Vibrant and Aromatic Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)
How to Make Delicious Spinach Side Dish
I made this delicious spinach side dish using two bunches of spinach, and it turned out wonderfully satisfying! It’s a fantastic, healthy banchan (Korean side dish) that’s both simple and flavorful.
Main Ingredients- 2 bunches fresh spinach (approx. 600g)
Seasoning- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Trim the root ends of the fresh spinach and remove any yellowed or wilted leaves. It’s crucial to wash the spinach thoroughly multiple times in cold running water to remove all dirt and debris. Any remaining soil can make the namul taste gritty.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the washed spinach and blanch for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as this can diminish the spinach’s crisp texture and nutrients. Immediately rinse the blanched spinach in cold water to stop the cooking process and gently squeeze out excess water.
Step 3
Place the squeezed spinach in a mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic, sesame oil, and salt. Start with 0.5 Tbsp of salt and taste before adding more, as you can always adjust the seasoning later.
Step 4
Gently mix the spinach with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Try not to mash the spinach too much. Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for added aroma and flavor.
Step 5
Transfer the delicious seasoned spinach to a serving dish. Your nutritious and healthy spinach namul is now complete! Enjoy it with a bowl of warm rice.
