Imagine biting into a delicately marinated crab raw, silky, umami-rich, and absolutely unforgettable. Welcome to the world of Marinated Crabs, often called “the rice thief” in Korea because once you start eating it with rice, you can’t stop. If you're a fan of sushi, ceviche, or bold global flavors, Ganjang Gejang is about to become your next obsession.
What Is Ganjang Gejang?
Ganjang Gejang (Gahn-jahng) is a traditional Korean dish made by marinating raw blue crab in a special soy sauce-based brine. The name literally means "soy sauce crab."
But don’t let the word “raw” scare you and it’s not fishy, it’s clean, umami-packed, and bursting with flavor. The secret lies in the marinade: a carefully balanced blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, onions, chili, and sometimes a little sweetness that tenderizes the crab while infusing it with rich Korean flavor.
Why Koreans Call It the “Rice Thief”?
The nickname “rice thief” tells you everything you need to know. One bite with warm white rice… and it’s game over. The savory-sweet soy marinade, the buttery texture of the crab meat, and that satisfying briny hit? It’s addictive.
Pro tip: don’t skip the crab shell, it’s filled with marinated roe and crab fat. Mix it with rice right in the shell for a flavor bomb Koreans swear by.
Soy & Spice: Two Takes on Korea’s Famous Marinated Raw Crabs
There’s more than one way to enjoy this Korean delicacy! Here are some popular types of Marinated Crabs you might find:
1. Classic Soy Marinated Crab (Ganjang Gejang)
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The OG. Soy sauce base, subtly sweet, garlicky, and deeply savory. This is the standard, pure version loved by traditionalists.
2. Spicy Marinated Crab (Yangnyeom Gejang)
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A bold twist with added Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), chili paste, and sweet-savory heat. Perfect for spice lovers who want a little kick with their crab.
Why You Have to Try Korea's Finest Marinated Crab at Least Once in Your Life
✔️ Unique and adventurous
✔️ Protein-rich and packed with flavor
✔️ A conversation starter at any dinner party
It’s more than just food — it’s a cultural experience on a plate.
How to Try It?
You don’t need to fly to Seoul (though we won’t stop you). Many Korean restaurants — especially in K-Town areas across the U.S. — now serve marinated crab, with foodie hotspots like LA, NYC, and Seattle leading the way.
But here's the best part: you can now enjoy authentic Marinated Crabs straight from South Korea, delivered to your door.
At Kim’s Basket, we offer premium marinated crab through a pre-order system to ensure peak freshness. Once shipped, most customers in the U.S. receive their order within just 2 days — fast, fresh, and totally crave-worthy.
A taste of Korea, without the jet lag.