Spinach and Tofu Salad: A Simple and Healthy Side Dish
Healthy Spinach and Tofu Salad Recipe for a Quick Breakfast Option
After preparing nine kinds of namul for the full moon festival, I couldn’t share them all and will save them for another time. To avoid posting only vegetable dishes, today I’m sharing a delicious Spinach and Tofu Salad. The natural sweetness of spinach combined with the savory flavor of tofu creates a delightful taste. #SpinachTofuSalad Shall we make it together?
Ingredients- Spinach 200g
- Tofu 160g (firm or regular block tofu)
- Salt 0.5 Tbsp (for blanching spinach)
Seasoning- Fish sauce or Tuna extract 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Chopped green onion 1 Tbsp
- Fine salt (sea salt) 0.2 Tbsp (for adjusting seasoning)
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Fish sauce or Tuna extract 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 0.5 Tbsp
- Chopped green onion 1 Tbsp
- Fine salt (sea salt) 0.2 Tbsp (for adjusting seasoning)
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh spinach. Trim any excess roots and dirt from the spinach. If the stems are very long, you can cut them into 2-3 pieces or separate the leaves from the stems. This preparation ensures the seasoning coats the spinach evenly for maximum flavor.
Step 2
Rinse the prepared spinach thoroughly under running water about 3 times. It’s crucial to wash away any soil, especially around the roots, to ensure a clean and fresh taste.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add half a tablespoon of coarse sea salt to the boiling water. Submerge the spinach by its root end first, then flip it over to blanch the leaves for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make the spinach lose its crisp texture.
Step 4
Quickly transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of cold running water. Rinsing in cold water helps to maintain the vibrant green color of the spinach and preserves its refreshing crispness.
Step 5
Place the tofu on a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and gently squeeze out as much water as possible. Removing excess moisture from the tofu is key to preventing the salad from becoming watery and ensuring the flavors are concentrated.
Step 6
Squeeze the blanched spinach firmly to remove excess water. This step is important to avoid a soggy salad. In a mixing bowl, add the squeezed spinach, fish sauce (or tuna extract), and minced garlic. Gently mix and massage the ingredients together with your hands until the spinach is evenly coated.
Step 7
After lightly seasoning the spinach, add the chopped green onions and the squeezed tofu to the bowl. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to mash the delicate spinach leaves.
Step 8
Continue to gently mix the tofu and spinach. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and drizzle with sesame oil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with fine salt if needed. It’s best to add salt gradually to achieve the perfect balance.
Step 9
Here is the finished Spinach and Tofu Salad! The refreshing crunch of the spinach and the soft, savory tofu create a delightful combination that is both satisfying and delicious. Also known as #TofuSpinachSalad, it’s a visually appealing and tasty side dish.
Step 10
This #SimpleSideDish can be prepared quickly, making it an ideal option for a busy #BreakfastSideDish. It’s a wonderful dish to serve your family and promote healthy eating without any hassle.
Step 11
Spinach is particularly sweet this time of year, making it perfect for this dish. The combination of fresh spinach and soft, savory tofu creates a filling yet comforting meal that is easy on the stomach. It’s an excellent #SimpleRecipe and a safe choice for a #KidsSideDish.
