Clear and Deep Flavored Crab Stew (Kkotgetang) Golden Recipe
The Ultimate Golden Recipe for a Refreshing and Deep-Flavored Fresh Crab Stew, Shared by a 20-Year Veteran Banchan Shop Owner
Learn the secrets to making a truly delicious fresh crab stew, using crabs that are in season in October and at their absolute best. This recipe will guide you to create a flavorful and refreshing crab stew at home.
Main Ingredients
- 2 Fresh Crabs
- 100g Frozen Cut Crabs
- 20g Dried Small Fish (for broth)
- 1 sheet Small Dried Seaweed (Dashima)
- 2000ml Water
- 200g Radish
- 100g Zucchini
- 50g Green Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, we’ll create a rich broth for your delicious crab stew. In a pot, combine the dried small fish (20g), frozen cut crabs (100g), and a small sheet of dashima. Pour in 2000ml of water. Simmer over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes to extract a deep, flavorful broth.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the fresh crabs. Live crabs can be tricky to handle. To make it easier and safer, place them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until slightly frozen. This will stiffen their joints, preventing injuries while you clean them. Please remember this important tip!
Step 3
Rinse the slightly frozen crabs thoroughly under cold running water. Use a scrub brush to gently remove any dirt or debris. Trim off the sharp tips of the legs with scissors for a cleaner presentation.
Step 4
Gently open the crab’s ‘belly flap’ and carefully remove the internal organs and any grit. Trim off any bristly bits as well. Today, we’re cooking the crabs whole to preserve their natural sweetness, so this basic preparation is sufficient.
Step 5
Let’s get the vegetables ready for the stew. Slice the zucchini (100g) into thick, half-moon shapes. Cut the radish (200g) into slices of similar thickness to the zucchini. Chop the onion (50g) into pieces of comparable size. Finally, slice the green onion (50g) diagonally, ready to add its fresh aroma.
Step 6
Remove the dried fish and dashima from the broth pot. Carefully take out the frozen cut crabs that were used to make the broth and set them aside in a separate bowl.
Step 7
Pour the remaining broth back into the pot, and add the reserved frozen cut crabs. This step helps to soften them before blending. Now, combine this broth and the frozen crabs in a blender and process until very smooth. This is a crucial step for infusing the broth with the crabs’ essence.
Step 8
Strain the blended crab and broth mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This process will remove any shell fragments or coarse bits, resulting in a silky smooth and refined crab broth. Pour this refined broth back into the cooking pot.
Step 9
It’s time to add the seasonings! To the pot, add 1 tsp doenjang, 1 Tbsp guk-ganjang, 1 Tbsp mirin, 1 tsp anchovy sauce, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp salt. Doenjang is essential for the deep flavor of kkotgetang, but be mindful not to use too much, as it can overpower the natural crab flavor. Use just enough to enhance the taste. Following this specific seasoning ratio is key!
Step 10
Once the seasonings are dissolved, we’ll add the ingredients in the correct order for optimal cooking. First, over high heat, add the sliced radish and simmer for about 10 minutes until it becomes translucent and tender. When the radish is nearly cooked, add the prepared fresh crabs. Once the crabs start to cook, reduce the heat to medium and add the zucchini. Finally, add the green onions and simmer for a few more minutes until everything is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Your delicious kkotgetang is almost ready!
Step 11
The secret to a perfect kkotgetang lies in the ‘maturation of the seasonings,’ the ‘order of adding ingredients,’ and careful ‘heat control.’ When all these elements come together harmoniously, you’ll achieve the ultimate crab stew. By following the order and methods of this golden recipe, you can confidently create a crab stew that rivals any restaurant’s! Since the ingredients are common, it’s an accessible dish to try. You’ll be proud of the delicious result that your family will surely enjoy.
