Crispy Winter Spinach Salad (Spicy & Tangy Side Dish)
Quick & Easy Winter Spinach Salad! The Perfect Harmony of Fresh Greens and a Zesty Dressing, a True Korean Rice Companion!
A refreshing and crisp spinach salad made with seasonal winter spinach. The sweet and tangy dressing will whet your appetite, making it a perfect banchan (side dish) or a delightful salad.
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh winter spinach
- 1/4 onion
Dressing Ingredients
- 2-3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp guk-ganjang (soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (for umami)
- A pinch of sugar (to mellow the tanginess)
- 2-3 Tbsp maesil-cheong (plum extract, for sweetness and flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (can omit if you prefer less garlic flavor)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for nuttiness)
- Sesame oil (optional, for fragrance)
- 2-3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp guk-ganjang (soup soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (for umami)
- A pinch of sugar (to mellow the tanginess)
- 2-3 Tbsp maesil-cheong (plum extract, for sweetness and flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (can omit if you prefer less garlic flavor)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for nuttiness)
- Sesame oil (optional, for fragrance)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the fresh winter spinach under running water, paying attention to the roots to remove any dirt or debris. After washing, drain the spinach well in a colander. Excess water can dilute the dressing, so ensure it’s well-drained.
Step 2
Thinly slice the onion. In a small bowl, combine the gochugaru, guk-ganjang, fish sauce, sugar, maesil-cheong, and minced garlic. Mix well to create the dressing. Add the sliced onions to the dressing and let them sit for a few minutes; this softens their sharp bite and brings out their natural sweetness.
Step 3
Place the drained spinach in a large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the spinach. Gently toss the spinach with your hands or a spatula, being careful not to crush the leaves. Over-mixing can diminish the spinach’s crisp texture. For added nutty flavor, you can mix in 1-2 tablespoons of perilla seed powder (deulkkae garu). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce or fish sauce for saltiness, or a bit more sugar for sweetness. Transfer the finished spinach salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately. A drizzle of sesame oil before serving will enhance its aromatic appeal.
