Crispy and Nutty Seasoned Spinach (Sigeumchi Muchim) Recipe
Crispy and Nutty Seasoned Spinach (Sigeumchi Muchim) Recipe
The Ultimate Spinach Side Dish for Home Cooking: Perfectly Crispy and Savory Seasoned Spinach
A recipe for delicious, crisp seasoned spinach made with fresh ingredients. This simple yet nutritious side dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for adding a healthy and flavorful touch to any meal.
Main Ingredients- 2 bunches fresh spinach (choose fresh ones with usable roots)
Flavoring Seasonings- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma)
- 4 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (adds a savory depth)
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil (for that rich, nutty flavor)
- 3 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted and crushed for enhanced fragrance)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma)
- 4 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (adds a savory depth)
- 3 Tbsp sesame oil (for that rich, nutty flavor)
- 3 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted and crushed for enhanced fragrance)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, trim any yellow or wilted leaves from the spinach. Carefully clean the roots under running water, rubbing gently to remove any dirt. You can trim the very tips of the roots slightly or simply rub them with your fingers. Rinse about 3 times until completely clean. Keeping the roots can offer a richer texture and more nutrients.
Step 2
Using a mortar and pestle or a grinder, finely crush the sesame seeds. Crushing them just before use will release a much more intense nutty aroma, significantly enhancing the flavor of the seasoned spinach.
Step 3
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the spinach, stem-side down. Blanch for just about 30 seconds. Avoid overcooking, as this will make the spinach soft and lose its delightful crispness.
Step 4
Immediately remove the blanched spinach from the hot water and plunge it into a bowl of cold water to cool down. Gently swish it around in the cold water; this helps the spinach retain its vibrant green color and crisp texture. After cooling, lift the spinach and gently squeeze out excess water. Be careful not to wring it out too forcefully, as this can bruise the leaves and affect the fresh flavor.
Step 5
Once the excess water is removed, you can split the root ends of the spinach a couple of times. This simple step allows the seasoning to penetrate the roots better, ensuring a more flavorful bite.
Step 6
Now, let’s get seasoning! In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 4 tablespoons of Korean soup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of sesame oil, and a generous amount of the crushed sesame seeds. Add the prepared spinach to the bowl. Gently toss and mix everything together with your fingertips. Avoid vigorous mixing, which can make the spinach mushy. The key is to distribute the seasoning evenly while maintaining the spinach’s texture.
Step 7
Your wonderfully crisp and nutty seasoned spinach is ready! Enjoy this delightful side dish with a bowl of warm rice for a satisfying and healthy meal.
