Crispy Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul Muchim)
Crispy Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul Muchim)
How to Make Delicious Spinach Salad, a Simple Korean Side Dish for Beginners
Today, I made a healthy and delicious spinach salad, a common dish on our dining table. Its simple yet clean flavor is perfect as a side dish for rice!
Key Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 300-400g)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for blanching spinach)
- Salt to taste (for seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, check the condition of the spinach. Remove any yellowed or wilted leaves, and trim the root ends. If there’s soil on the roots, gently scrape it off with a knife or trim it away. Be careful not to cut too much, as the roots contain many nutrients.
Step 2
Wash the trimmed spinach thoroughly under running water several times to remove any remaining soil, especially around the roots. Proper washing ensures no gritty taste later. After washing, place the spinach in a colander to drain well.
Step 3
Bring a generous pot of water to a rolling boil, then add the salt (1/2 tsp). Add the spinach to the boiling water and blanch for only about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to over-blanch, as this can make the spinach mushy and diminish its texture. For a crisp texture, blanch for 1 minute; for a softer texture, aim for 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Step 4
As soon as you remove the blanched spinach from the hot water, immediately plunge it into cold water to cool it down. This helps maintain the vibrant green color and crisp texture. After rinsing in cold water, gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible with your hands. Leaving too much water can dilute the seasoning.
Step 5
Place the squeezed spinach in a bowl. Now it’s time to season. Start by adding salt little by little and tasting as you go to adjust to your preference. Keep in mind that you’ll be eating this with rice, so it’s best to season it slightly saltier than you normally would. Add the aromatic sesame oil (1 Tbsp) and a good amount of sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands until well combined. Finish by sprinkling a little more sesame seeds on top. Your delicious spinach salad is ready!
