Spicy & Sweet Spinach Salad with Gochujang (Spicy Red Pepper Paste)
Spicy & Sweet Spinach Salad with Gochujang (Spicy Red Pepper Paste)
Easy Homemade Spinach Salad with Gochujang – A Perfect Side Dish
A delightful Korean side dish featuring fresh spinach mixed with a savory and slightly sweet gochujang-based dressing. This simple yet flavorful preparation is a guaranteed hit at any meal.
Main Ingredients- 3 handfuls of Pohang spinach (approx. 150g)
Dressing- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce (Korean soup soy sauce or regular soy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for that rich, nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce (Korean soup soy sauce or regular soy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for that rich, nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Preparation: Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need 3 handfuls of Pohang spinach (about 150g) and the dressing ingredients: 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp sugar, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of sesame seeds.
Step 2
Prepare the Spinach: Trim the roots of the fresh spinach. If there’s any soil, rinse it gently under running water. Make a cross-shaped cut (incisions) at the root end and then cut the spinach into four pieces. This helps the dressing penetrate better.
Step 3
Make the Delicious Dressing: In a bowl, combine 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp gochujang, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp sugar, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of sesame seeds. Whisk everything together until well combined to create a flavorful dressing. Feel free to adjust the sugar amount to suit your taste.
Step 4
Blanch the Spinach: Bring 5 cups of water to a rolling boil in a pot. Add the prepared spinach and blanch for exactly 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy and lose its pleasant texture.
Step 5
Rinse and Squeeze Dry: Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to cold water and rinse it 3 to 4 times to cool it down. Then, gently gather the spinach with your hands and squeeze out as much water as possible. Excess water can make the final dish taste diluted.
Step 6
Mix with Dressing: Place the squeezed spinach into the prepared dressing. Using your hands or chopsticks, gently toss the spinach to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Avoid vigorous mixing, which can bruise the spinach or release a ‘green’ flavor. A gentle mix is key!
Step 7
Toss with Care: Continue to gently mix the spinach with the dressing, ensuring every strand is coated. You’ll notice a delicious aroma as the flavors meld. It’s best to dress the spinach just before serving to maintain its freshness.
Step 8
Enjoy Your Creation!: Your delicious Spinach Salad with Gochujang is ready! This dish is a perfect side for any meal, including packed lunches. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying homemade side dish.
