Korean Steamed Blue Crab (Whole Shell Aromatics)
Kkotge-jjim is a Korean steamed blue crab dish cooked whole in a steamer with lightly salted water and aromatic vegetables. Steaming preserves the natural sweetness inside the shell, so each piece of extracted meat delivers a concentrated, briny flavor. A dip in vinegar soy sauce adds acidity that lifts the crab's inherent sweetness even further. Blue crabs caught during their spring and fall peak seasons come loaded with roe, producing the richest flavor, and the hands-on process of cracking shells and picking meat is part of what makes this dish an experience.
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Instructions
- 1
Scrub crabs thoroughly and clean the underside.
- 2
Bring water, green onion, ginger, garlic, and rice wine to a boil in a steamer setup.
- 3
Place crabs belly-side up and cover.
- 4
Steam on high for 10 minutes, then medium for 6-8 minutes.
- 5
Mix soy sauce and vinegar for dipping sauce.
- 6
Cut steamed crabs into pieces and serve with dipping sauce.
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