Vibrant and Healthy Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)
Vibrant and Healthy Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)
Easy and Delicious Korean Spinach Salad: A Simple Recipe
Introducing a delightful recipe for spinach namul, a classic Korean side dish that brings vibrancy to any meal. Made with nutrient-rich spinach, this simple preparation is perfect for beginners and versatile enough to be used in bibimbap or kimbap. Elevate your dining table with this nutritious and easy-to-make dish! You can also check out the video for detailed instructions.
Main Ingredients- 2 bunches fresh spinach (1 bunch is sufficient for a smaller side dish)
- 1 stalk white part of a leek
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp Korean soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the spinach under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim off any wilted leaves or tough root ends. If you’re making a smaller portion for a side dish, one bunch of spinach is enough; simply halve the seasoning ingredients accordingly.
Step 2
Wash the white part of the leek, drain it well, and finely chop it. Adding chopped leek will infuse the spinach salad with a subtle, aromatic flavor.
Step 3
Bring about 5 cups (1 liter) of water to a boil in a pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water; this helps to maintain the spinach’s vibrant green color.
Step 4
Once the water is at a rolling boil, carefully add the cleaned spinach and blanch for about 30 seconds. Overcooking will make the spinach mushy, so a brief blanch is key for a pleasant texture. Immediately after blanching, transfer the spinach to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 5
Gently squeeze out excess water from the blanched spinach using your hands. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can compact the spinach; aim for a firm but gentle press.
Step 6
Place the squeezed spinach in a mixing bowl. Add all the prepared seasoning ingredients: minced garlic, Korean soup soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Now, gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the spinach.
Step 7
Continue to gently toss and mix the spinach with the seasonings. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and the spinach to soften slightly.
Step 8
Finally, add the toasted sesame seeds and give it one last gentle toss. Your delicious spinach namul is now ready! The aromatic sesame oil combined with the nutty crunch of the sesame seeds makes this dish incredibly satisfying. Enjoy it served over a warm bowl of rice!
