Succulent Soy-Marinated Shrimp (Ganjang Saeujeong)
Easy Homemade Soy-Marinated Shrimp Recipe Using Frozen Shrimp
Create this incredibly delicious soy-marinated shrimp, a favorite of mine, easily at home using frozen shrimp. It’s a perfect side dish or a delightful appetizer!
Main Ingredients
- 400g frozen shrimp, thawed
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1/2 lemon
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup (200ml) water
- 1/2 cup (100ml) soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide)
- 3 Tbsp cooking sake (mirin)
- 3 Tbsp plum extract
- 1/2 Tbsp grated ginger or a pinch of ginger powder
- 1 cup (200ml) water
- 1/2 cup (100ml) soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or oligosaccharide)
- 3 Tbsp cooking sake (mirin)
- 3 Tbsp plum extract
- 1/2 Tbsp grated ginger or a pinch of ginger powder
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly slice the lemon. Peel and thinly julienne the onion. Optionally, rinse the julienned onion under running water to slightly mellow its sharpness.
Step 2
Ensure your shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen ones. Drain them well. Now, let’s prepare the marinade. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp corn syrup, 3 Tbsp cooking sake, and 3 Tbsp plum extract. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Add 1/2 Tbsp of grated ginger or a pinch of ginger powder for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat and let it simmer briefly. Turn off the heat and allow the marinade to cool completely. It’s crucial to cool the marinade thoroughly to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
Step 3
Place the thawed and drained shrimp in a bowl. Add 2 Tbsp of cooking sake and gently toss to coat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to help remove any fishy odor and add flavor.
Step 4
After marinating in sake, drain the shrimp again. Use paper towels to pat the shrimp dry, removing as much moisture as possible. This step helps the soy marinade penetrate the shrimp better.
Step 5
Arrange the dried shrimp in a single layer in an airtight container, making sure they don’t overlap. Top with the julienned onions and lemon slices. These additions will help neutralize any unwanted odors and infuse a fragrant citrus aroma.
Step 6
Pour the completely cooled soy marinade over the shrimp, onions, and lemon slices. Ensure the marinade covers the shrimp entirely.
Step 7
Seal the container tightly and refrigerate for at least half a day, or preferably for a full day, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor will become.
Step 8
Here is the soy-marinated shrimp after a day of marination! The shrimp are plump and have absorbed the delicious soy sauce, making them incredibly tasty. Serve them over rice for a delightful shrimp bowl, or enjoy them as a standalone side dish. Enjoy your meal!
