Simple Spinach Namul (Seasoned Spinach)
Super Easy Spinach Namul Recipe – Perfect for Bibimbap!
Spinach Namul is one of the most beloved staple side dishes in Korean cuisine. It’s a simple yet nutritious dish that highlights the fresh flavor of spinach. While it can be prepared in various ways, traditionally it’s seasoned with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. This recipe focuses on blanching spinach briefly to retain its vibrant color and crisp texture, enhanced by a savory dressing. It’s a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or serves as a key ingredient in bibimbap. Let’s make delicious Spinach Namul with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse salt (for blanching spinach)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp roasted sesame seeds (or whole sesame seeds)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp roasted sesame seeds (or whole sesame seeds)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare one bunch of fresh spinach. First, trim the root ends of the spinach with a knife and rinse the spinach thoroughly under running water multiple times to remove any dirt or debris between the leaves. Be gentle to avoid bruising the leaves.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat, adding 1/2 Tbsp of coarse salt. Once boiling, add the prepared spinach and blanch for just 30 seconds to 1 minute. Avoid overcooking, as this will make the spinach mushy and dull its color. The key is to keep it crisp. Quickly remove the blanched spinach, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, and then drain it well in a colander.
Step 3
Gently squeeze out excess water from the spinach using your hands. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can make the spinach dry and tough. Aim for a gentle squeeze to remove most of the water. Once drained, transfer the spinach to a cutting board and chop it into 2-3 cm lengths. You can adjust the length for easier eating, especially for children or the elderly.
Step 4
Place the squeezed spinach in a large bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients: 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp soup soy sauce, 1 Tbsp fragrant sesame oil, and finally, 1 Tbsp of roasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. You can adjust the amount of soy sauce according to your taste preference.
Step 5
Gently toss and mix the spinach with the seasonings using your hands until everything is evenly combined. Your delicious Spinach Namul is now ready! Transfer it to a container for storage in the refrigerator and enjoy it while fresh.
