Savory Soy Marinated Shrimp (Ganjang Saewoo Jang) – A Simple Homemade Recipe
Savory Soy Marinated Shrimp (Ganjang Saewoo Jang) – A Simple Homemade Recipe
Autumn Seasonal Food / Fall Side Dish / White Leg Shrimp Recipe / Soy Marinated Shrimp / How to Prepare Shrimp
Here’s a simple homemade recipe for soy marinated shrimp, a ‘rice thief’ side dish perfect for any meal. We made it without peeling the shrimp, and the sweet and savory soy sauce marinade seeps right in, making you crave endless bowls of rice! It’s incredibly easy and delicious.
Main Ingredients- 20 White Leg Shrimp (fresh, live shrimp recommended)
- 1 Lemon
- 1/2 Onion
- 4 Cheongyang Peppers (Korean red chili peppers)
Shrimp Marinade- 3 Tbsp Mirin (Soju, Cheongju, or Sake can be substituted)
Soy Marinade Sauce- 200ml Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 250ml Water
- 110g Brown Sugar
- 100ml Mirin
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 3g Ginger (about the size of a thumbnail)
- 2 sheets Dried Kelp (4×4 cm)
- 4 Bay Leaves
- 20 Whole Peppercorns
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (Soju, Cheongju, or Sake can be substituted)
Soy Marinade Sauce- 200ml Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang)
- 250ml Water
- 110g Brown Sugar
- 100ml Mirin
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 3g Ginger (about the size of a thumbnail)
- 2 sheets Dried Kelp (4×4 cm)
- 4 Bay Leaves
- 20 Whole Peppercorns
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients needed to make the soy marinated shrimp. Having fresh shrimp along with aromatic vegetables and a refreshing lemon will enhance the overall flavor.
Step 2
White leg shrimp, in season from September to November, offers a richer, chewier texture and thinner shell compared to frozen shrimp. Its thin shell makes it enjoyable to eat whole, making it perfect for soy marinating.
Step 3
Shrimp Preparation: Use scissors to trim away only the parts that might be inconvenient to eat. First, trim the very tip of the head where the long, messy feelers are attached. Then, cut off the sharp horn on top of the head, the pointy ‘water squirter’ located in the middle of the tail, and the messy legs on the belly. Finally, to remove the digestive tract, gently insert a skewer under the first segment of the shrimp’s back and lift it slightly to pull out the black vein. This completes the shrimp preparation! (Removing the digestive tract ensures a cleaner taste without any fishy smell.)
Step 4
Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl and sprinkle with a handful of salt. Gently toss them a few times, then rinse under running water several times until clean. After patting the shrimp dry with paper towels, add 3 tablespoons of mirin and let them marinate for about 10 minutes. This step helps remove any unwanted odor from the shrimp and adds a subtle flavor.
Step 5
Let’s make the secret soy marinade sauce for delicious soy marinated shrimp! In a pot, combine 200ml soy sauce, 250ml water, 110g brown sugar, and 100ml mirin. Add 5 cloves of garlic, 3g ginger, 2 sheets of dried kelp, 4 bay leaves, and 20 whole peppercorns. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool completely. (It’s crucial to let the sauce cool down completely before pouring it over the shrimp, as hot liquid can affect the shrimp’s freshness.)
Step 6
While the soy marinade sauce is cooling, prepare the aromatic ingredients. Slice the onion thinly and finely chop the Cheongyang peppers. Slice the lemon thinly. (For a visually appealing dish, you can add sliced red chili peppers as well.)
Step 7
Arrange the prepared shrimp neatly in an airtight container or glass jar. Once the soy marinade sauce has completely cooled, pour it over the shrimp, ensuring they are fully submerged. It’s important to use enough marinade to cover the shrimp completely, preventing them from being exposed to air.
Step 8
Arrange the sliced onions and chopped Cheongyang peppers evenly over the shrimp. Adding vegetables during the marination process infuses the soy sauce with their subtle flavors, making the dish even more delicious.
Step 9
Finally, arrange the lemon slices attractively on top and close the lid. Now, it’s time to let the delicious soy marinated shrimp mature in the refrigerator. Marinate for at least one day in the refrigerator to enjoy the deep, rich flavors.
Step 10
Soy marinated shrimp, aged for a day in the refrigerator, is perfect served over rice or as a side dish. Enjoy a wonderful mealtime with this ‘rice thief’ – the delightful combination of plump shrimp and savory-sweet soy marinade!
