Where to Find Korean Marinated Crab Near Me

Korean marinated crab, known as ganjang gejang, is a popular Korean dish that is gaining popularity worldwide. The sweet, briny flavor of the fresh crab coupled with the umami from the soy sauce marinade makes for an incredible tasting dish! As Korean cuisine continues to rise in popularity, more and more people are wondering where they can find high-quality Korean marinated crab near them.

As a food blogger who loves seeking out authentic ethnic cuisine, I have done extensive research to find the best sources of ganjang gejang across the United States. While it may have been difficult to source in the past, it is becoming easier to find Korean marinated crab locally as demand increases. Here is my guide to tracking down ganjang gejang near you.

Check Your Local Korean Market

The first place to look when searching for ganjang gejang is your local Korean grocery market or seafood market Most larger cities in the US will have a Korean market where you can find a wide range of Korean ingredients and premade banchan side dishes. The best part about buying from a Korean market is the assurance that you are getting an authentic product made using traditional preparation methods You’ll also have the ability to buy other Korean ingredients to make a full Korean seafood feast at home!

Some signs that a Korean market offers a high quality product:

• The store has a large seafood department and you can see the marinated crabs on display in the refrigerated section A strong seafood offering is a good indication they sell marinated crab.

• Check for brands like Honest Artisan that feature packaging clearly labeled with English descriptions This shows the product is catered towards non-Korean customers

• Look for whole, intact crabs rather than pieces or crab meat. Marinated crab is best when the shell has had time to absorb all the flavors.

The main downside to shopping at a Korean market is limited availability in less populated areas. Don’t be deterred if you don’t live near a major city, there are still options to get your ganjang gejang fix!

Order Online Direct From Suppliers

The internet has made many global products available at our fingertips. Various vendors like SeoulMills.com offer nationwide shipping of high-quality Korean marinated crab straight to your door. Ordering direct from the supplier cuts out the retail middleman markup, so the pricing is very reasonable when buying in bulk quantity. The crab is packaged with ice packs and insulation to keep it cold during transit.

Reasons to order direct online:

• Access to authentic product when a Korean market is not located nearby. Not limited by geography!

• Ability to buy large packs of 2-4 crabs at wholesale prices. Great for a gathering of Korean cuisine lovers.

• Avoid the hassle of having to prepare marinade and marinate raw crab yourself. Time saved!

The main drawbacks would be having to order a large quantity at once and the reliance on fast shipping to ensure freshness. Check delivery dates before ordering.

Source from Your Local Fish Market

If a Korean market is not accessible and you don’t need bulk quantity, another option is to source the raw crab components from your local fish monger. Many high-end fish markets and independent seafood shops carry a variety of fresh raw seafood, including crab when it is in season.

To make your own ganjang gejang at home:

• Purchase fresh raw blue crabs, Dungeoness crabs, or King crabs when available at your local seafood market or fish counter.

• Buy a bottle of Korean soy sauce marinade or make it yourself. The sauce can also be found at most Korean grocers.

• Use stainless steel or glass bowls to marinate the raw crab in sauce for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

• Pull crab from the fridge 30 mins before eating to allow it to come closer to room temperature for the best texture.

The DIY method takes more effort but can be rewarding. Just take care to follow food safety guidelines when marinating raw seafood at home.

Check Restaurant Menus for Ganjang Gejang

Beyond buying ganjang gejang to make at home, you can also keep an eye out for Korean restaurants in your city that serve marinated crab on their menu! As Korean cuisine gains mainstream popularity in the US, more and more restaurants are adding traditional Korean dishes like ganjang gejang to attract foodie customers seeking authenticity.

Some tips for finding ganjang gejang on restaurant menus:

• Check menus at higher end Korean BBQ restaurants or Korean seafood/raw fish places. They are more likely to offer traditional banchan specialties than fast casual spots.

• Search for keywords like “marinated crab”, “soy sauce crab”, or the Korean name “ganjang gejang” when browsing menus online.

• Call ahead to ask if a restaurant offers marinated crab even if it’s not listed on their online menu. Many provide it as a seasonal off-menu item.

Eating ganjang gejang at a restaurant is nice since you can order it as part of a larger Korean spread. Keep it in mind next time you are looking for a unique seafood dining experience!

Recreating the Flavors at Home

While seeking out authentic Korean marinated crab from one of the sources above is ideal, you can also recreate similar flavors at home using local seafood if needed. The distinctive taste of ganjang gejang comes from:

• Fresh, fatty blue crab or king crab

• A marinade of Korean soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, and sesame oil

• Chilling in the marinade 2-3 days for the sauce to fully penetrate the shell

Try making it yourself with these substitute ingredients:

• Use the freshest, highest quality crab you can find such as Dungeness, snow crab legs, or even lobster.

• Make the marinade with regular soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil and a splash of rice wine vinegar.

• Let the raw seafood soak in the sauce as long as possible to mimic the real thing.

While it won’t be exactly the same, you can still satisfy the craving for soy sauce crab in areas where authentic options are not available. Get creative and customize the marinade to your own taste.

Final Thoughts

Korean marinated crab is a delicious traditional dish that is gaining more recognition globally. While it was hard to come by in the past, there are now various ways to get your hands on authentic ganjang gejang regardless of where you live. Whether you have a Korean market nearby, want to order online, or try making it yourself – with a bit of searching you can find this incredible soy sauce crab. I hope my guide to tracking down this tasty Korean banchan has you motivated to seek it out and expand your culinary horizons. Give ganjang gejang a try and experience the unique sweet and salty flavors of Korea!