Mouthwatering Soy-Marinated Shrimp (Saewoo Jang): A Kid-Favorite Recipe!
The Ultimate Saewoo Jang Recipe for a Delicious Side Dish
Discover the secret to irresistible Saewoo Jang, a beloved Korean delicacy! This recipe uses fresh shrimp, perfect for a delightful side dish. Get ready to impress your family with this savory and slightly sweet shrimp marinade. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh shrimp and a guaranteed hit with kids!
Key Ingredients for Perfect Saewoo Jang- 20 fresh raw shrimp
- 1 cup broth (approx. 200ml)
- 1 cup soy sauce (approx. 200ml)
- 1 cup mirin or cooking wine (approx. 200ml)
- 1/2 cup sugar (approx. 100g)
- 15 cloves garlic
- 4 red chilies
- 2 green chilies (e.g., Cheongyang chilies)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s create the flavorful base for our Saewoo Jang marinade. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water (or pre-made anchovy-kelp broth) with roughly chopped fruits like half an apple and half a pear, a quarter of an onion, and the white parts of a leek. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to extract the flavors.
Step 2
Once the fruits and vegetables are tender and have released their sweetness, add a handful of dried anchovies and one sheet of dried kelp. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes to infuse the broth with their umami. Be careful not to overcook the kelp, as it can become bitter; remove it within 5 minutes.
Step 3
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to get a clear liquid. Discard the solids. This clean, flavorful broth is the foundation for your delicious Saewoo Jang.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the shrimp. Using scissors, trim off the long antennae and remove the prickly legs from the raw shrimp. This step makes the Saewoo Jang much neater and easier to eat.
Step 5
Next, we’ll devein the shrimp. Locate the second segment from the head on the shrimp’s back. Insert a skewer or toothpick into this segment and gently pull to remove the dark intestinal tract. This crucial step helps eliminate any unwanted fishy odors.
Step 6
Here are the perfectly cleaned shrimp, ready to be transformed into delicious Saewoo Jang!
Step 7
Prepare the aromatics for the marinade. Slice the garlic cloves thinly. Cut the red and green chilies diagonally (asok-sseolgi). Adding the spicy green chilies will balance the richness and enhance the overall flavor.
Step 8
Pat the cleaned shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can dilute the marinade and potentially affect preservation. Place the dried shrimp snugly in an airtight container.
Step 9
Add the sliced garlic and chili peppers evenly over the shrimp in the container. These ingredients will contribute to the aroma and help mask any potential shrimpiness.
Step 10
Time to make the marinade! In a saucepan, combine the prepared broth, mirin (or cooking wine), soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Let the marinade cool slightly until it’s lukewarm. Pour this lukewarm marinade over the shrimp in the container. Avoid pouring boiling hot liquid, as it will cook the shrimp.
Step 11
To deepen the flavor, we’ll re-boil and cool the marinade multiple times. Carefully pour out the marinade from the container back into the saucepan. Bring it to a boil again, then let it cool completely before pouring it back over the shrimp. Repeating this process makes the Saewoo Jang exceptionally flavorful.
Step 12
Continue the process of re-boiling the marinade and letting it cool completely before pouring it back over the shrimp, repeating this 2-3 times in total. This technique ensures the Saewoo Jang is perfectly seasoned, not too salty, and rich in savory depth. Allow the Saewoo Jang to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 days for optimal flavor.
Step 13
Behold the beautifully finished Saewoo Jang! The plump shrimp are perfectly infused with the savory soy sauce mixture, making it an ideal accompaniment to rice. Don’t discard the leftover marinade – it’s delicious for mixing with rice or using in other dishes!
