Simple Spinach Namul (Seasoned Spinach)
♥Super Easy Side Dish♥ Simple Spinach Namul, Quick and Delicious Seasoned Spinach Recipe
For my husband who absolutely loves ‘namul’ (seasoned vegetables)! This is a super simple and speedy spinach namul recipe. It’s a perfect side dish that will have you reaching for more rice!
Ingredients- 1/2 bunch fresh spinach
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Fill a pot with water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Boiling the spinach with salt helps to enhance its vibrant green color, making it look even more appealing.
Step 2
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the thoroughly washed spinach and blanch for exactly 1 minute. After about 30 seconds, use chopsticks to flip the spinach and blanch the other side for another 30 seconds. Be careful not to over-blanch, as this can make the spinach mushy and lose its crisp texture!
Step 3
Immediately drain the blanched spinach in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold running water. Then, squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands. This step is crucial to prevent the namul from becoming watery and ensure a delicious result. (Note: Although the photo shows a whole bunch of spinach, I only used half for this recipe and saved the rest for doenjang jjigae or for freezing. The remaining half was perfect for adding to a soybean paste stew!)
Step 4
Now, transfer the squeezed spinach to a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of salt to season. (Tip: It’s best to start with a little less salt and gradually add more while tasting, rather than adding too much at once. The salt in the photo was the initial amount, and I added a bit more because it tasted slightly bland. Adjust the salt to your preference!) Oh, I almost forgot! Although not visible in the photo, don’t forget to add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Step 5
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds on top. Gently mix and toss the spinach with your hands until all the seasonings are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing.
Step 6
Voila! Your delicious seasoned spinach namul is ready. It’s so simple, you might feel silly calling it ‘cooking’! This namul is incredibly easy to make, yet so nutritious and flavorful – a truly wonderful side dish. Enjoy your meal!