Aromatic Spinach Salad with Spring Greens (Seomcho Namul)
The Ultimate Recipe for Aromatic Spring Spinach Salad (Seomcho Namul)
An explosion of fragrance in your mouth! Introducing the refreshing spring spinach salad made with Seomcho, available only during this season. The perfect harmony of crunchy onions and nutty sesame seeds is exceptional, and the simple preparation method makes it easy for anyone to follow. Boost your health and taste with this seasonal vegetable dish!
Main Ingredients- 400g fresh Seomcho spinach
- 1/4 small onion
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1/4 Tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted and ground for extra flavor!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Tip for choosing fresh Seomcho! Look for spinach with firm leaves and plump roots. Gently scrape off any dirt from the root ends, and make a cross-shaped cut into the root part. Don’t cut the roots off completely; they contain concentrated nutrients and flavor.
Step 2
Wash the Seomcho thoroughly in cold water, about twice. Make sure to rinse off any soil or impurities meticulously before draining.
Step 3
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 Tbsp of coarse sea salt. Adding salt raises the boiling point of the water, helping the spinach to become crispier and retain its vibrant green color.
Step 4
When the water is boiling, add the Seomcho and blanch for a very short time, about 40-50 seconds. Flip it once halfway through to ensure even blanching; flip it around 25 seconds in. Be careful not to over-blanch, as it can become mushy and lose its texture.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, rinse the Seomcho under cold running water to cool it down. Rinsing under cool water or changing the water as you rinse helps preserve the spinach’s crispness effectively.
Step 6
Today’s special touch for this spinach salad is onion, which adds a delightful crunch! Instead of the usual chopped green onions, try adding thinly sliced onion. The onion’s natural sweetness and crispness will elevate the flavor of the spinach salad. Onions are also good for vascular health, so enjoy them deliciously!
Step 7
Gently squeeze out the excess water from the blanched Seomcho. Don’t squeeze too hard; leave a little moisture for better texture. Place the squeezed spinach and the sliced onion into a bowl.
Step 8
Now, it’s time to add the delicious seasonings. Prepare 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce, 1/4 Tbsp salt, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp sesame seeds. Grinding the sesame seeds right before adding them will significantly enhance their nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 9
It’s best to combine all the seasoning ingredients at once and then mix them with the spinach. This ensures even distribution of the seasoning and prevents clumps, resulting in a clean and well-seasoned salad. Gently mix everything with your hands.
Step 10
Your crisp and aromatic spring spinach salad is ready! Enjoy the fresh taste of seasonal Seomcho. It’s the perfect side dish for rice!
