Description
A vibrant Korean side dish, this simple spinach banchan is quick to make and bursts with fresh flavor. Perfect with any Korean meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 oz (57 g) fresh spinach (leaves and stems), roots removed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tbsp (22 ml) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 tbsp (7 ml) sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp (7 g) toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sea salt (for blanching water)
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach
- Remove any roots or tough stems from spinach. Wash spinach thoroughly in cold water 2-3 times, removing all dirt and grit. Set aside.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, thinly sliced green onion, soy sauce (or tamari), and sesame oil. Stir well to combine flavors evenly. Set aside.
- Blanch the Spinach
- Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon sea salt to the water. Add spinach to boiling water and blanch quickly for exactly 30 seconds. Immediately remove spinach and drain.
- Shock and Drain Spinach
- Rinse blanched spinach under cold running water to halt cooking. Repeat rinsing 3 times. Gently but firmly squeeze excess water from spinach until it feels dry but remains soft.
- Season and Mix
- Roughly chop spinach into bite-sized pieces, then place into the bowl containing the sauce. Toss spinach gently by hand or with tongs, evenly coating it with the seasoning mixture.
- Serve
- Transfer spinach to a serving plate or bowl. Sprinkle evenly with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, use young, tender spinach leaves.
- Toasted sesame oil can be substituted for regular sesame oil for a richer flavor.
- Store leftover namul in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Blanching
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0g