[Top7] Ganjang Gejang (Soy-Marinated Crab) : The Emperor of Rice Thieves: Ganjang Gejang, The Ultimate Korean Delicacy

 

Ganjang Gejang is a unique and highly prized Korean dish featuring raw, marinated crabs in a savory soy-sauce-based brine. Known for its incredibly tender and sweet flesh, and the rich, creamy roe, it's often referred to as "rice thief" due to its intense deliciousness that makes you crave more rice. This delicacy offers a distinct umami flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Main Ingredients: Fresh raw blue crabs (꽃게 - kkotge), soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, green chili peppers, red chili peppers, onions, and sometimes kelp or dried anchovies for broth.

Side Dishes: Numerous small side dishes (banchan) like various kimchis, seasoned vegetables (namul), and often a clear soup to balance the rich flavor.

Beverage Pairings: Soju, Baekseju (a Korean herbal wine), or a light Korean traditional tea.

Enjoyment Tips: Squeeze the crab shell to extract the flavorful meat and roe directly onto your rice. Mix the remaining soy sauce marinade with rice; it's incredibly delicious. Be prepared for a slightly messy but rewarding eating experience. It is often enjoyed as a special meal rather than an everyday dish due to its richness.

Derived Dishes: Yangnyeom Gejang (spicy marinated crab), Saewoo Jang (marinated raw shrimp), Jeonbok Jang (marinated raw abalone).

Similar Dishes (Korean/Global): Sikhae (fermented fish), Saewoo Jang (Korean marinated shrimp), Japanese Shio-Kara (salted and fermented seafood), Italian Crudo (raw seafood dishes).

Restaurant Type: Korean Restaurant, Seafood Restaurant.

Best Dining Time: Lunch, Dinner, Special Occasions.

Average Price Per Person (USD): $30-$60 (can vary significantly based on crab quality and portion size)

Foreigner Preference (out of 10 stars): ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (Can be polarizing due to raw nature, but highly loved by those who enjoy it)

Spiciness (out of 10 stars): ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Saltiness (out of 10 stars): ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Sweetness (out of 10 stars): ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Top 5 Foreigner-Preferred Ganjang Gejang Restaurants in Seoul:

  1. Pro Ganjang Gejang Address: 9 Nonhyeon-ro 75-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

  2. Sinsa-dong Ganjang Gejang Address: 12 Nonhyeon-ro 153-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

  3. Keunagane Ganjang Gejang Address: 40-1 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

  4. Omokgyo Original Dongbu Ganjang Gejang Address: 5 Omok-ro 34-gil, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, South Korea

  5. Jinsim Ganjang Gejang Address: 37 Dosan-daero 85-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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