Blog · 2026-11-11
What Is Ganjang Gejang? A Buyer's Guide to Korean Soy Marinated Crab
Ganjang gejang (간장게장) is fresh raw blue crab marinated in a seasoned soy sauce. In Korea it is called a "rice thief" because people keep eating rice with it. With Korean food growing worldwide, gejang has become a premium item for Korean restaurants, Asian grocers and online stores abroad.
The crab: Yellow Sea female blue crab
The classic gejang uses female blue crab (Portunus trituberculatus) caught in the Yellow Sea off Korea's west coast. Spring females full of roe are the most prized. The orange roe and soft meat absorb the sauce, giving a sweet, savory taste.
Grades: roe and size decide the price
Two crabs that look the same can differ a lot inside. That is why grading matters for buyers:
- S grade — full roe, premium price.
- A grade — roe 70% or more, the best value for most retailers.
- B grade — random roe but full meat; good for half-cut and food service.
OJ SEAFOOD also sorts by size: large 270–320g, medium 210–260g, small 180–200g per crab.
Frozen gejang and shelf life
For export, gejang is aged one day and then quick frozen at -30°C. This stops over-aging, which can break down the crab's insides. Frozen gejang keeps for 12 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
What to check in a supplier
- Facility certifications (HACCP, US FDA registration for the US market)
- Clear grading standard and replacement policy for roe
- Export experience to your country
- Ability to adjust sauce taste and labeling (OEM)
OJ SEAFOOD has exported gejang to the US, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Australia. Ask us for samples.