Super Simple & Nutritious Spinach Side Dish
The Ultimate Refreshing Side! Perfectly Tender and Nutty Spinach Namul
Incredibly easy yet packed with nutrients! A delicious side dish that’s a staple in Korean homes. This recipe takes just minutes!
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach (trimmed the roots and washed thoroughly)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (adds umami without overpowering the spinach’s natural sweetness)
- 1/3 Tbsp salt (adjust to your taste)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil (essential for a rich, nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, crushed (freshly ground seeds offer the best flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (adds umami without overpowering the spinach’s natural sweetness)
- 1/3 Tbsp salt (adjust to your taste)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil (essential for a rich, nutty aroma)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, crushed (freshly ground seeds offer the best flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water. This helps the spinach retain its vibrant green color and minimizes nutrient loss during blanching.
Step 2
Once the water is boiling, add the prepared spinach. Blanch it very briefly, just for about 30 seconds, until the leaves are slightly wilted. Be careful not to overcook, as it can make the spinach mushy and diminish its nutrients.
Step 3
Immediately remove the blanched spinach from the hot water and rinse it under cold running water 2-3 times. This helps to stop the cooking process and maintain a crisp texture. After rinsing, gently gather the spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible. Excess water will dilute the flavors.
Step 4
※ Tip: For an extra nutty flavor boost, crush or grind your sesame seeds just before using them. Gently crushing them with a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife is recommended.
Step 5
Place the squeezed spinach in a mixing bowl. Add the seasoning ingredients: 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup, 1/3 Tbsp salt, 2 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp of freshly crushed sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands, massaging the ingredients into the spinach until well combined. Be a bit more thorough with the thicker stems.
Step 6
Finally, the most important step! Taste the spinach namul and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If it’s too bland, add a tiny bit more salt or soy sauce. For a deeper umami flavor, you can add a very small amount of fish sauce. Some people also enjoy adding a little minced garlic for extra zest!
