Savory and Delicious Basic Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Muchim)
Savory and Delicious Basic Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Muchim)
Make the Perfect Side Dish: Flavorful Korean Seasoned Spinach (Sigeumchi Muchim)!
Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a fantastic choice for all ages. Today, we’re making a delightfully savory and flavorful seasoned spinach that’s perfect for boosting your appetite and complementing any meal. This simple yet delicious side dish is a must-have!
Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 scallion or green onion
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (use one with a rich, nutty aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the spinach. Since the roots can hold a lot of dirt, soak the spinach in cold water for about 30 minutes to loosen any soil. Then, rinse it thoroughly under running water, making sure to clean between the leaves.
Step 2
After washing, trim off the root ends of the spinach, or just the very tips if they look dirty. You can choose to leave the roots on if you prefer, as they are nutritious.
Step 3
Finely chop the scallion (or green onion) into small, even pieces. This will add a wonderful aromatic flavor. Finely chopping ensures the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the spinach, making it taste even better.
Step 4
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the spinach, starting with the thicker stem parts first. Blanch for just about 10 seconds – be careful not to overcook, or it will become mushy! Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking and retain its crisp texture.
Step 5
Drain the spinach well after rinsing it in cold water. Avoid squeezing it too hard, as this can release a raw smell. Instead, gently press it with both hands while it’s in a colander or bowl to remove excess water.
Step 6
Now, let’s add the delicious seasonings. Place the drained spinach in a mixing bowl. Add 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce, 2 Tbsp chopped scallion, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. You can also use a pinch of salt instead of soy sauce if you prefer.
Step 7
Finally, gently mix everything together with your hands, just enough to coat the spinach evenly with the seasonings. Be careful not to over-mix. And there you have it – a crisp, savory, and absolutely delicious seasoned spinach! It’s the perfect side dish for any meal.
