Simple and Spicy Crab Stew (Kkotgetang)
[Solo Cooking] How to Make Easy & Delicious Crab Stew at Home
I bought crabs during a special sale at Top Mart for an incredibly low price and made this stew! It was such great value for money. This recipe makes a hearty and flavorful crab stew that’s surprisingly easy, perfect for anyone living alone.
Main Ingredients
- 3 fresh crabs
- 1/4 onion
- A little zucchini (about 1/4)
- A little radish (about 3cm thick piece)
- 1/3 bunch enoki mushrooms
- A little green onion
- A little chili pepper (red or green, to taste)
- 1100ml water (approx. 5.5 cups)
- 4-5 pieces of firm tofu
Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
- 1/3 Tbsp salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (red chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
- 1/3 Tbsp salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (red chili flakes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the crabs! Use a toothbrush or a small brush to scrub the underside and the crevices of the crab’s shell clean. Trim any sharp leg tips with scissors for easier handling.
Step 2
Cut the prepared crabs into bite-sized pieces. Cutting them too small might cause the meat to fall apart, so I recommend cutting them into 2-3 pieces.
Step 3
Now, place 1100ml of water in a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. This will form the base for our clear and refreshing broth.
Step 4
Prepare the other vegetables. Slice the onion and radish thinly, the zucchini into half-moons, and separate the enoki mushrooms by removing the base. Slice the green onion and chili peppers diagonally. (Note: The amount of vegetables might seem like a lot. This is because I bought 5 crabs and decided to make a spicy stew with 3 and a milder doenjang soup with the other 2 for my sibling. For a standard crab stew, the amount shown on the tray is sufficient!)
Step 5
The key to a delicious crab stew is the seasoning paste! In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp soy sauce for soup, 1 Tbsp doenjang, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp gochujang, and 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru. Mix well. (Tip: Instead of filling the tablespoon completely, aim for a slightly heaped measure for doenjang and gochujang. This will result in a savory broth that isn’t too salty.)
Step 6
Once the water in the pot is boiling vigorously, add the prepared seasoning paste to infuse the broth with flavor. Stir well to ensure the paste dissolves without clumps.
Step 7
After adding the seasoning, carefully place the prepared crabs into the boiling broth. Adding fresh crabs will significantly deepen the flavor of the stew.
Step 8
Once the crabs are in, add the radish, onion, and zucchini. These vegetables will make the broth refreshingly clear and become tender as they cook with the crab, adding a wonderful texture. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 9
When the vegetables are somewhat cooked and the flavors have melded, add the tofu, sliced chili peppers, and green onions. Gently add the tofu to prevent it from breaking apart. The chili peppers and green onions are added at the end to provide a fragrant and slightly spicy finish. Simmer for a short while longer, and your delicious crab stew is ready! Enjoy it piping hot with a bowl of rice.
