Fresh Winter Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Muchim): A Simple, Nutritious Side Dish to Boost Immunity
Winter’s Nourishing Treat: Sigeumchi Muchim, a Delicious Korean Side Dish
This is a simple and nutritious recipe for Sigeumchi Muchim (seasoned spinach). Enjoy the sweet flavor and fragrant aroma of winter spinach in this easy-to-make side dish.
Ingredients- Fresh spinach 251g
- Korean soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) 1.5 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 Tbsp (generous)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all your fresh ingredients.
Step 2
Trim the root ends of the spinach. The roots are nutritious and can be eaten if cleaned well. If trimming is difficult, you can cut off just the very end of the roots and then proceed.
Step 3
Rinse the spinach thoroughly under running water multiple times to remove any dirt, especially between the leaves.
Step 4
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a pinch of salt. Make sure there’s enough water to fully submerge the spinach.
Step 5
Once the water is boiling, add the prepared spinach. Gently push it down so that all the spinach is submerged. Blanching briefly is key to preserving its fresh texture.
Step 6
For baby spinach, blanching for about 10 seconds is sufficient. The exact blanching time can vary depending on the spinach’s condition and size. Be careful not to over-blanch, as it will become mushy and lose its crispness.
Step 7
Immediately after blanching, drain the spinach in a colander and let the steam escape. After the steam has dissipated, rinse the spinach under cold water several times to cool it down, which enhances its crunchy texture.
Step 8
Gently gather the rinsed spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible. Excess water will make the final dish watery and dilute the flavors.
Step 9
In a bowl, combine the squeezed spinach with 1.5 Tbsp of Korean soup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Gently mix everything with your hands until well combined. The key is to toss it gently.
Step 10
When mixing, avoid applying too much pressure. Toss the spinach gently to prevent it from becoming mushy. This ensures the spinach retains its crispness and fresh texture.
Step 11
Winter spinach salad is a healthy food that can help boost your weakened immunity. Make this delicious side dish with seasonal spinach and take care of your family’s health!
