Words by Stephen Revere
The Korean cuisine is rich in unique and flavorful dishes, and 양념게장 (Yang-nyeom Gae-jang) and 간장게장 (Gan-jang Gae-jang) are two of the most beloved ways to enjoy crabs in Korea.
Both Gae-Jang dishes highlight the delicate taste of crab, but they differ in preparation and flavor profiles. While 양념게장 is known for its spicy and savory marinade, the 간장게장 features a sweet and salty soy sauce-based brine.
These crab dishes are not only a treat for the taste buds but also showcase the deep-rooted traditions of Korean seasoning and fermentation.
Red Pepper Sauce Marinated Crab and Soy Sauce Marinated Crab
What Is Gae-Jang In The Korean Cuisine
This delicacy is definitely not your “average Joe” Korean food that you’ll find just anywhere. As with many dishes that are referred to as delicacies, like frogs’ legs and escargot, you may find this one a bit challenging. That’s because the crab is served still in its shell, and you have to bite the shell to get out the succulent meat. Oh, and that succulent meat is raw.
The Yangnyeom Gae-Jang variety is often served as a Banchan (side dish) at fine Korean restaurants. It will be covered in a red pepper paste sauce, and the crab will usually be split into halves or quarters.
You pick up that whole quarter using the leg as a handle and you bite down on the body to get at the meat. Give up on the leg. These aren’t king crabs, and you’d burn more calories trying to get the meat out than you would find inside.
The soy sauce marinated version, Ganjang Gae-Jang, is frequently served as a main dish. It will run somewhere between W15,000 – W30,000 per person and they’ll make you get at least a two-person order. Adventurous eaters, this is the fruit of your courage. Many scoff at crab butter (the delicious innards just inside the top shell), but if you enjoy a good crab bisque then you already enjoy crab butter.
Mix the yellow-orange jelly in the shell with a little rice for an amazing unique taste. Of course, the main attraction is the oh-so-soft, melt-in-your-mouth meat of the crab which is perfectly seasoned thanks to days of marinating. Bon appétit!
Gae-Jang In Seoul
Jinmi Sikdang (진미식당) has the Ganjang Gae-Jang set for around W28,000 per person and comes with side dishes so good that it’s led Koreans to label the restaurant a “rice thief”. The contents of your rice bowl will be gone so fast you won’t even remember it.
Address: 186-6 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Hwa Hae Dang Michelin (화해당) is renowned for its traditional approach to marinated crab dishes. The chef highlighted the restaurant’s yangnyeom gae-jang as a standout culinary experience.
Address: 15 Gukhoe-daero 62-gil, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul
Pro Soy Crab (프로간장게장 신사본점) is located in Gangnam district, and its ganjang gae-jang and yangnyeom gae-jang are highly acclaimed, offering a rich and flavorful experience.
Address: Seoul, Seocho District, Gangnam-daero 97-gil, 7 프로빌딩