A Solo Drinking Menu Rivaling Pojangmacha... 'Baby Crab Fries' Perfectly Paired with Beer

Review of Chungjungone 'Anjuya Baby Crab Fried'

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Sunghye] The number of consumers visiting bars to eat side dishes has significantly decreased compared to the past. While concerns about infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) play a role, it is mainly because evolving convenient side dish meals allow people to enjoy a variety of foods comfortably and affordably at home.

According to Nielsen Korea, the domestic frozen side dish convenience food market expanded fivefold from 19.5 billion KRW in 2016 to 96 billion KRW in 2018. It is estimated to have rapidly grown to about 150 billion KRW last year. Until a few years ago, refrigerated side dishes like jokbal (pig’s trotters) that could be easily enjoyed at home were popular, but recently, a wider variety of "cooked side dishes" have gained popularity, making frozen side dish convenience foods a trend. Daesang’s Cheongjeongwon has steadily expanded its presence by offering a total of about 20 products through its side dish convenience food brand "Anjuya," launched in 2016.

◇Strong Southeast Asian Vibes... Lightweight and Suitable for Camping

Cheongjeongwon’s "Anjuya Baby Crab Fry" is a fried side dish that allows you to easily enjoy mini crab fries at home, a dish previously only available at Southeast Asian specialty restaurants, izakayas, or beer pubs. The packaging dedicated to the Anjuya series prominently features an appetizing photo of the baby crab fries. It weighs 260g and is packed in a pouch. The product itself is very lightweight compared to other side dish convenience foods, making it suitable for carrying on camping trips. It is sold on Daesang’s official online mall Jeongwon e-Shop, open markets, other online malls, and discount stores. The consumer price (regular price) is 7,980 KRW, and the promotional price is 6,980 KRW.

◇No Off-Flavors, Enhanced Flavor with Herbs and Black Pepper Powder

Vietnamese crab is used, and the flavor is created with purified water, wheat flour, corn starch, and vegetable oil. Cheongjeongwon’s know-how removes any off-flavors by carefully preparing the ingredients, and fragrant herbs enhance the flavor even more. Curry, black pepper powder, red pepper powder, onion powder, and garlic powder are added, allowing you to enjoy a variety of aromas without it being bland.

◇Simple Completion with 13 Minutes in an Air Fryer

Baby Crab Fry is optimized for the recently popular air fryer cooking. Using an air fryer-specific premix, it achieves an even crispier texture. First, place the frozen product, without thawing, evenly in a preheated air fryer without overlapping. Cook at 200°C for about 13 minutes, then take it out and eat as is. If you flip it slightly after about 8 minutes of cooking, both sides become evenly golden brown.

Since the size is about the diameter of a circle made with the thumb and index finger, it is not hard or burdensome on the teeth when chewing due to the shell. It is soft and crispy with the unique mild taste of crab shell. However, it is salty enough that no additional herbs or seasoning are needed, making it more suitable as a beer side dish rather than a snack for young children. I quickly finished half a bag with a 500ml beer, refreshing my blocked travel desires caused by COVID-19. Although easy to cook, it is an uncommon menu, so it would also be a great dish for housewarming parties.

◇TIP

It is recommended not to use parchment paper or wax paper. The batter in contact with wax paper becomes soggy. At first, I did not realize this and cooked with parchment paper underneath, but the second time without using parchment paper, the baby crab fries turned out crispier and more golden brown.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.