
Ganjang Gejang (Raw Crab Marinated in Soy Sauce)
Whole fresh crabs marinated raw in a soy, garlic, and ginger brine until the flesh melts into a briny, umami-intense custard. Called 'rice thief' in Korea — so good it makes you eat extra rice. A bold delicacy.
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2
Cuisine
East Asian Korean
220kcal
Calories
28g
Protein
10g
Carbs
5g
Fat
How to Make It
- 1
Combine soy sauce, water, sugar, garlic, ginger, dried chilli, and rice vinegar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes, then cool completely to room temperature.
- 2
Place cleaned crabs in a sterilised glass jar or non-reactive container. Pour the cooled brine over the crabs until fully submerged.
- 3
Add spring onion stalks. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 48 hours.
- 4
After 48 hours: drain the brine into a pot. Boil the brine again, cool completely, then pour back over the crabs. This re-brining process is critical for food safety.
- 5
Refrigerate for another 24 hours minimum. The crab should now be ready — flesh becomes custardy and intensely flavoured.
- 6
Serve with hot steamed rice. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds.
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