Korean cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, colors, and health benefits, and one dish that captures this beautifully is Korean Spinach Salad, or Sigeumchi Namul. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients and nutrition! Packed with vitamins and minerals, this salad is a fantastic way to add greens to your meals without compromising on flavor. I remember my grandmother making this salad every Sunday, and the smell of toasted sesame oil would fill the kitchen. It’s a family favorite that brings back so many warm memories. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s loved in so many Korean households!
Ingredients for Korean Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul)
To make this delightful Korean Spinach Salad, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Start with 1 pound of fresh spinach, which is the star of the dish. Then, grab 2 tablespoons of sesame oil for that nutty aroma, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to add depth, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for a hint of zest, and finally, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds for a lovely crunch. That’s it—simple and wholesome!
How to Prepare Korean Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul)
Preparing Korean Spinach Salad is a breeze, and I promise it’ll become a go-to side dish in no time! First, let’s start with the basics. Begin by washing the spinach thoroughly under cold running water for at least a minute to remove any grit or dirt. It’s super important because fresh, clean spinach is key to a delicious salad!
Step 1: Wash and Drain the Spinach
Washing the spinach is crucial; it ensures you get rid of any sand or impurities. After rinsing, shake off the excess water gently and let it sit in a colander to drain completely while you prepare the next steps.
Step 2: Blanch the Spinach
Now, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the spinach and blanch it for just 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the leaves turn a vibrant green. Don’t overdo it; we want to keep that bright color and crisp texture!
Step 3: Cool and Squeeze the Spinach
Immediately after blanching, transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool for a minute, then gather the spinach in your hands and squeeze out as much excess water as you can. This step is essential to avoid a soggy salad!
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame seeds. Give it a good stir! Now, add the squeezed spinach to the bowl and gently toss everything together until the spinach is well coated in that flavorful dressing. It’s so simple yet so satisfying!
Step 5: Serve the Salad
You can serve this salad at room temperature or chilled—whichever you prefer! For a lovely presentation, transfer the salad to a serving dish and sprinkle a few extra sesame seeds on top. Trust me, it looks as good as it tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to adore this Korean Spinach Salad for so many reasons! It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, it’s incredibly healthy, packed with nutrients that will have you feeling great. And let’s not forget its versatility! This salad pairs wonderfully with just about anything, whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, rice, or even as part of a larger spread of banchan (Korean side dishes). Here are a few highlights:
- Quick prep and cooking time—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Loaded with vitamins and minerals from fresh spinach
- Light and refreshing, perfect for any meal
- Great for meal prep—enjoy leftovers the next day!
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings or toppings
Tips for Success
To make sure your Korean Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul) turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First and foremost, always use fresh spinach. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture—trust me, wilted spinach just won’t cut it! Also, don’t be shy about adjusting the soy sauce to your taste. If you prefer a more pronounced flavor, feel free to add a touch more, but go slowly. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Lastly, experiment with the sesame seeds; toasting them lightly before adding can elevate the nutty flavor. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delightful Korean Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul) is not only tasty but also nutritious! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 1g, Unsaturated Fat: 5g)
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 5g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g)
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy knowing you’re treating your body right with this vibrant side dish!
FAQ About Korean Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul)
Got questions about making this fabulous Korean Spinach Salad? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I’ve come across, along with my best answers to help you out.
Can I use frozen spinach?
While you *can* use frozen spinach in a pinch, I wouldn’t recommend it for this salad. Frozen spinach tends to have a softer texture and might lack that fresh flavor you want. Fresh spinach really shines in this dish, so try to stick with it if you can!
How long can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you can store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the spinach may lose some of its crispness over time, so enjoy it fresh if you can!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this salad can be made gluten-free! Just swap the regular soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, like tamari. You’ll still get that delicious umami flavor without any worries about gluten sensitivity!
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Korean Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul) You’ll Adore in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Korean Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul) is a simple and healthy side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Wash the spinach thoroughly and drain.
- Boil water in a pot and blanch the spinach for 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the spinach and cool it in cold water.
- Squeeze out excess water from the spinach.
- In a bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame seeds.
- Add the spinach to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
- Adjust soy sauce to taste.
- Can be served as a side dish with rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Korean Spinach Salad, Sigeumchi Namul, Korean side dish