Spinach Namul: A Sweet and Savory Korean Side Dish
The Ultimate Golden Recipe for Sweet Seasoned Spinach (Namul)!
Let’s make a delicious seasoned spinach side dish using fresh spring spinach. This recipe is simple yet brings out a wonderful, slightly sweet flavor perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh spinach
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start making this wonderfully sweet and delicious seasoned spinach (namul), capturing the fresh essence of spring!
Step 2
Thoroughly wash the spinach, paying special attention to removing any soil from the roots. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt (about 1/2 tsp), and then blanch the cleaned spinach for no more than 40 seconds. Blanching it very briefly is key to maintaining its crisp texture and vibrant green color.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, drain the spinach and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Gently but firmly squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach. This step is crucial to prevent the namul from becoming watery and to ensure the seasonings adhere well.
Step 4
In a mixing bowl with the drained spinach, add the seasoning ingredients. You’ll need 1/2 tsp of salt to season, 1 tsp of minced garlic for a hint of pungent flavor, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for nutty aroma, and 1 tsp of sesame oil for a rich, fragrant finish.
Step 5
Combine the spinach and all the seasonings. Gently toss and mix the ingredients together with your hands, as if you’re ‘jungle-jungling’ them. Be careful not to over-mix or mash the spinach; the goal is to evenly coat the leaves with the seasonings.
Step 6
And there you have it! Your delightful, sweet, and savory spring spinach namul is ready. Enjoy this perfect side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or as a component in bibimbap!
