Spicy and Refreshing Snow Crab Stew
Easy Spicy and Refreshing Snow Crab Stew with Pre-cleaned Frozen Snow Crabs
This is my first time making snow crab stew, but I managed to get the flavor just right on the first try! Sharing my secret for a perfectly delicious and satisfying stew.
Main Ingredients- 5 pre-cleaned frozen snow crabs
- 200-300g Korean radish (about 1/4 small radish)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 bunch scallions
- 1 Korean chili pepper (cheongyang pepper)
- 800-900ml stock (or anchovy-kelp stock)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or tuna extract)
- 0.5-1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (or tuna extract)
- 0.5-1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp mirin (rice wine)
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the base stock for our delicious snow crab stew. You can use a store-bought stock packet or make your own by simmering anchovies and kelp in water for about 800-900ml. (For a quick option, you can use 3 stock cubes).
Step 2
Next, we’ll make the seasoning paste that adds depth to the stew. In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp doenjang, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 0.5-1 Tbsp gochugaru (adjust the amount based on your preferred spiciness), 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp mirin, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. This paste is key to the rich flavor.
Step 3
Prepare your vegetables. Thinly slice the 1/2 onion. Cut the Korean radish into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm thick (you can slice it thinly or into small cubes). Slice the scallions and Korean chili pepper diagonally. (If you have pre-frozen vegetables, this step is extra convenient. If using fresh, prepare them now.)
Step 4
Once the stock is boiling, whisk in the prepared seasoning paste. After the paste has dissolved into the stock, add the sliced radish first. Let it simmer until the radish becomes translucent and starts to soften. Cooking the radish first helps to bring out its refreshing flavor in the broth.
Step 5
Now, get your pre-cleaned frozen snow crabs ready. Many frozen snow crabs available today are already well-cleaned, making them very convenient. If the crabs are on the larger side, it’s a good idea to cut them in half to allow the flavors to penetrate better. (Make sure to remove any remaining guts or gills from the crabs.)
Step 6
When the stock with the seasoning paste and radish is boiling vigorously,
Step 7
Carefully add the prepared snow crabs to the pot.
Step 8
Once the crabs are submerged and the stew starts to boil again,
Step 9
It’s important to skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Removing this foam helps eliminate any fishy odors and ensures a clean, refreshing taste. It might be a bit tedious, but it’s worth the effort for a delicious stew!
Step 10
After skimming off the foam, the broth will look much clearer and more appetizing. This is a sign that the basic flavors of your snow crab stew are coming together beautifully.
Step 11
Finally, add all the sliced scallions, Korean chili peppers, and onions to the pot. Let it simmer for a bit longer to allow the sweetness and aroma of the vegetables to infuse into the broth. Taste the broth and add a little salt if needed to reach your desired seasoning. Your spicy and refreshing snow crab stew is now ready to be enjoyed!
