Spicy raw marinated crab, also known as yangnyeom gejang, is a must-try for anyone who loves bold Korean flavors. Made with frozen raw crab, it’s easier to prepare than you might think, and the spicy, sweet, and savory sauce is truly to die for with rice.
On a trip along Korea’s west coast, I stopped in Taean, a town famous for crab season. The raw marinated crabs I had there were unforgettable — creamy, spicy, and so full of flavor.
There are two kinds of raw marinated crabs: ganjang gejang (which is marinated in soy sauce) and yangnyeom gejang (the spicy one). Both are delicious, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the spicy version. The sauce is bursting with flavor—spicy, sweet, savory—everything you could want in a bite.
After tasting the real deal, I figured out how to make it just right. I’m excited to share one that I think is the best homemade version of yangnyeom gejang (spicy raw marinated crab) you’ll find.
Before jumping into the recipe, I recommend reading through this post for information about Korean crabs. Also it is especially important when handling crabs and eating them raw.
