Healthy Spinach Salad with Cheonggukjang Powder
Savory Spinach Salad with Cheonggukjang Powder
Hello! They say ‘Rice power is national strength’. Today, we’ll be making a delicious spinach salad seasoned with savory cheonggukjang powder.
Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 300g)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, lightly crushed
- 1 Tbsp cheonggukjang powder (for a rich, savory flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the spinach. Soak the spinach in cold running water for about 10 minutes. This helps any dirt or debris settle at the bottom. Then, rinse the spinach thoroughly two to three times. Finally, drain the spinach well using a colander.
Step 2
For a richer flavor, it’s best to lightly crush the sesame seeds rather than using them whole. You can use a mortar and pestle or a grinder for this.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to blanch the spinach. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, then add 1 tablespoon of salt. Carefully add the spinach and blanch for just 30 seconds. To ensure even cooking, blanch the tougher stem parts first by holding them upright in the boiling water for 10 seconds, then submerge the leaves for the remaining 20 seconds.
Step 4
Immediately after blanching, transfer the spinach to cold water and rinse it two to three times to quickly cool it down. This step helps preserve its vibrant green color and crisp texture. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands.
Step 5
For even drier spinach, you can place the blanched spinach on a bamboo rolling mat or a clean kitchen towel. Instead of twisting, gently press down to squeeze out more water. This technique helps prevent the salad from becoming watery and allows the seasoning to adhere better.
Step 6
Once the water is mostly removed, use scissors to cut the spinach into bite-sized pieces. Cutting it too small might diminish the texture, so aim for manageable lengths.
Step 7
Finally, it’s time to combine everything. In a mixing bowl, add the soy sauce for soup, minced garlic, sesame oil, crushed sesame seeds, and the star ingredient – cheonggukjang powder. Mix these seasonings together first until well combined. Then, add the prepared spinach and gently toss to coat it evenly with the marinade. Your delicious and savory cheonggukjang spinach salad is ready to be enjoyed with a bowl of warm rice!
