Savory Sesame-Infused Spinach
This delightful Korean side dish, known as 'Sigeumchi Namul,' brings out the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach through a luscious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and aromatic garlic. It's a staple in Korean cuisine, perfect as a side dish or an essential component in beloved recipes like Japchae (stir-fried noodles) and Bibimbap (rice dish with assorted vegetables and spicy sauce). The key to this recipe lies in the quick blanching technique that retains the bright green color and nutrients of the spinach, combined with the nutritious crunch of sesame seeds and the fresh bite of green onion. Serve it warm or chilled for a versatile addition to any meal.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
1 lb (washed and trimmed)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (none)
sesame seeds
1-2 tablespoons (toasted (optional))
green onion
1 (chopped/minced)
garlic
2 cloves (crushed)
sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
pepper
1 dash (none)
Instructions
1
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to boil.
2
Add the fresh spinach and boil for about 30 seconds, or until the leaves turn bright green and wilted. Be careful not to overcook.
3
Immediately remove the spinach from the pot and transfer it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and retain the vibrant color.
4
Once cooled, drain the spinach thoroughly. To remove excess moisture, take a handful of spinach at a time and squeeze gently. This will ensure the flavors of the sauce soak in nicely.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and a dash of pepper.
6
Add the drained spinach to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the spinach evenly.
7
Top with chopped green onion and sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish before serving. Enjoy your savory, sesame-infused spinach as a delightful accompaniment to any meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sigeumchi Namul?
Sigeumchi Namul is a classic Korean side dish made from blanched spinach seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic.
How long should I blanch the spinach?
You should blanch the spinach for about 30 seconds until the leaves are bright green and slightly wilted.
Why is an ice bath necessary?
An ice bath stops the cooking process immediately, which helps retain the spinach's vibrant green color and prevents it from becoming mushy.
How do I remove excess moisture from the spinach?
After draining, take a handful of spinach at a time and squeeze it gently to remove as much water as possible.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this savory sesame-infused spinach recipe is naturally vegan.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, as standard soy sauce contains wheat.
What can I serve with this spinach?
It is a perfect side dish for Korean meals and is a key component in dishes like Bibimbap and Japchae.
How long does this dish stay fresh?
You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen spinach if it is thawed and squeezed very dry.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes (gochugaru) or a bit of chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.
What is the key to the flavor of this dish?
The combination of toasted sesame oil and minced garlic provides the signature aromatic and savory profile.
Can I use other greens for this recipe?
Yes, the same seasoning method works well with other greens like Swiss chard, bok choy, or kale.
Is the sugar in the recipe necessary?
The sugar helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce, but it can be omitted or replaced with a natural sweetener like honey.
What type of sesame oil should I use?
Toasted sesame oil is best for this recipe as it offers a much deeper and nuttier flavor than light sesame oil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 2 servings as a side dish.
Can I serve this dish warm?
Yes, you can serve it warm immediately after tossing it with the seasonings.
Can I serve this dish chilled?
Yes, it is very common to serve Sigeumchi Namul chilled or at room temperature.
What kind of soy sauce is best?
Regular soy sauce works well, but Korean soup soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) can be used for a more traditional salty depth.
Do I need to toast the sesame seeds?
Toasting the sesame seeds is optional but highly recommended as it enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is very healthy, providing plenty of vitamins from the spinach and healthy fats from the sesame oil.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of crushed garlic, but you can adjust this amount based on your personal taste preference.
Can I use pre-washed bagged spinach?
Yes, pre-washed and trimmed bagged spinach is a great time-saver for this recipe.
Why is my spinach soggy?
Sogginess is usually caused by not squeezing out enough water after blanching or by overcooking the leaves.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance as the flavors often meld together even better over time.
What is the role of green onion in this recipe?
Chopped green onion adds a fresh, sharp bite that balances the richness of the sesame oil.
Can I substitute the sugar?
Yes, you can substitute sugar with maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar-free alternative if desired.
How do I trim the spinach?
Trim off the tough bottom stems, but you can leave the pinkish root ends if they are small and tender as they are sweet.
Is this suitable for Bibimbap?
Absolutely, this is one of the most common vegetable toppings used in a traditional Bibimbap bowl.
Is this suitable for Japchae?
Yes, this seasoned spinach is traditionally mixed into Japchae (Korean glass noodles) for color and flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe; just ensure your pot is large enough to blanch the spinach in batches if needed.