Easy Spinach Namul: 5-Minute Side Dish! A Fresh and Flavorful Korean Seasoned Spinach
Easy Spinach Namul: 5-Minute Side Dish! A Fresh and Flavorful Korean Seasoned Spinach
Simple Recipe for Basic Seasoned Spinach (Namul)
Don’t let the word ‘namul’ intimidate you; it’s surprisingly easy! Follow along with the video and learn how to make this delicious, fresh side dish in minutes. It’s best enjoyed right after it’s seasoned, so bring the vibrant taste of seasonal spinach to your table!
Blanching Spinach- 300g fresh spinach
- 1 tsp salt (for blanching)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your fresh spinach. Wash the spinach thoroughly under running water, removing any wilted leaves or dirt, especially around the roots. Give it a few rinses to ensure it’s clean. Gently shake off excess water.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water – this helps the spinach retain its vibrant green color. Carefully add the spinach to the boiling water, starting with the root ends first. This ensures the leaves don’t overcook.
Step 3
Blanch the spinach very briefly, just until it wilts and softens, typically about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You want it tender but still slightly crisp. Immediately remove the spinach from the hot water and plunge it into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, gently but firmly squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent a watery namul.
Step 4
After squeezing out the water, cut the spinach into bite-sized pieces. Aim for lengths of about 3-4 cm, which are easy to eat. You can use a knife or kitchen shears for a clean cut.
Step 5
Place the cut spinach in a mixing bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients: soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss and mix the spinach with the seasonings using your hands until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the spinach; a gentle massage motion is best. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6
Finally, transfer the seasoned spinach namul to a serving dish or a side dish container. Arrange it nicely. Enjoy this simple, healthy, and flavorful spinach side dish with your rice! Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for future meals.
