Spicy Braised Blue Crabs in Gochujang
Spicy Braised Blue Crabs in Gochujang
The Ultimate Rice Thief! Grandma’s Secret Blue Crab Gochujang Stew Recipe (Guaranteed to Finish 2 Bowls of Rice)
I’m sharing a special blue crab gochujang stew recipe passed down through generations from my maternal grandmother, who hailed from North Korea. This unique dish, once only enjoyed in our home, is a true rice thief that receives rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Using simple ingredients, this secret recipe maximizes the natural flavor of the blue crabs. Let me share it with you!
Ingredients- 1kg Fresh Blue Crabs (look for ones with full roe and meat!)
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/2 cup Water
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 2 Onions
- 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Leek (optional, adds extra flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The key to a delicious crab stew lies in the freshness of the blue crabs. Select fresh crabs that are full of roe and meat. You can check their freshness by gently opening their shells.
Step 2
Let’s prepare the crabs. Open the shell and carefully remove the gills on both sides, as they can impart a bitter taste. Since the shell isn’t eaten, you can trim any excess bits around the mouth area if you wish.
Step 3
Don’t discard the delicious innards and roe found inside the shell! These precious parts are the secret to the stew’s rich umami flavor. Scrape them out carefully and set them aside.
Step 4
Lightly rinse the prepared crabs under running water. With the crabs cleaned and ready, your flavorful blue crab gochujang stew is halfway to being complete.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the braising sauce. Gather your minced garlic, soy sauce, gochujang, mirin, and water. If you want to add extra aroma and flavor, prepare the leek as well.
Step 6
In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 1/2 cup of soy sauce. Soy sauce forms the fundamental base of Korean flavors, adding depth to the dish.
Step 7
Next, add 3 tablespoons of gochujang for spiciness and 3 tablespoons of mirin for a touch of sweetness and umami. Pour in 1/2 cup of water to achieve the right consistency for the stew. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-combined sauce.
Step 8
Slice the 2 onions into thick strips. The natural sweetness of the onions will infuse the entire stew, making it even more delicious. Slice the leek into similar-sized strips.
Step 9
Arrange the cleaned blue crabs in a wide pot or pan. Generously cover the crabs with the sliced onions, making sure they are well-distributed. The onions will soften and become wonderfully sweet as they cook.
Step 10
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the crabs and onions. Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a boil over high heat. Starting with high heat helps the flavors meld quickly.
Step 11
Once the stew begins to boil, lift the lid and gently stir the crabs and onions with chopsticks or a spatula. This crucial step ensures the sauce penetrates evenly. Stir carefully to prevent sticking.
Step 12
After stirring, let it simmer for about 5 more minutes. Then, add the sliced leeks on top. The leeks will add a refreshing aroma and enhance the overall flavor profile. Cover the pot again and reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing it to simmer gently.
Step 13
After another 4 minutes, lift the lid. You’ll see the stew bubbling vigorously and the sauce has thickened nicely. The onions should be tender and soft, with a flavorful sauce coating everything. Once it reaches this stage, turn off the heat. Serve this delicious stew spooned over hot white rice for an unforgettable meal!
