Tender Korean Spinach – Nutty and Flavorful
Tender Korean Spinach, or Sigeumchi Namul, is a quick and flavorful Korean side dish made with fresh spinach, toasted sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and green onion. It is tender, nutty, savory, and easy to prepare in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh spinach – Baby spinach or mature spinach works well.
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil – Adds a rich nutty flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic – Freshly minced for savory flavor.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds – Toasted for extra nuttiness and texture.
- 1 green onion – Thinly sliced for a fresh mild onion flavor.
- ¼ tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
- ¼ tsp Korean red pepper flakes – Optional for a touch of heat.
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under cool running water. Trim any tough stems and drain well.
- Blanch the Spinach: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch briefly, just until the leaves are wilted and tender. Avoid overcooking.
- Cool and Drain: Transfer the blanched spinach to cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.
- Squeeze Dry: Gently squeeze the spinach with your hands to remove as much excess water as possible. This helps the seasonings cling to the greens.
- Separate the Spinach: Place the spinach in a mixing bowl and gently loosen any large clumps with your fingers.
- Add Seasonings: Add the toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sliced green onion, salt, and optional Korean red pepper flakes.
- Toss: Gently toss the spinach until all the leaves are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Taste and Serve: Taste and adjust the salt or soy sauce if needed. Serve immediately, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid over-blanching the spinach because it can become too soft and watery.
- Squeeze the spinach very well after blanching to prevent diluted seasoning.
- Toasted sesame oil provides the signature nutty flavor, so use it rather than regular sesame oil when possible.
- Adjust the soy sauce and salt according to your taste.
- Add Korean red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
- This Korean spinach can be served cold, at room temperature, or slightly warm.
- For the best quality, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 3–4 days.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 65 kcal
- Total Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g