Golden Ratio Soy Marinated Raw Crabs (Ganjang Gejang)
Master the Perfect Ganjang Gejang Recipe Using Fresh Crabs
The Ganjang Gejang I made last year was absolutely delicious, and now that the fishing season has reopened! I’m back with the ultimate recipe for making flavorful Ganjang Gejang with affordable, fresh crabs.
Ganjang Gejang Ingredients
- 1kg fresh crabs (approx. 3-4 medium-sized crabs)
- 500ml water
- 300ml soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 50ml soju (for removing fishiness)
- 60g sugar
- 60ml corn syrup (for gloss and sweetness)
- 1 large onion
- 1 stalk of green onion (white parts mainly)
- 1 piece of ginger (about thumbnail size)
- 2 green chilies (for a hint of spiciness)
- 2 red chilies (for color and mild heat)
- 1/2 lemon (sliced or juice)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently rinse the fresh crabs under cold running water to remove any debris. Use kitchen scissors to trim the sharp tips of the legs and the hairy parts. This makes them easier to handle and eat later.
Step 2
In a pot, combine 500ml water, 300ml soy sauce, 50ml soju, 60g sugar, and 60ml corn syrup. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the soy sauce mixture boils, reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
Step 3
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the large chopped onion, green onion, ginger, green chilies, red chilies, and lemon slices. Let this mixture steep to infuse the soy sauce with their aromatic flavors. The natural sweetness from the vegetables and lemon adds depth to the Ganjang Gejang.
Step 4
Allow the soy sauce base to cool slightly so it’s not too hot. Then, stir in 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic. Adding garlic when the sauce is slightly cooled helps preserve its fresh aroma, preventing it from evaporating due to high heat.
Step 5
Arrange the prepared crabs in a clean, airtight container with their bellies facing upwards. Pour the cooled soy sauce mixture over the crabs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the container tightly and refrigerate. After marinating for about a day, your delicious Ganjang Gejang will be ready. For the best flavor, enjoy it after 3-4 days of marinating.
