Korean Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul) Recipe
Korean Spinach Salad, known as Sigeumchi Namul, is a simple and flavorful side dish featuring blanched fresh spinach dressed in a savory or spicy sesame-soy dressing. This traditional Korean banchan provides a delicious balance of tender greens with a nutty and umami-rich seasoning, perfect as a healthy accompaniment to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1.5 lb Fresh Spinach with the stems on
- 1 Green Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (divided)
Dressing – Savory Flavor
- 4 tbsp Soy Sauce (divided)
- 4 tbsp Sesame Oil (divided)
- 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds, crushed
Dressing – Spicy Flavor
- 0.5 tbsp Korean Red Chili Flakes
- 0.5 tbsp Korean Chili Paste
- 1 tsp Sugar
Other
- 1 tsp Salt (for blanching)
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach: Cut off the stems from the fresh spinach and rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt. Drain well and set aside.
- Blanch Spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the spinach and blanch for 30 seconds. Immediately remove the spinach and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain and Squeeze: Squeeze out all excess water from the spinach and form it into two compact balls. Cut each ball in half to prepare for seasoning.
- Make Savory Dressing: In a bowl, combine 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, half of the chopped green onion, and 1 tablespoon of crushed sesame seeds.
- Season Savory Spinach: Add half of the prepared spinach to the savory dressing and toss gently to coat thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Make Spicy Dressing: In another bowl, mix 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, the remaining half of the chopped green onion, 1 tablespoon crushed sesame seeds, 0.5 tablespoon Korean red chili flakes, 0.5 tablespoon Korean chili paste, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
- Season Spicy Spinach: Add the remaining half of the spinach to the spicy dressing and mix well to ensure the flavors are fully incorporated.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach with stems for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes and paste according to your spice preference.
- The salad can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly before crushing for a nuttier flavor.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free soy sauce.
Keywords: Korean Spinach Salad, Sigeumchi Namul, Korean side dish, spinach salad, sesame dressing, healthy Korean recipe
