Hearty Snow Crab Miso Stew (Kkotge Doenjang Jjigae)
Seasonal Snow Crab Miso Stew & Crab Soup – A Taste of Autumn
Discover the rich flavors of autumn with this delightful snow crab miso stew, made with sweet, seasonal crabs! This hearty stew is so satisfying, you won’t need any side dishes. It’s a true crab soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of fresh crab and savory doenjang (Korean soybean paste) creates an incredibly delicious broth that will have you reaching for seconds. Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions and tips to recreate this beloved Korean classic at home. Prepare for a truly satisfying culinary experience!
Main Ingredients- 4 fresh snow crabs
- 1 stock bag (for anchovy-kelp broth, containing dried pollack head, kelp, etc.)
- 2 broth cubes (or 1L homemade anchovy-kelp broth)
- 1/6 Korean radish (mu, approx. 150g)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 Korean green chili peppers (cheongyang peppers)
- 1/2 stalk green onion
- 1/4 Korean zucchini (aobak)
- 1L water
Seasoning- 3 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste – adjust to taste if using homemade)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – add more for extra spice)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste – adjust to taste if using homemade)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes – add more for extra spice)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing a flavorful broth, the foundation of your delicious stew. In a pot with 1L of water, add the 2 broth cubes (or 1 stock bag) and the stock bag. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes to extract a rich, deep flavor.
Step 2
While the broth is simmering, carefully clean and prepare the fresh snow crabs. Rinse them under cold running water and scrub with a brush if necessary. You can add them whole, or for easier eating and better flavor infusion, remove the carapace (crab shell) and cut the body in half.
Step 3
Next, prepare the vegetables. Slice the Korean radish (mu) into half-moon shapes, about 0.5cm thick. Thinly slice the onion. Slice the Korean green chili peppers and green onion diagonally. Cut the Korean zucchini into half-moon shapes, also about 0.5cm thick. (Tip: Zucchini is optional. The photo shows frozen zucchini used in this recipe. Fresh vegetables will yield the best flavor.)
Step 4
When the broth is simmering nicely, dissolve 2.5 Tbsp of doenjang into it. It’s best to use a sieve to ensure the doenjang dissolves smoothly without clumps, creating a silky broth. (Tip: If using homemade doenjang, adjust the amount based on its saltiness.)
Step 5
Once the doenjang-infused broth comes to a boil again, add the sliced Korean radish and onion first. Let them simmer until the radish becomes translucent and starts to soften, cooking over medium heat.
Step 6
When the radish is about halfway cooked and tender, gently add the prepared snow crabs to the pot. After adding the crabs, it’s advisable to increase the heat to high for a brief period to help eliminate any potential fishy odors.
Step 7
As the crabs begin to cook, stir in 2 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). This will add a pleasant spiciness and a beautiful, appetizing color to the stew.
Step 8
Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to further enhance the umami and depth of flavor in the stew. The mild pungency of garlic will make the broth even richer.
Step 9
Finally, add all the remaining prepared ingredients: the zucchini, Korean green chili peppers, and green onion. Once the vegetables are added, avoid overcooking to preserve their fresh texture and flavor.
Step 10
During the cooking process, skim off any impurities or foam that may rise to the surface from the crabs. This step will result in a clearer, cleaner-tasting broth.
Step 11
Continue to simmer the stew over medium heat for about 10 more minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Once the broth has reduced slightly and all the ingredients are cooked through, your delicious snow crab miso stew will be ready.
Step 12
Behold! Your steaming, fragrant snow crab miso stew is complete. Look at those plump, meat-filled snow crabs! It’s a truly appetizing sight that promises a delicious meal.
Step 13
Serve the stew hot in a traditional earthenware pot or your favorite serving bowl. Enjoy this incredibly satisfying meal with a bowl of rice – it’s the perfect companion for any meal! Bon appétit!
