Savory Steamed Crab with Miso: No Fishy Smell!
A Steamed Crab Dish Where Miso Perfectly Eliminates Any Fishy Odor
In traditional Korean medicine, crab is known to strengthen bones and muscles, have a cooling effect on the body to reduce fever, and promote smooth internal organ function. It’s also an excellent food for growing children, the elderly, and those recovering from illness, as it’s packed with high-quality protein and essential amino acids. Notably, crab is rich in zinc, crucial for regulating bodily functions and cell metabolism, and contains taurine, which helps maintain normal blood pressure. Its ability to suppress blood sugar spikes also makes it beneficial in preventing conditions like arteriosclerosis and diabetes. Today, we’ll make a simple yet flavorful steamed crab dish that truly lets you savor the natural taste of crab, with detailed instructions for a perfect result.
Main Ingredients
- 4 live, fresh crabs
- 1.5 liters of water
- 2 tablespoons of Miso paste
- 2 tablespoons of Cheongju (rice wine)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 4 live and fresh crabs. The freshness of the crab is key to the final taste, so choose them carefully.
Step 2
Using a brush, thoroughly scrub the shells of the crabs to clean them. Rinse them under running water several times to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 3
After washing, place the crabs on a colander and let them drain thoroughly. Excess water can dilute the flavor of the steamed dish.
Step 4
In a large pot, bring 1.5 liters of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 2 tablespoons of miso paste and stir well to dissolve. It’s important to dissolve miso in hot water, as it can clump in cold water. Miso is excellent for removing any fishy smell from the crab and adds a savory depth.
Step 5
Add 2 tablespoons of Cheongju (rice wine) to the miso broth to further eliminate any potential fishy odor. You can substitute with soju or beer if Cheongju is unavailable. Don’t worry about the alcohol content, as it evaporates during cooking.
Step 6
Once the water is boiling and steaming vigorously, arrange the crabs in a steamer basket. Place them with their bellies facing upwards. This helps to prevent the precious internal organs and flavorful juices from escaping, preserving the crab’s natural taste.
Step 7
Steam the crabs for 15 minutes once the steam is strong. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat, keep the lid on, and let the crabs rest for 5 minutes. This steaming process is crucial for ensuring the crabs are moist and tender all the way through, enhancing their flavor.
Step 8
The crabs will turn from a fresh, vibrant color to a tempting bright red as they cook.
Step 9
Your delicious miso-steamed crab is ready! Enjoy it warm right away.
