Savory and Nutty Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Muchim) Golden Recipe
Spinach Salad: A Flavorful and Healthy Side Dish
This is a classic recipe for making a simple and delicious seasoned spinach salad using fresh spinach. The minimal seasoning highlights the natural flavor of the spinach, enhanced by the nutty aroma of sesame oil and seeds, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. It’s a universally loved dish, so be sure to give it a try!
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch spinach
Seasoning
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by trimming any yellow or wilted leaves from the spinach. Gently clean the root ends and make a cross-shaped incision at the base of the roots. This helps the spinach cook evenly and absorb the seasoning better.
Step 2
Bring a generous amount of water to a rolling boil in a pot. Add half a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water. Carefully add the prepared spinach and blanch it very briefly, just until the leaves wilt, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as this will make the spinach mushy and diminish its texture.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, rinse the spinach thoroughly under cold running water. This is crucial to remove any remaining dirt or impurities. Once clean, gently but firmly squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach. Properly draining the water prevents the dish from becoming watery and ensures the seasoning adheres well. Place the drained spinach in a mixing bowl.
Step 4
Now it’s time to season and mix. Add 0.5 Tbsp of soy sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce), 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, 2 Tbsp of sesame oil, and 0.5 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds to the bowl. Adjust the salt to your preference. Gently toss and mix the spinach with your hands to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid mixing too vigorously, as this can create a raw, grassy flavor. Your delicious seasoned spinach salad is ready to enjoy!
