Hearty and Refreshing Blue Crab Soybean Paste Stew (Kkotge Doenjang Jjigae)
Blue Crab Soybean Paste Stew
Experience the ocean’s deep flavors harmonized with the savory richness of soybean paste in this delightful Blue Crab Doenjang Jjigae. The fresh crab imparts a wonderfully refreshing taste, making it an irresistible dish that will have you finishing your rice bowl in no time! Enjoy a special meal at home with this comforting recipe.
Basic Ingredients
- 800ml Anchovy and Kelp Broth
- 2 fresh blue crabs, cleaned
- 1/4 onion, coarsely julienned
- 1/3 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 piece (5cm) Korean radish, sliced thinly
- 1 red chili pepper, diagonally sliced
- 1 stalk white part of leek, diagonally sliced
Seasoning
- 2.5 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (red chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.3 Tbsp ginger powder (or a small amount of minced fresh ginger)
- 2.5 Tbsp Doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 0.5 Tbsp Gochugaru (red chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.3 Tbsp ginger powder (or a small amount of minced fresh ginger)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by bringing 800ml of rich anchovy and kelp broth to a boil in a pot. Once the broth is vigorously boiling, carefully add the cleaned blue crabs and the thinly sliced Korean radish. The crab and radish will lend their fresh, oceanic sweetness to deepen the broth’s flavor. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the crab and radish are tender. Then, stir in 2.5 Tbsp of Doenjang, 0.5 Tbsp of Gochugaru, 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 0.3 Tbsp of ginger powder, ensuring the paste is well dissolved. Finally, add the coarsely julienned onion and the half-moon sliced zucchini, and continue to boil.
Step 2
As the stew simmers, periodically skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This step is crucial for achieving a clear and refreshing broth. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the onions and zucchini become translucent. Then, add the diagonally sliced red chili pepper and the white part of the leek, and let it simmer for a final moment. The red chili pepper will add a touch of heat and a vibrant splash of color.
Step 3
Once all the ingredients are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, your delicious Blue Crab Doenjang Jjigae is ready! Serve it piping hot with a bowl of rice for a truly satisfying and comforting meal that’s perfect for even the pickiest eaters. Savor the delightful harmony of fresh crab’s umami and the robust, earthy notes of Doenjang!
