Spicy & Sweet Marinated Raw Crab (Yangnyeom Kkotgetjang)
Delicious Yangnyeom Kkotgetjang Recipe to Enjoy at Home
Better than what you get at Korean restaurants! Make your own addictive Yangnyeom Kkotgetjang at home, a dish you won’t be able to stop eating. It’s a true rice thief!
Main Ingredients
- 5 Fresh Blue Crabs
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes, fine)
- 2 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 2 tsp Soju (Korean Rice Wine)
- 1 Cheongyang Pepper (Korean Chili Pepper)
- 3 tsp Fish Sauce
- 2 tsp Sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Hello everyone! Today, I’m going to show you how to make Yangnyeom Kkotgetjang, a dish many of you love, right in your own kitchen. It has a different charm than soy-marinated crab. Shall we make this spicy and sweet delight together?
Step 2
First, properly cleaning the crabs is crucial. Prepare your fresh blue crabs under cold running water. Use a brush to scrub away any dirt or debris from the shell thoroughly, just like you would clean abalone. Once the crabs are clean, gently lift the apron on the underside. Remove the sharp leg joints and the dark innards. Also, remove the gills, which are located on the sides. To eliminate any fishy odor, we’ll briefly soak the cleaned crabs in a sweet and sour brine. This brine can be made by mixing equal parts water, cider (or Sprite), soju, and vinegar. Soaking them for about 10 minutes will effectively remove any unpleasant smell.
Step 3
While the crabs are soaking, let’s prepare the marinade. Finely mince the Cheongyang pepper and garlic. If you like, you can add finely chopped carrots or onions for extra flavor and texture, but today we’ll keep it simple with just garlic and Cheongyang pepper for a clean taste. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, gochugaru, toasted sesame seeds, soju, fish sauce, and sugar. Adjust the overall seasoning with fish sauce and sugar. If you want a deeper red color, you can add a very small amount of soy sauce, or use fish sauce and salt to adjust the taste. Finally, add the minced Cheongyang pepper and stir everything together until well combined. Your delicious Yangnyeom Kkotgetjang marinade is now ready!
Step 4
Wow, look at this appetizing marinade! It already looks delicious and makes your mouth water. While it’s great on its own, it’s now time to coat the crabs with this flavorful mixture.
Step 5
Generously pour the freshly made marinade over the prepared crabs and gently mix them, ensuring the sauce coats every part of the crab. It’s important to toss them carefully so the marinade seeps into every nook and cranny. Here you see the beautifully glistening and appetizing Yangnyeom Kkotgetjang.
Step 6
And there you have it – the legendary rice-thief, Yangnyeom Kkotgetjang, is complete! Served over a bowl of warm rice, it’s an absolute delight. Make this satisfying dish at home and enjoy it to your heart’s content!
