Description
Korean Spinach Banchan, known as Sigeumchi Namul, is a traditional Korean side dish with fresh spinach quickly blanched, seasoned lightly with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and garnished with toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
7 ounces (200 grams) fresh spinach (leaves and stems), roots removed
2 cloves garlic, minced finely
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon sea salt (for blanching water)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Spinach
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Remove any roots or tough stems from spinach.
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Wash spinach thoroughly in cold water 2-3 times, removing all dirt and grit. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Sauce Ingredients
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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.
Step 3: Blanch the Spinach
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Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon sea salt to the water.
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Add spinach to boiling water and blanch quickly for exactly 30 seconds. Immediately remove spinach and drain.
Step 4: Shock and Drain Spinach
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Rinse blanched spinach under cold running water to halt cooking. Repeat rinsing 3 times.
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Gently but firmly squeeze excess water from spinach until it feels dry but remains soft.
Step 5: Season and Mix
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Roughly chop spinach into bite-sized pieces, then place into the bowl containing the sauce.
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Toss spinach gently by hand or with tongs, evenly coating it with the seasoning mixture.
Step 6: Serve
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Transfer spinach to a serving plate or bowl.
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Sprinkle evenly with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Be sure not to over-blanch spinach; 30 seconds is ideal to maintain vibrant color and texture.
Gently squeeze spinach; too much force will break the leaves.
Can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Blanching
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 Cup
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0g