Fresh Spinach Namul: A Delightful Korean Side Dish
How to Make Delicious Spinach Namul: The Essential Korean Side Dish
Discover the best way to prepare fresh spinach, transforming it into a vibrant and flavorful Korean side dish. This simple yet delicious recipe will add a healthy and refreshing element to your everyday meals.
Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach
- Salt, to taste (for blanching)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for seasoned vegetables (or regular soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the spinach. Carefully remove any wilted or damaged leaves. Trim the roots and gently scrape away any soil. Rinse the spinach thoroughly under cold running water multiple times to ensure all dirt and debris are removed.
Step 2
Fill a pot with enough water to generously cover the spinach and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add a pinch of coarse salt. This helps to maintain the spinach’s vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Step 3
When the water is at a vigorous boil, carefully add the prepared spinach, starting with the root ends. Gently loosen the spinach in the boiling water as it begins to wilt.
Step 4
Blanch the spinach for a very short time, approximately 30 seconds. Be careful not to exceed 1 minute. Overcooking will result in mushy spinach and a loss of its nutrients and fresh flavor.
Step 5
Immediately after blanching, transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice-cold water (or cold water if ice is unavailable). This rapid cooling stops the cooking process, preserving the spinach’s crispness and bright green color.
Step 6
Gently lift the spinach from the cold water. Gather it in your hands and firmly squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Thoroughly draining the water is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture, preventing the dish from becoming watery.
Step 7
Place the squeezed spinach into a mixing bowl. Now it’s time to season. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for seasoned vegetables (or regular soy sauce) evenly over the spinach. You can adjust the amount of soy sauce based on the quantity of spinach and your personal preference.
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to enhance the nutty aroma and rich flavor. It’s best to add the sesame oil towards the end of the seasoning process to preserve its fragrant qualities.
Step 9
Finally, sprinkle generously with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. This adds a lovely texture and an extra layer of nutty flavor. For an even more intense sesame flavor, you can lightly crush the seeds before adding them.
Step 10
Now, gently toss and mix the spinach with the seasonings using your hands. Be careful not to overmix or squeeze too hard, as this can release too much moisture and create a ‘raw’ taste. Mix just until all ingredients are well combined. Your delicious and refreshing spinach namul is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
