Sesame Spinach Salad with Perilla Seeds: A Nutty and Delicious Korean Side Dish
Sesame Spinach Salad with Perilla Seeds: A Nutty and Delicious Korean Side Dish
Sesame Spinach Salad with Perilla Seeds (Sigeumchi Namul Deulkkae Muchim)
The flavor of spinach salad is overwhelmingly determined by the quality of the spinach itself, accounting for over 95% of its taste. If the spinach is naturally delicious, even minimal seasoning will result in a fantastic dish. The remaining 5% of the flavor comes from the seasoning, and adding perilla seeds, also known as deulkkae garu, makes it truly exceptional. This recipe enhances the natural taste of fresh spinach with the rich, nutty aroma of perilla seeds and oil, creating a side dish that is both healthy and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal!
Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 300g)
- 1 Tbsp perilla seed powder (deulkkae garu)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp anchovy sauce (or soy sauce for soup)
- Pinch of roasted salt (or regular salt)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by trimming the tough ends of the spinach and cutting the leaves into bite-sized pieces, about two per bunch. Wash the spinach thoroughly under cold running water several times to remove any dirt or grit. Drain well and gently pat dry.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Carefully add the prepared spinach and blanch it just until it turns bright green and slightly tender. Avoid overcooking, as it will lose its vibrant color and crispness. This should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute, for a total cooking time of 3-5 minutes.
Step 3
Immediately remove the blanched spinach from the boiling water and plunge it into a bowl of ice-cold water. Rinse it gently 2-3 times in the cold water. This shocking process helps to retain the spinach’s vibrant green color and firm texture.
Step 4
Gently squeeze out excess water from the spinach by hand. Make sure to loosen any clumps of spinach so that the dressing can be evenly distributed, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Step 5
In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed spinach with 1 tablespoon of perilla seed powder, 1 tablespoon of perilla oil, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of anchovy sauce for a savory depth. Season with a pinch of roasted salt and a pinch of black pepper to taste. (You can also add finely chopped scallions if desired.)
Step 6
Gently toss and mix the ingredients together with your hands until the spinach is evenly coated with the seasoning. Be careful not to crush the spinach; mix gently to ensure the dressing is well distributed.
Step 7
Arrange the seasoned spinach salad on a serving plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and a touch of nutty flavor. Your delicious and healthy perilla seed spinach salad is ready to be enjoyed with a warm bowl of rice!
