Spicy & Sweet Gochujang Spinach Salad
Flavorful Gochujang Seasoned Spinach Namul Recipe
This recipe features fresh spinach tossed in a delicious gochujang (Korean chili paste) dressing, creating a spicy and sweet spinach namul. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with rice. We’ll guide you through each step, making it easy for even beginners to achieve a fantastic result with a delightful crunchy texture.
Main Ingredients- 150g fresh spinach
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp fine gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/3 white part of a green onion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum extract) or sugar
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach several times to remove any dirt. Trim the root ends to a manageable size. The freshness of the spinach is key to the final dish, so choose the best you can find.
Step 2
Bring a generous amount of water to a boil in a pot, adding a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the prepared spinach and blanch for only about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the spinach mushy and reduce its nutritional value.
Step 3
Immediately rinse the blanched spinach under cold running water to quickly cool it down and stop the cooking process. Then, gently squeeze out the excess water by hand. Avoid squeezing too hard, which can crush the spinach.
Step 4
Finely mince the white part of the green onion you’ll be adding to the seasoning. You can also use finely chopped scallions.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine the gochujang, fine gochugaru, minced garlic, maesilcheong, and vinegar. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. You can substitute maesilcheong with sugar, and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 6
Add the squeezed spinach to the bowl with the seasoning.
Step 7
Add the minced green onion and fragrant sesame oil to the bowl. Gently toss the spinach with the seasoning using your hands, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid breaking the spinach apart.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish. This adds a lovely nutty aroma and completes the dish. Enjoy your delicious spicy and sweet gochujang spinach salad!
