Where to Buy Korean Marinated Crab Near Me

Korean marinated crab, known as ganjang-gejang or yangnyeom-gejang, is a beloved delicacy in Korean cuisine. Its briny sweetness and tender texture make it an addictive appetizer or side dish. Luckily, with the rise of Asian supermarkets across America, it’s easier than ever for us to get our hands on high-quality marinated crab without boarding a plane to Seoul. In this article, I’ll share some tips on where to find the best ready-to-eat ganjang-gejang near you.

Check Your Local Asian Supermarket

The first place to look is your local Asian supermarket. Most major cities in the US now have Korean markets that stock ganjang-gejang. I’m lucky enough to live near several huge Asian grocery stores like H Mart and 99 Ranch Market that have frozen sections piled high with every type of marinated crab imaginable. Brands like Oori and BARO consistently offer tender flavorful crab marinated in spicy or savory sauces. Even regular American supermarket chains like H-E-B now carry korean pantry staples like ganjang-gejang in cities with large Asian populations.

So take a trip to your closest Asian market and browse the frozen section. Frozen ganjang-gejang has a long shelf life and the freezing process actually helps tenderize the crab. Don’t be intimidated by the Korean labels – the product photos usually make it easy to spot the marinated crab packages. If you’re unsure ask one of the store employees to point you in the right direction.

Order from an Online Asian Grocery Store

If you don’t live near a Korean market, don’t fret. Online Asian grocery stores have made it possible for foodies everywhere to access authentic Asian ingredients. Apps and sites like Weee!, Sayweee, and Koriente allow you to browse thousands of Asian products and get them delivered straight to your door. Their massive inventories include an abundance of ganjang-gejang options available at the click of a button.

I like to browse their sales sections to score discounts on large packages of marinated crab. Bonus tip – check the customer reviews on each product to help choose the best brand and flavor. Online stores also give the flexibility to order just a small quantity to test out a new variety of ganjang-gejang before committing to a big package. With quick shipping and low minimums these services have been a game changer for helping me satisfy my marinated crab cravings.

Visit Your Local Korean Restaurant

While pre-packaged ganjang-gejang is endlessly convenient, there’s something special about eating freshly marinated crab at a Korean restaurant. The crab is marinated on-site in the restaurant’s signature sauce, giving it a homemade depth of flavor. Plus, it’s fun to experience ganjang-gejang as part of a traditional Korean meal with banchan, rice, kimchi, and other classic dishes.

Check to see if your city has an Koreatown or Korean restaurant district. Major metropolitan hubs like Los Angeles and New York City have vibrant Koreatowns chock full of restaurants serving freshly marinated ganjang-gejang. But don’t rule out smaller Korean eateries in your neighborhood that fly under the radar. I’ve found amazing authentic crab dishes in tiny mom-and-pop joints. If you spot a Korean restaurant in your area, call and ask if they serve ganjang-gejang. With some luck and research, you may find a new favorite local spot for feasting on marinated crab.

What To Look For When Buying Ganjang-Gejang

Now that you know where to find it, here are some tips for picking out high-quality ganjang-gejang:

• Look for plump, meaty crab shells. Thin, brittle shells indicate lower quality crab.

• Check for crab roe. Female crabs will be filled with delicious orange roe.

• Avoid cracked shells or crab juice leaks. This indicates mishandling.

• Opt for wild-caught crab. Farm-raised crab tends to have less flavor.

• For live crab, choose crab that are actively moving. Inactive crabs may not be fresh.

• Select responsibly sourced crab. Look for sustainability certifications when possible.

• Check the ingredients. Opt for all natural sauces without preservatives.

• Consider splurging on jumbo or king crab. The large shells have the sweetest meat.

With this cheat sheet in your pocket, you’ll be ready to track down the ultimate ganjang-gejang for the optimal sweet and briny flavor explosion. Get ready to take your tastebuds on a Korean flavor journey.

How Long Does Ganjang-Gejang Last?

Now that you’ve sourced the good stuff, proper storage is key to longevity. Here are some ganjang-gejang shelf life guidelines:

• Fresh ganjang-gejang: Will last 2-3 days refrigerated.

• Frozen ganjang-gejang: Keeps for 1-2 months in freezer. Thaw overnight in fridge before eating.

• Canned/jarred ganjang-gejang: Can be kept for 4-6 months refrigerated after opening.

• Vacuum-packed ganjang-gejang: Generally lasts for 1-2 months refrigerated after opening.

Make sure to seal up any leftovers and avoid leaving ganjang-gejang sitting out at room temp. If you notice any off smells or textures, it’s safest to toss it out.

Tips for Enjoying Ganjang-Gejang at Home

Once you’ve procured the perfect marinated crab, here are some serving tips:

• Let frozen ganjang-gejang thaw overnight in the fridge before eating. Don’t thaw at room temp.

• Give fresh ganjang-gejang a quick rinse before eating to remove any lingering brine.

• Crack the shells with your hands, chopsticks, or crab crackers. Watch out for crab juice squirts!

• Scoop out the sweet crab meat and roe with a spoon.

• Discard inedible parts like the pointy tips and spindly legs.

• Pair with white rice, kimchi, seaweed, and Korean beer or soju.

• Offer crab picks and extra napkins for messy eating. Provide wet wipes for cleaning up.

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 2-3 days.

With this cheat sheet, you’ll be all set to track down the best Korean marinated crab in your area and host an unforgettable ganjang-gejang feast. Get ready for tender, sweet crab meat bursting with umami flavor and heat. Now that you know where to find it and how to prepare it, the world of authentic Korean cuisine is at your fingertips. Say “kanpai” to marinated crab bliss!

Raw marinated crab in Korean cuisine is called gejang (게장).