Simple Spinach Namul (Seasoned Spinach)
Spinach Namul: Super Easy Side Dish Recipe
This is my daughter’s favorite side dish!^^ Spinach namul is not only healthy but also delicious.♡
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh spinach
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 tsp minced garlic
- Salt to taste (preferably Korean coarse salt)
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 tsp minced garlic
- Salt to taste (preferably Korean coarse salt)
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the spinach. Trim the root ends, removing any dirt attached, and discard any yellowed or wilted leaves.
Step 2
While the leafy parts are generally considered the healthiest, some people prefer to trim off the very tips of the stems. In this recipe, we’ve trimmed them because my daughter prefers it that way. Feel free to adjust this to your preference.
Step 3
Rinse the prepared spinach thoroughly under cold running water at least two to three times. It’s important to wash it well to remove any remaining dirt or grit.
Step 4
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of coarse salt to the boiling water. Adding salt helps to maintain the vibrant green color of the spinach.
Step 5
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the spinach. Gently press it down with chopsticks or a spoon to ensure it’s fully submerged. The blanching time depends on the thickness of the spinach stems, but aim for a short duration of about 30 to 50 seconds. Overcooking will make it mushy, so be mindful of the time!
Step 6
Immediately after blanching, drain the spinach and plunge it into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve its crisp texture. Squeeze out as much water as possible with your hands. Transfer the squeezed spinach to a mixing bowl and add the sesame oil, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and salt. Adjust the salt according to your preference.
Step 7
Gently toss and mix everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the spinach. Transfer the seasoned spinach to a serving dish and sprinkle a final pinch of sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty aroma. Your delicious and simple spinach namul is now ready to be enjoyed!
