Crispy and Delicious Seasoned Spinach Recipe
How to Make Healthy Spinach Side Dish at Home: An Easy Recipe for Beginners
Here’s a classic side dish that frequently graces our dining tables: seasoned spinach. Along with bean sprouts, it’s one of the most commonly prepared banchan in Korean households. This recipe will guide you through making a perfectly crisp and flavorful spinach dish with just one bunch of fresh spinach. The harmony of fragrant sesame oil and nutty sesame seeds is simply divine. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 300-400g)
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp soup soy sauce (optional, adds depth)
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your fresh spinach. The spinach used here is ‘Pohangcho,’ known for its red roots which indicate higher sweetness and better flavor. Trim off any yellow or wilted leaves, and gently remove any dirt from the roots. Don’t discard the red root part; it adds great sweetness to the dish.
Step 2
Bring a generous amount of water to a rolling boil in a wide pot. Once boiling, add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This helps maintain the vibrant green color of the spinach and ensures a crisp texture. Add the trimmed spinach and blanch for just 30 seconds to 1 minute over high heat. It’s crucial to blanch only until the spinach slightly wilts and feels crisp to the touch. Overcooking will make it mushy and less delicious.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, transfer the spinach to a bowl of cold water to quickly cool it down. This rinsing process helps retain its crispness. Gently grasp the spinach with both hands and squeeze out as much water as possible. Thoroughly draining the spinach is key to preventing a watery side dish and ensuring the seasoning adheres well.
Step 4
Once well-drained, cut the spinach into manageable pieces, about 2-3 segments or lengthwise into two. If you kept the red root part, trim off any remaining dirt from the very end of the root and leave it as is. Avoid cutting it too small, as this can affect the texture. Aim for a bite-sized piece.
Step 5
Place the prepared spinach in a large bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of soup soy sauce (optional, but it enhances umami), and a pinch of salt. Adjust the saltiness according to your preference. Finally, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. Now, gently toss everything together with your hands until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can release a ‘green’ smell; a light, gentle toss is the secret to perfect seasoned spinach!
