Spicy and Sweet Spinach Salad with Gochujang Dressing (Season’s Best Spinach)
A Delightful Kick! Season’s Best Spinach Salad with Gochujang
The season for delicious, sweet spinach has returned! Try this delightful seasoned spinach with a savory and slightly spicy gochujang dressing. It’s refreshingly delicious. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this simple yet incredibly tasty dish!
Main Ingredients- 250g Season’s best spinach (or regular spinach)
- 1 Tbsp Salt (for blanching spinach)
Dressing Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Maesilcheong (Korean plum extract) – adds sweetness and depth
- 1 tsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
- 1 tsp Perilla oil (adds a wonderful nutty aroma)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Maesilcheong (Korean plum extract) – adds sweetness and depth
- 1 tsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
- 1 tsp Perilla oil (adds a wonderful nutty aroma)
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach under running water several times to remove any soil or impurities. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt. Once boiling, add the spinach and blanch for a very short time, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant color. Immediately remove the blanched spinach and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands.
Step 2
Cut the water-squeezed spinach into bite-sized pieces, about 4-5 cm long. Squeeze out any remaining water once more; this ensures the dressing adheres well and doesn’t dilute. Place the well-drained spinach into a mixing bowl.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious dressing. In a separate small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of maesilcheong, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of perilla oil. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and smooth. You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the maesilcheong and sugar amounts to your preference.
Step 4
Add the prepared dressing to the bowl with the spinach. Gently mix with your hands, massaging the dressing into the spinach until evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid mashing the spinach; the goal is to coat it evenly.
Step 5
Finally, crush some sesame seeds between your palms and sprinkle them over the salad for a beautiful garnish. Your spicy and sweet spinach salad is now ready! The aromatic spinach combined with the zesty dressing makes it a perfect side dish for any meal or a light snack. Enjoy!
