Have You Ever Tried Shrimp This Bold? Discover the Rich Flavors of Korean Soy-Marinated Shrimp (새우장)

If you're seeking a dish that combines bold flavors and exciting textures, soy-marinated shrimp (새우장) is a must-try. The shrimp, with its firm yet jelly-like texture, bursts with flavor from the rich soy marinade. As you take a bite, you’ll experience a delightful pop from the plump shrimp meat, offering an irresistible contrast of chewiness and tenderness.

A close cousin to soy-marinated crab (간장게장), this dish is a favorite in Korea, known for its deep umami taste that pairs perfectly with a bowl of warm rice. Though raw, the soy marinade acts as a natural preservative, curing the shrimp and making it relatively safe to eat when prepared properly. For those concerned about raw shrimp, rest assured that the marinade protects the shrimp while enhancing its flavor, creating a dish that’s both delicious and safe to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb head-on shrimp (thawed if frozen)
• ½ cup soju (for soaking the shrimp)
• 1 cheongyang pepper (chopped; for heat, substitute with serrano or jalapeno if needed)
• 1 red chili pepper (chopped)
• ⅓ lemon (thinly sliced)
• ¼ onion (thinly sliced)

Marinade:

• 1 cup soy sauce (use high-quality soy sauce for best results)
• 1 ¼ cups water
• ¼ cup soju (or substitute with mirin or sake)
• ¼ cup mirin
• 2 tbsp plum extract (매실청, or substitute with sugar)
• 1 ½ tbsp sugar
• 2 pieces dried kelp (2x2 inches)
• ¼ onion (thinly sliced)
• ¼ apple (thinly sliced, or substitute with Korean pear)
• 1 scallion (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 5 garlic cloves (smashed)
• 1-inch slice ginger (sliced)
• 1 dried chili pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a pot, combine the soy sauce, water, soju, mirin, plum extract, sugar, dried kelp, onion, apple, scallion, garlic, ginger, and chili pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: If the shrimp is still frozen, soak it in a bowl of 4 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of salt for about 30 minutes or until thawed. Once defrosted, trim the shrimp by cutting off the whiskers, legs, and pointy parts of the head. Leave the tail on, if desired. Devein the shrimp using a toothpick.
3. Soak and Clean the Shrimp: Soak the deveined shrimp in ½ cup of soju for 10–15 minutes. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and drain thoroughly.
4. Assemble: In a clean glass container, arrange the shrimp in layers. Add the thinly sliced onion, chili peppers, and lemon slices on top. Pour the chilled marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover with an airtight lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 48 hours.
5. Serve: Once marinated, serve the shrimp cold with a bowl of warm steamed rice. The soy-marinated shrimp pairs wonderfully with side dishes like seaweed or perilla leaves.

Preparation Tips:

• Use Frozen Shrimp: It’s safer to use frozen shrimp because the freezing process eliminates parasites. However, if you have access to reliable fresh shrimp, that can be used as well.
• Storage: Store the shrimp in an airtight glass container and consume within 2 days after marinating.
• Marinating Time: The longer the shrimp marinates, the more intense the flavor becomes. However, over-marinating can cause the shrimp to lose its unique firm and chewy texture, becoming overly tenderized. For best results, marinate for at least 24 hours, but no more than 48 hours to retain its signature texture and achieve a bolder, saltier flavor. Once your marination is done, you can save the shrimp in small portions and freeze them for later consumption, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful.
• Customize the Marinade: While good-quality shrimp is essential, the marinade truly defines the dish’s flavor. The great thing is that you can tweak the marinade by adding your favorite ingredients to fine-tune and perfect the taste. For a unique twist or variations on the marinade, explore different recipes on this recommeded blog!
  
  

Why Soy-Marinated Shrimp? Soy-marinated shrimp (새우장) is incredibly popular in Korea for its rich, umami flavor and distinctive texture. The shrimp's firm, almost jelly-like texture is elevated by the savory marinade, giving each bite a satisfying pop. And, thanks to the soy marinade acting as a preservative, this dish is both flavorful and relatively safe to enjoy raw, making it an adventurous yet reliable choice for seafood lovers.

If you love soy-marinated shrimp or have been wanting to try it but don’t have the time or luxury of making it at home, our ready-made Soy-Marinated Shrimp is the perfect solution. Prepared using high-quality shrimp and marinated in a rich, savory soy sauce blend, this dish offers the authentic flavor of Korea without the hassle. The marinade penetrates the shrimp, giving it a firm yet slightly chewy texture that bursts with umami in every bite.

Our soy-marinated shrimp is meticulously prepared to maintain its freshness and bold flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to a warm bowl of rice or a delightful addition to your Korean meal spread. Simply open, serve, and enjoy the rich, savory taste of Korea in minutes—no cooking required.