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Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul) Recipe

Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul) Recipe

5 from 10 reviews

Korean Spinach Side Dish, known as Sigeumchi Namul, is a simple and flavorful vegetable side dish featuring blanched spinach seasoned with garlic, soy sauce, green onions, and toasted sesame oil and seeds. This refreshing and nutritious dish adds a fresh, savory touch to any Korean meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 bunch (10 oz) spinach, ends trimmed
  • 1 stalk green onion, chopped

Seasonings

  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Trim the spinach: Place the spinach on a cutting board, trim the ends, and slice into about 2-inch pieces to prepare for blanching.
  2. Blanch the spinach: Bring a pot of water with a pinch of salt to a boil over high heat. Add the spinach and blanch for 30 seconds or until just wilted, preserving its vibrant green color.
  3. Cool in an ice bath: Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and keep it crisp. Once cooled, gently squeeze out all excess water to avoid sogginess.
  4. Mix: Place the drained spinach in a mixing bowl and add the minced garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, salt, toasted sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly until the spinach is well seasoned.
  5. Serve: Plate the seasoned spinach and serve as a refreshing side dish to complement your Korean meal.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible after blanching to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
  • Adjust the amount of soy sauce and salt to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
  • To enhance texture, you can add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a slight spicy kick.
  • Use fresh toasted sesame seeds for the best aroma and flavor.
  • This side dish can be served cold or at room temperature and is best enjoyed the same day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean side dish, spinach namul, Sigeumchi Namul, Korean spinach recipe, healthy Korean vegetable dish, Korean banchan, sesame spinach salad, easy Korean side