Fresh Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul) – Seasonal Delight
Refreshing and Delicious Seasonal Spinach Salad
Introducing a simple yet nutritious spinach salad recipe made with fresh, seasonal spinach, which is at its best right now. The delightful crunch and savory dressing are perfect as a side dish for any meal!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 200g)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp soy sauce or salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce or salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Fill a large pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. It’s best to use a generous amount of water so the spinach wilts nicely when added. Ample water helps maintain the vibrant green color of the spinach.
Step 2
Before blanching the spinach, finely mince the garlic. This will add a fragrant aroma and enhance the flavor, helping to mask any slight ‘green’ taste from the spinach and boosting its overall deliciousness.
Step 3
Finely chop the green onion; it adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of sweetness that complements the dressing. The fresh aroma of the scallions will meld beautifully with the seasonings.
Step 4
Once the water is vigorously boiling, add the prepared spinach and blanch it briefly. Be careful not to overcook the spinach, as it can become mushy.
Step 5
As soon as the spinach stems are slightly tender and the leaves have wilted (about 30 seconds to 1 minute), immediately remove them from the boiling water. Rinse them quickly under cold running water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial for retaining their crisp texture and bright green color. Overcooking will result in a limp texture.
Step 6
Gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the blanched spinach using your hands. Excess water can dilute the seasoning, so thoroughly draining is key to achieving the best flavor.
Step 7
To the well-drained spinach, add all the prepared seasoning ingredients. Combine the soy sauce (or salt), minced garlic, chopped green onion, fragrant sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Adjust the saltiness according to your preference.
Step 8
Gently mix and toss the spinach with the seasonings using your hands. Be tender to avoid bruising the spinach; a gentle tossing motion ensures the dressing is evenly distributed without making the spinach fall apart. This ‘jo-mul jo-mul’ (massaging) motion helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 9
Once nicely seasoned, transfer the spinach salad to a serving dish. Your simple and nutritious spinach side dish is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s a wonderful accompaniment to a warm bowl of rice.
