Spinach Salad Recipe: The Popeye-Approved Way to Get Strong!
Spinach Salad That Even Picky Eaters Will Love! Get Popeye-Strong Arms!
Do your children struggle to eat their greens? Some kids are picky, and honestly, some adults are too! Haha. At our house, we consistently serve spinach, and my children have grown to enjoy it. You have to try things to like them, right? My second child used to be a bit reluctant, but when I told them, ‘Eating spinach gives you Popeye-like muscles!’, they started eating it so enthusiastically! Now they don’t shy away from it. Boys can be more particular about their food, but sometimes a little playful encouragement can make a big difference. ^^ Here’s a simple and delicious spinach salad recipe that’s a perfect side dish for everyone.
Ingredients- 300g fresh spinach
For Blanching- 1 tsp coarse salt
Spinach Seasoning- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 2/3 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (generous amount)
- Pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 tsp coarse salt
Spinach Seasoning- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 2/3 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (generous amount)
- Pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 300g of fresh spinach. Rinse the spinach thoroughly under cold running water several times, shaking it to remove all the dirt. Soaking it in water and gently shaking it is also a good method to loosen stubborn soil.
Step 2
We’ll be enjoying the entire spinach, right down to the roots! Carefully brush off any dirt from the root ends. Trim off any particularly thick or unappealing roots and set them aside separately.
Step 3
After trimming the roots, you might find some remaining dirt underneath. Double-check these areas to ensure all soil is removed.
Step 4
It’s crucial to wash away any remaining dirt. Especially for organic or pesticide-free spinach, thorough washing ensures you can enjoy it with peace of mind.
Step 5
Now it’s time to blanch the spinach. Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of coarse salt. Adding salt helps maintain the spinach’s vibrant green color and reduces any unpleasant ‘green’ taste.
Step 6
When blanching, add the reserved spinach roots first and cook for about 10-20 seconds. Since the roots are firmer than the leaves, blanching them first ensures they cook evenly.
Step 7
Once the roots are partially blanched, add the spinach leaves. Spinach cooks very quickly, so it’s important to blanch it for a very short time – just until the leaves wilt slightly. If overcooked, it will become mushy, lose its texture, and its nutrients can be degraded. Blanch it quickly, just long enough for the leaves to ‘just wilt’.
Step 8
Immediately after blanching, rinse the spinach in cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Then, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Squeeze out as much water as possible before seasoning. This is a key step to ensure your spinach salad isn’t watery and the natural flavor shines through.
Step 9
Allow the blanched and squeezed spinach to cool to a lukewarm temperature before seasoning. Seasoning while too hot can make it difficult to get the taste right and can break down the spinach. Add 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic. Keep the seasoning minimal to highlight the fresh, natural taste of the spinach.
Step 10
Add 2/3 tablespoon of soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang) for a savory depth. This type of soy sauce adds a distinct, rich flavor to seasoned vegetables.
Step 11
Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of perilla oil for a wonderful aroma and nutty flavor. Using perilla oil instead of sesame oil gives a clean and fragrant taste that complements spinach beautifully. Personally, I prefer perilla oil for my spinach salad!
Step 12
Now, gently mix the spinach with your fingertips. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can mash the spinach. If the seasoning needs a little adjustment, add a pinch of salt. Remember that seasoned vegetables tend to absorb flavor as they sit, so aim for a slightly savory taste that will be just right after resting.
Step 13
Finally, sprinkle a generous pinch of sesame seeds on top and give it a final gentle toss. Your delicious spinach salad is ready!
Step 14
Gently mixing with your fingertips is the secret to bringing out the best in the spinach’s natural flavor. Enjoy the fresh taste and aroma with minimal seasoning. Get strong and healthy with this delicious spinach salad – enjoy!
