Seasoned Spinach (Sigeumchi Namul Muchim)
Delicious Seasoned Spinach: A Simple and Flavorful Korean Side Dish
Introducing a recipe for tender and delicious seasoned spinach, perfect for any meal. Shorter spinach varieties are known for their sweetness, making this dish particularly delightful. This addictive side dish will have you reaching for more rice! Let’s get started.
Essential Ingredients- 200g fresh spinach (shorter, firmer stalks are preferable)
- 1 pinch of sea salt (for blanching)
- 1 tsp seasoned salt (for seasoning, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp crushed sesame seeds (for nutty flavor)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for aromatic richness)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (for enhanced flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, trim off any yellow or wilted leaves from the fresh spinach and prepare the root ends. Since the roots can hold a lot of soil, it’s crucial to rinse them thoroughly multiple times under running water until completely clean. Make sure no soil remains. After washing, place the spinach in a colander to drain. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil for blanching the spinach.
Step 2
Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of sea salt to it before adding the spinach. This helps maintain the vibrant green color of the spinach and minimizes nutrient loss. When the water returns to a rolling boil, add the spinach. Gently stir it with chopsticks or a similar utensil once or twice, then blanch for about 15 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy. Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to cold water to quickly cool it down, then gently press out as much excess water as possible with your hands.
Step 3
Loosen the spinach that has had its water squeezed out. Since it might be clumped together from squeezing, place it in a wide bowl or plate and gently separate the strands with your hands. This ensures the seasoning will be evenly distributed.
Step 4
Now it’s time to season the spinach. Prepare 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt. To avoid making it too salty, level off the spoon when measuring. Sprinkle the prepared seasoned salt evenly over the spinach.
Step 5
Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (a slightly heaping spoonful is fine), 1/2 tablespoon of crushed sesame seeds for a nutty aroma, and 1 tablespoon of perilla oil for its fragrant richness. Gently mix everything together with your hands until the seasoning is well combined with the spinach. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can break the spinach; a gentle tossing motion is key. Once seasoned, serve the spinach immediately and enjoy its freshness.