Recipe Gejang

Gejang, a traditional Korean dish, features raw crab marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce (ganjang gejang) or chili pepper (yangnyeom gejang). This delicacy, often referred to as "rice thief" due to its savory taste that pairs perfectly with rice, has been cherished for its unique texture and rich umami flavor. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a culinary adventurer, making gejang at home can be a rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through the ingredients, preparation, tips, variations, and nutritional information for making delicious gejang.

Ingredients

For Ganjang Gejang (Soy Sauce Marinated Crab)

• Fresh Blue Crabs: 4-5 medium-sized
• Soy Sauce: 1 cup
• Water: 1 cup
• Sugar: 1/2 cup
• Rice Wine (Mirin): 1/4 cup
• Onion: 1, sliced
• Garlic: 6 cloves, crushed
• Ginger: 1 small piece, sliced
• Green Onion: 3 stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• Dried Red Chili Peppers: 4-5
• Kelp (Dashima): 1 small piece

For Yangnyeom Gejang (Spicy Marinated Crab)

• Fresh Blue Crabs: 4-5 medium-sized
• Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Flakes): 1/2 cup
• Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste): 1/4 cup
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup
• Sugar: 2 tbsp
• Sesame Oil: 2 tbsp
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 small piece, minced
• Green Onion: 2 stalks, chopped
• Sesame Seeds: 2 tbsp
• Apple or Pear: 1, grated (optional for sweetness)

Preparation and Serving Instructions

Preparing the Crabs

1. Clean the Crabs: Thoroughly wash the crabs under cold running water. Remove the top shell and clean out the innards. Cut the crabs into quarters, leaving the legs and claws attached.
2. Blanching: Briefly blanch the crabs in boiling water for about 30 seconds to one minute, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry.

For Ganjang Gejang

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, sugar, rice wine, onion, garlic, ginger, green onion, dried red chili peppers, and kelp. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
2. Cool the Marinade: Remove from heat and let the marinade cool completely.
3. Marinate the Crabs: Place the cleaned crabs in a large container and pour the cooled marinade over them. Ensure the crabs are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, preferably 2-3 days, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve: Serve the marinated crabs cold, with rice and side dishes.

For Yangnyeom Gejang

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onion, sesame seeds, and grated apple or pear.
2. Marinate the Crabs: Place the cleaned crabs in a large container and coat them thoroughly with the spicy marinade. Ensure each piece is well covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, preferably 2-3 days.
3. Serve: Serve the spicy marinated crabs cold, with rice and side dishes.

Tips

• Freshness: Use the freshest crabs available to ensure the best taste and texture.
• Marination Time: The longer the crabs marinate, the more flavorful they become. Adjust the marination time based on your preference.
• Adjusting Spice Level: For yangnyeom gejang, adjust the amount of gochugaru and gochujang to suit your spice tolerance.
• Serving: Pair gejang with steamed rice and traditional Korean side dishes (banchan) for a complete meal.

Variations

• Soy Sauce Marinade with Citrus: Add slices of lemon or orange to the soy sauce marinade for a citrusy twist.
• Spicy Marinade with Different Fruits: Experiment with different fruits like pineapple or mango in the spicy marinade for a unique sweetness.
• Mixed Gejang: Combine both soy sauce and spicy marinated crabs in one serving for a diverse flavor experience.

Calorie Information

• Ganjang Gejang: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving (100g), depending on the sugar content and additional ingredients used in the marinade.
• Yangnyeom Gejang: Approximately 180-230 calories per serving (100g), depending on the amount of gochujang and other spicy ingredients.

Conclusion

Making gejang at home is a delightful way to explore Korean cuisine and enjoy a traditional delicacy. Whether you prefer the savory depth of ganjang gejang or the fiery kick of yangnyeom gejang, this dish is sure to impress. With fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and a bit of patience, you can create a flavorful gejang that captures the essence of Korean culinary tradition. Enjoy your gejang with family and friends, and savor the unique taste of this beloved dish.