remove the apron and gills.
  2. Prepare the soy sauce mixture by mixing soy sauce, water, rice syrup, and sugar in a pot. Bring it to a boil.
  3. While waiting for the mixture to boil, prepare the other ingredients. Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, spring onions, and red hot chili peppers. Set them aside.
  4. Add the dried red chili peppers, dried dates, and dried chestnuts into the boiling soy sauce mixture. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  5. Strain the sauce to remove the boiled ingredients and let it cool down.
  6. Place the cleaned crabs in a container and pour the cooled sauce over them. Make sure all parts of the crabs are submerged in the sauce.
  7. Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, spring onions, and red hot chili peppers into the container.
  8. Close the container and refrigerate it for at least two days for the crabs to marinate properly. The flavor will get better as the crabs are marinated longer.
  9. Before serving, take the crabs out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Enjoy the Gejang with steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Pot - A pot is needed to boil the soy sauce mixture.
  • Brush - A brush is used to clean the crab shells thoroughly.
  • Container - A container with a lid is required to marinate the crabs.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to chop the onion, garlic, ginger, spring onions, and red hot chili peppers.

Recipe variations

  • Use male crabs instead of female crabs for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Add some Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) to the soy sauce mixture for a spicier gejang.
  • Include some diced carrots and cucumbers for added freshness and crunch.
  • Replace the rice syrup with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
  • Try using different types of seafood, such as shrimp or lobster, instead of crabs.
  • Add a splash of sesame oil to the marinade for an extra nutty flavor.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as cilantro or basil, to add a unique twist.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the crabs with firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms.
  • Include some chopped pineapple or mango for a hint of tropical sweetness.

Recipe overview

Gejang is a traditional Korean delicacy made from fresh, raw crabs marinated in a savory and sweet soy sauce mixture. This dish, often referred to as 'rice thief' in Korea, is so delicious it's said to make people eat more rice just to savor the flavorful sauce. The combination of the succulent crab meat and the richly-flavored marinade creates a unique dining experience you'll definitely enjoy. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the process of preparing Gejang at home, which involves cleaning the crabs, preparing the marinade, and patiently waiting for the crabs to soak up all the flavors. Though the process may seem complex at first, the end result is absolutely worth it. Remember, the longer you allow the crabs to marinate, the more pronounced the flavors will become. Enjoy this authentic Korean delicacy with a bowl of warm, steamed rice for a meal you won't forget.

Common questions

  1. What type of crabs should I use for Gejang? Use fresh raw crabs for this recipe, preferably female crabs.
  2. Can I substitute rice syrup with another sweetener? Yes, you can replace rice syrup with corn syrup if needed.
  3. How long should I marinate the crabs? It is recommended to marinate the crabs for at least two days in the refrigerator. The flavor improves as the crabs marinate longer.
  4. Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of red chili peppers according to your taste preferences.
  5. Can I store Gejang for a long time? Gejang can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it is best consumed within a few days for optimal taste and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for boiling the soy sauce mixture and for marinating the crabs.
  • Container with lid - Used for storing and marinating the crabs in the soy sauce mixture.
  • Chopping board - Used for chopping the onion, garlic, ginger, spring onions, and chili peppers.
  • Knife - Used for cutting and chopping the ingredients.
  • Strainer - Used for straining the soy sauce mixture to remove boiled ingredients.
  • Brush - Used for cleaning the crab shells.
  • Refrigerator - Used for cooling and storing the marinated crabs.

Origin stories

Gejang, a traditional Korean seafood dish, has its roots embedded deep in Korean history dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. The word "Gejang" is actually derived from two words, "Ge", meaning crab, and "Jang", which refers to a method of preservation or pickling. In the olden days, Koreans living along the coastal regions started the practice of marinating crabs in soy sauce to preserve them during warmer months. This was especially useful as it helped extend the consumption period of crabs, which were abundantly caught in the cool spring months. The result was a delightful delicacy that kept the fresh taste of crab intact, while enhancing it with the robust flavors of a soy-based marinade. Today, gejang is a beloved gourmet dish, enjoyed not only for its unique and rich taste, but also for the age-old preservation technique that it celebrates.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.