Are you a fan of Korean BBQ and looking to recreate the experience at home?
One of the most popular dishes in Korean cuisine is grilled or stir-fried beef large intestine, also known as Gopchang.
This delicacy is enjoyed by Koreans, especially while drinking soju, and is known for its chewy yet palatable texture and characteristic flavor.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also high in iron and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for your diet.
But where can you buy beef large intestine to make this dish at home?
In this article, we’ll explore some options for purchasing this unique ingredient and provide tips on how to prepare it for a mouth-watering meal.
Where To Buy Beef Large Intestine?
One option for purchasing beef large intestine is to visit a Korean grocery store or market. These stores often carry a variety of Korean ingredients, including Gopchang.
If you don’t have access to a Korean grocery store, you can also try searching for online retailers that specialize in Korean food products. Many of these retailers offer a wide selection of Korean ingredients, including beef large intestine.
Another option is to visit a local butcher shop or meat market. While they may not carry beef large intestine regularly, they may be able to special order it for you.
What Is Beef Large Intestine And Why Is It Popular In Korean Cuisine?
Beef large intestine, also known as gopchang in Korean cuisine, is a delicacy that is enjoyed by many Koreans. It is a tube-shaped offal that is chewy with rich elastic fibers, and has a soft and buttery filling. In the past, gopchang was a popular, nutritious, and cheap dish for the general public. Rich in iron and vitamins, it was served as a health supplement for improving a weak constitution, recovering patients, and postpartum depression. Today, gopchang is also regarded as a delicacy and is more expensive than regular meat of the same weight.
Gopchang can be prepared in various ways such as stewed in a hot pot (gopchang-jeongol), grilled over a barbecue (gopchang-gui), boiled in soup with other intestines (naejang-tang), or made into a sausage (sundae). It is commonly served as anju, which means food served and eaten with soju, as it helps break down alcohol.
The large intestine has a meaty texture with a slight crunch, while the small intestine is very soft and gooey. Both the large and small intestines are chewy but the large has more collagen and less fat compared to the small intestine. During the cooking process, the lady comes and stirs it many times to avoid burning and also cuts it into small bite-size pieces so it cooks faster and lasts longer.
Beef large intestine is said to be healthy for you due to its high collagen content. It is also believed to be good for your skin, which is why many Korean girls love beef intestines. When grilled or stir-fried with vegetables such as onions, garlic, green onions, mushrooms, and Korean hot peppers, it has a characteristic flavor and a chewy yet palatable texture. A popular dipping sauce for this dish is a mixture of sesame oil and salt.
Health Benefits Of Beef Large Intestine
Beef large intestine, also known as tripe, is a highly nutritious food that offers numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamins B12, selenium, and zinc, which are essential for various bodily functions. Vitamin B12 is necessary for red blood cell production, nerve transmission, and energy production. Zinc is vital for immune function, cell division, and carbohydrate metabolism. Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body and is needed for DNA production, thyroid health, and metabolism.
Moreover, beef large intestine is a good source of low-fat protein. A 4-ounce serving of tripe contains 14 grams of protein and only a little over 4 grams of total fat, making it an excellent choice for those looking to increase their protein intake while keeping their fat intake low.
Despite its high nutritional value, beef large intestine should be consumed in moderation due to its high cholesterol content. A 4-ounce serving of tripe contains 138 milligrams of cholesterol, which is between 46 and 69 percent of the daily limit recommended by the American Heart Association.
In addition to its nutritional value, beef large intestine is an affordable food that supports sustainable food practices. By including this high-quality protein in savory dishes or snacks, you may be able to reduce food waste and expenditures.
Tips For Preparing Beef Large Intestine For Korean BBQ
Preparing beef large intestine for Korean BBQ can be intimidating for those who have never done it before. However, with the right techniques and tips, it can be a delicious addition to your Korean BBQ spread.
Firstly, it is important to thoroughly clean the large intestine before cooking. This involves draining and rinsing it under running water for at least 10 seconds, and then soaking it in water for a few hours to remove any impurities. Some sources recommend blanching the intestine in boiling water for a few minutes before grilling to further minimize any gamey notes.
Once cleaned, the large intestine can be seasoned with a simple mixture of salt and pepper before grilling. However, many Korean BBQ restaurants use marinades to add flavor to the meat. Some popular marinades include a spicy bulgogi style marinade, a pineapple and kiwi tenderizing marinade, or a very lightly seasoned mixture of MSG or soy sauce.
When grilling the large intestine, it is important to cook it thoroughly but not overcook it. Overcooked large intestine can become tough and chewy. It is also recommended to cut the large intestine into smaller pieces for easier grilling and serving.
To serve, place the grilled large intestine on a lettuce leaf or other wrapper of your choice and top with garlic slices, kimchi, or daikon radish slices. Dip the meat into a dipping sauce or top with a thicker sauce like ssamjang.
Alternative Dishes To Make With Beef Large Intestine
If you have purchased beef large intestine and are looking for alternative dishes to make, there are several options to consider. One popular dish in Korean cuisine is Gopchang-gui, which is grilled beef large intestine marinated in a flavorful soy sauce base. This dish can be easily prepared at home by grilling or baking the large intestine in the oven.
Another option is to use beef large intestine in a hot pot dish, such as Gopchang-jeongol. This involves stewing the large intestine with other ingredients, such as vegetables and spices, in a hot pot. This dish is perfect for colder weather and can be enjoyed with rice or noodles.
For those looking for a simpler recipe, beef large intestine can also be boiled in soup with other types of intestines, such as Naejang-tang. This dish is hearty and filling, and can be enjoyed with rice or other side dishes.
If you are not a fan of traditional Korean dishes, you can also use beef large intestine in your own recipes. For example, you can use it as a substitute for other types of meat in dishes such as tacos or stir-fries.
Conclusion: Enjoying Gopchang At Home
Once you have obtained the beef large intestine, there are several ways to prepare and enjoy it at home. One popular method is to grill it over an open flame, either on a barbecue or stovetop grill. The intestine can be marinated beforehand in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings to enhance its flavor.
Another way to enjoy Gopchang is in a Korean-style hot-pot called jeongol. This dish typically includes various meats and vegetables cooked in a flavorful broth. Gopchang can be added to the mix for a unique and delicious twist.
For those who prefer a simpler preparation method, Gopchang can also be boiled or stir-fried with vegetables for a quick and easy meal. Whatever method you choose, be sure to thoroughly clean and prepare the beef large intestine before cooking to ensure its safety for consumption.