Authentic Busan-Style Nak-Gop-Sae: A Fantastic Combination of Rich Seafood and Intestines
Enjoy Busan’s Famous Nak-Gop-Sae at Home! The Perfect Harmony of Fresh Octopus, Savory Beef Tripe, and Plump Shrimp. Discover the Secret to Deliciously Making it in the ‘Jobang Nakji’ Style. Easily Enjoy with the Oryukdo Nakji Meal Kit.
Have you heard of ‘Nak-Gop-Sae’? It’s a dish where fresh octopus, savory beef tripe, and sweet shrimp are stir-fried together in a spicy sauce, then served over rice or mixed with rice for an incredibly delicious meal! For those who aren’t fans of tripe, it can also be enjoyed as ‘Nak-Sae’, with just octopus and shrimp. ‘Jobang’ is a shortened term for the former Joseon Spinning & Textile Company, which was established in 1917 in Beomil-dong, Dong-gu, Busan – Korea’s first cotton textile factory. This massive complex spanned 40,000 pyeong (approx. 132,000 sq meters) with 54 buildings and employed over 3,000 workers. Naturally, many restaurants sprang up in the surrounding area, with one particular stir-fried octopus restaurant gaining immense popularity. The delicious taste of this stir-fried octopus became so famous nationwide that the name ‘Jobang Nakji’ became legendary. Over time, this Jobang Nakji style, originating in Busan, evolved by adding shrimp and beef tripe to the stir-fried octopus base, leading to the ‘Nak-Gop-Sae’ we enjoy today.
Key Ingredients
- Jobang Nakji Nak-Gop-Sae Meal Kit – 1 pack
- Cocktail shrimp – a little (add to taste)
- Fresh chives – a little (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’re using a Nak-Gop-Sae meal kit purchased from Top Mart. Personally, I found the octopus in this kit to be plumper and more substantial than those in the Oryukdo Nakji meal kit. I recall it costing just under 9,000 won, though I’ve forgotten the exact price after paying. While there aren’t detailed cooking instructions printed on the package, don’t worry! You can create delicious Nak-Gop-Sae simply by pouring the contents into a pan and simmering.
Step 2
Pour the contents of the meal kit into a wide pan or wok. The sauce is neatly packed at the bottom of the container. There are two sauces included: one is a broth, and the other is the spicy seasoning. The kit contains a generous amount of green onions and onions, which add a wonderful flavor from the vegetables’ natural juices. The quantity of green onions is particularly notable! And of course, the main ingredients – octopus, beef tripe, and shrimp – are also included abundantly. There’s a small portion of glass noodles as well; if you enjoy noodles, adding more to your liking will make it even more delicious.
Step 3
Beef tripe is a premium ingredient, so the amount in the meal kit isn’t excessively large. However, it allows you to truly savor the rich flavor of this high-quality ingredient! (Given that it’s an expensive ingredient, it’s natural for the portion to be modest. I understand. ^^)
Step 4
The initial amount of broth might seem limited. However, as the pan heats up, the green onions and onions will release their natural juices, creating a rich vegetable broth that results in a satisfyingly soupy consistency. This broth is perfect for mixing with rice.
Step 5
I decided to add some cocktail shrimp from my freezer to make the Nak-Gop-Sae even more bountiful. While the meal kit is delicious on its own, adding extra ingredients like this can make the dish even more substantial and enjoyable.
Step 6
Traditionally, authentic Nak-Gop-Sae often uses smaller shrimp. The cocktail shrimp I added are a type of whiteleg shrimp, so they are relatively large. You can see the size difference compared to the original shrimp from the meal kit in the photo. It’s almost ready! Get ready to enjoy. Following the tips from the meal kit, once all the ingredients are simmering, let it bubble away for about 3 more minutes. After simmering for about 3 minutes, turn off the heat and let it sit for a moment; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeper taste.
Step 7
Voila! The appetizing Nak-Gop-Sae is now complete. But let’s add a special touch. It’s time to use the fresh chives that were purchased along with the Nak-Gop-Sae. In Busan, many restaurants serve Nak-Gop-Sae with bean sprouts or chives on the side. I personally love the fragrant aroma and crisp texture of chives, so I’m going to add a generous amount.
Step 8
Wash the chives thoroughly, then cut them into convenient lengths and artfully arrange them on top of the finished Nak-Gop-Sae. Gently mix everything together with the chives before eating. If you find the raw chives a bit too pungent or crisp for your liking, you can briefly heat them in the pan. This will soften them slightly, making them more tender. Now, enjoy your delicious Nak-Gop-Sae with a bowl of hot rice!
