How to Make Delicious Marinated Prawns (Daehjang): A Recipe for Perfect Flavor
In Season Now! The Ultimate Guide to Making Marinated Prawns Without Any Fishy Smell
This recipe will guide you through making delicious marinated prawns (daehjang) using fresh, in-season jumbo shrimp. We’ll cover everything from selecting the freshest shrimp to eliminating any fishy odors and achieving a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. This dish is a fantastic side for rice and a guaranteed hit at your table. Enjoy the plump texture of perfectly marinated shrimp!
Ingredients- 20 large fresh prawns (choose plump ones)
- 1/4 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (cheongyang peppers), finely chopped
- 10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or whole
- 1 king oyster mushroom (or shiitake mushroom), sliced lengthwise after removing the base
- 1/3 cup soju (for removing fishy smell)
- 1/4 cup plum extract (for sweetness and flavor)
Marinade- 500ml water
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 500ml water
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Prawns: First, separate the heads from the bodies of the prawns. Trim off the sharp horns and antennae. Gently remove the black intestinal tract from the back using a toothpick. Peel off the thin membrane near the tail. Rinse the peeled prawns lightly under running water and pat them dry.
Step 2
Soak for Odor Removal: Place the prepared prawns in a bowl and pour 1/3 cup of soju over them. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. The soju effectively removes any unpleasant fishy smell, ensuring a cleaner taste. Lightly rinse the prawns again after soaking and pat them dry.
Step 3
Make and Cool the Soy Sauce Marinade: In a pot, combine 500ml of water, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once it starts boiling, continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. It is crucial to let the marinade cool completely before using it, otherwise the prawns will cook and lose their firm texture.
Step 4
Prepare Flavoring Ingredients: Thinly slice the onion and finely chop the Korean green chili peppers. Slice the garlic thinly or use whole cloves. Slice the king oyster mushroom (or shiitake mushroom) lengthwise after removing the tough base. These additions will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your marinated prawns.
Step 5
Assemble the Marinated Prawns: Arrange the prepared prawns, sliced onion, chopped chili peppers, garlic, and mushrooms attractively in a clean glass jar or airtight container. Pour the completely cooled soy sauce marinade over them, ensuring the prawns are fully submerged. Cover the container tightly and refrigerate for 2-3 days to allow the flavors to develop. Your delicious marinated prawns will be ready to enjoy! They are perfect as a side dish with rice or as a savory snack.
