Savory Spinach Salad with Fish Sauce Dressing
Spinach Salad with Fish Sauce
This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic Korean seasoned spinach, usually made with homemade soy sauce and salt. In this version, when the homemade soy sauce ran out, fish sauce was used instead, resulting in a surprisingly delicious and deeply flavorful dish. The umami from the fish sauce perfectly complements the freshness of the spinach, making it an irresistible side dish for any meal. Try this simple yet special spinach salad!
Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach (approx. 300g)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (from 3 cloves)
- 1/2 Tbsp anchovy fish sauce or sand lance fish sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of coarse salt (for blanching spinach)
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare and Blanch Spinach: Trim the roots of the spinach and wash it thoroughly. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil with a pinch of coarse salt (about 1/2 tsp). Add the spinach and blanch for just 15 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy and lose nutrients. Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, gently squeeze out as much water as possible using both hands. This helps retain the spinach’s crisp texture and vibrant green color.
Step 2
Prepare Garlic: Finely mince or crush the 3 cloves of garlic. This adds a wonderful aromatic depth to the spinach salad.
Step 3
Combine and Season (Part 1): Place the squeezed spinach in a large mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic and 1/2 Tbsp of anchovy or sand lance fish sauce. It’s best to start with less fish sauce and adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can always add more if needed.
Step 4
Combine and Season (Part 2): Drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and rich flavor.
Step 5
Mix and Garnish: Gently toss and mix all the ingredients together with your hands until the spinach is evenly coated with the seasonings. Avoid mixing too vigorously to prevent the spinach from becoming mushy. Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy this delicious and easy spinach salad with your favorite meal!
