Spicy and Sweet Seasoned Raw Crab (Yangnyeom Kkotgejang)
Easy Homemade Recipe for Delicious Seasoned Raw Crab
Make the ultimate rice thief, Yangnyeom Kkotgejang, at home! Forget buying it pre-made; this recipe is simple and guarantees a delicious result. It’s perfect for boosting your appetite and making a simple meal feel special.
Ingredients
- 5 fresh live blue crabs
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Korean chili peppers (Cheongyang)
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (Gochugaru)
- 3 tsp fish sauce
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tsp plum extract (Maesil Cheong)
- 2 tsp soju (or cooking wine)
- 2 tsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start with how to properly clean the crabs. When you receive your fresh crabs, use a brush (like one used for cleaning abalone) to scrub them thoroughly and remove any dirt or debris. Next, carefully lift and remove the abdominal flap (‘belly button’). Then, remove the sharp-tipped legs and claws, and also discard the internal organs and gills for a clean preparation.
Step 2
To effectively remove any potential fishy odor, we’ll briefly soak the crabs in a sweet and sour brine. While adding soju directly to the seasoning mix works, soaking them beforehand in this brine is an excellent method. For the brine, mix water, cider (or Sprite), soju, and vinegar in a bowl. Submerge the cleaned crabs in this brine and let them soak for about 5-10 minutes.
Step 3
While the crabs are soaking, prepare the ingredients for the seasoning. Finely chop the Korean chili peppers. Mince the garlic if you haven’t already. If you like, you can also finely dice some carrot or onion to add for extra crunch and sweetness to your seasoned crab dish.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning! In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, the minced garlic, soju, red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds. Add a bit of fish sauce for a rich umami flavor and to perfectly balance the seasoning. If you desire a deeper red color, you can reduce the soy sauce or adjust the saltiness with fish sauce and a pinch of salt. Also, add the plum extract and sugar for a touch of sweetness. Finally, stir in the chopped chili peppers and mix everything well until the seasoning is evenly combined. Your Yangnyeom Kkotgejang sauce is ready!
Step 5
Gently drain any excess water from the soaked crabs and add them to the prepared seasoning. Mix the crabs with the seasoning until they are evenly coated. Be careful of the sharp parts of the crab while mixing; using cooking tongs is a safer and cleaner way to ensure the seasoning is distributed thoroughly without hurting your hands.
Step 6
And there you have it – your homemade Yangnyeom Kkotgejang, worthy of a fine dining experience! Isn’t it surprisingly simple? As long as you follow the steps for cleaning and making the sauce, you can easily create this delightful crab dish at home. It’s delicious to eat immediately or can be stored in the refrigerator for a tasty side dish to accompany your meals.
