Seasoned Spinach Salad (Sigumchi Namul)
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Korea with this Seasoned Spinach Salad, known as Sigumchi Namul. This quick and easy dish features fresh, tender spinach mixed with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Perfect as a stand-alone side dish or a vibrant accompaniment to your main course, this salad offers a nutritious way to elevate your meal. The contrasting textures and the nutty aroma of sesame seeds bring an added layer of enjoyment, making it a beloved staple in Korean cuisine. Serve it at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
4
Servings
45
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
1 lb (washed and trimmed)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
sesame oil
2 tablespoons (none)
sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (toasted)
crushed garlic
1 clove (freshly minced)
sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
vinegar
1 tablespoon (preferably rice vinegar)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand or dirt. It’s essential to ensure the leaves are clean.
2
In a steamer or a pot with a steaming basket, steam the fresh spinach for about 3-5 minutes, or until tender. Avoid overcooking to retain the vibrant green color.
3
Once the spinach is tender, transfer it to a strainer and let it cool down to room temperature.
4
When the spinach is cool enough to handle, gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible and chop the leaves coarsely.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach with soy sauce, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, minced garlic, sugar, vinegar, and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the spinach is well coated with the seasoning.
6
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve the salad at room temperature to enjoy its full flavor.
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
2.75g
Carbs
1g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sigumchi Namul?
Sigumchi Namul is a traditional Korean seasoned spinach salad known for its savory, nutty flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is made from soy sauce, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, minced garlic, sugar, vinegar, and black pepper.
How long should I steam the spinach?
Steam the fresh spinach for about 3-5 minutes until it is tender but still vibrant green.
Is this spinach salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including the seasonings, are plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Can I serve this dish hot?
While it can be eaten warm, it is traditionally served at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 45 calories.
What type of spinach is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh spinach, washed and trimmed.
Should I squeeze the water out of the spinach?
Yes, after cooling, you should gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Is there a specific type of vinegar recommended?
Rice vinegar is the preferred choice for this recipe to provide a mild acidity.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 3.5g of fat per serving.
Do I need to toast the sesame seeds?
Yes, using toasted sesame seeds adds a significantly better nutty aroma and flavor.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Absolutely, the recipe suggests tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your preference before serving.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutritious recipe with low calories and fresh vegetables.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
Each serving has about 2.75g of carbohydrates.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of crushed, freshly minced garlic.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is used to balance the savory flavors.
How much fiber is in the salad?
There is approximately 0.5g of fiber per serving.
What should the texture of the spinach be?
The spinach should be tender but not overcooked or mushy.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is recommended for the best texture and color, though frozen could be used in a pinch if thawed and squeezed dry.
Is there any protein in this dish?
Each serving provides about 1g of protein.
What category of dish is this?
This is categorized as a Vegetable side dish.
How much sesame oil is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
Should the spinach be chopped?
Yes, the instructions recommend chopping the leaves coarsely after squeezing out the water.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
No, according to the nutritional data provided, there is no cholesterol.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Korean cuisine, spinach salad, healthy recipe, and quick and easy.
How should I clean the spinach?
Rinse the spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand or dirt.
What equipment do I need to cook the spinach?
You will need a steamer or a pot with a steaming basket.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it can be made ahead and served at room temperature, making it great for meal prep.