NCT 127's Late-Night Jokbal (족발)
Why this food?
Jokbal is the ultimate Korean late-night comfort food that K-pop idols crave after grueling schedules. This iconic dish features tender, gelatinous pig trotters braised in soy and garlic, then chilled and served with crispy lettuce wraps and pungent shrimp paste. It's the kind of messy, finger-licking good meal that brings K-pop groups together off-stage.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Jokbal originated in Korea's street food culture and became a legendary post-drinking or post-concert meal in the 1980s. The dish's popularity exploded because the collagen-rich trotters are believed to aid skin health — a major concern in K-beauty culture. Today, jokbal restaurants are status symbols in Seoul, with some aging their sauce for over 30 years.
Related Videos & Articles
Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Pig trotters (feet) 돼지발 | Pork Feet Berkley Jensen or store brand Request from the butcher counter if not displayed; they may need to special order. Ask them to clean and blanch if possible. Allow 24 hours notice. Shop at Walmart |
Soy sauce braising base (soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar) 간장 양념 | Kikkoman Soy Sauce + minced garlic + ground ginger + brown sugar Kikkoman, Great Value, McCormick Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer less salt. Fresh minced garlic works better than jarred, but jarred is acceptable in a pinch. Shop at Walmart |
Shrimp paste (saeujeot) 새우젓 | Lee Kum Kee Shrimp Paste or Thai shrimp paste (nam pla) Lee Kum Kee Shrimp paste has a pungent smell; this is normal and essential to the authentic taste. If unavailable, substitute with Korean gochujang (red chili paste) mixed with a bit of fish sauce for similar umami depth. Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 3-4 pounds Pork Feet
- 1 cup soy sauce + 8 cloves minced garlic + 2 tablespoons ground ginger + 1/2 cup brown sugar Kikkoman Soy Sauce + minced garlic + ground ginger + brown sugar
- 1/4 cup mixed with 2 minced garlic cloves Lee Kum Kee Shrimp Paste or Thai shrimp paste (nam pla)
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Place pig trotters in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse thoroughly to remove impurities and reduce any gaminess.
- 2
Step 2: Add clean water back to the pot along with soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Return to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 3-4 hours until the trotters are completely tender and the meat easily pulls from the bone.
- 3
Step 3: Remove trotters from the braising liquid and place on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until the gelatin sets and the meat firms up slightly.
- 4
Step 4: Once chilled, cut the trotters into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 inches). Strain the braising liquid and set aside as a dipping sauce, discarding solids.
- 5
Step 5: Serve the cold jokbal pieces on a platter with fresh lettuce leaves, the reserved braising liquid for dipping, and shrimp paste mixed with minced garlic on the side. Wrap each piece in lettuce, add a dab of shrimp paste, and eat with your hands — just like NCT 127 does.
