The Easiest & Most Delicious Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Muchim)
Baek Jong-won Spinach Recipe, How to Blanch Spinach, Quick and Easy Namul Side Dish
Learn how to make a delicious spinach side dish (Sigeumchi Muchim) by lightly blanching it for a perfectly tender yet crisp texture. This recipe, inspired by Baek Jong-won, makes it even easier and tastier to enjoy this healthy Korean classic.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 bunch fresh spinach
- 1 handful carrots (approx. 30g), thinly julienned
- A pinch of chopped green onion (approx. 1 Tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (approx. 1/2 Tbsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Hello everyone! Today, I’ll share an incredibly easy and delicious recipe for Sigeumchi Muchim (seasoned spinach). Namul made with fresh spinach is a perfect accompaniment to any meal. The fragrant sesame oil and savory sesame seeds create a wonderful harmony that whets the appetite. Let’s make this delightful spinach namul right away!
Step 2
First, wash the spinach thoroughly under running water. Pay special attention to the roots, as they can hold onto dirt. You can trim the very ends of the roots or rinse them meticulously. Avoid washing the spinach for too long, as it can degrade nutrients. A quick rinse 2-3 times is usually sufficient.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the cleaned spinach (using ‘seomcho’ spinach, which has red roots and a natural sweetness, will make it even more delicious!). Blanch it for just 40 seconds. Overcooking will make the spinach mushy and diminish its crisp texture, so timing is crucial!
Step 4
Immediately after blanching, remove the spinach from the hot water and rinse it quickly under cold running water. This step helps to retain the vibrant green color and enhances the crisp texture. Gently squeeze out excess water by cupping the spinach in your hands. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can release a raw ‘green’ smell. A gentle squeeze is key.
Step 5
Place the squeezed spinach in a bowl and add all the seasonings. Gently mix everything together with your hands. Add the salt (1/2 tsp), minced garlic (1/2 tsp), chopped green onion (a pinch), sesame oil (1 tsp), and the julienned carrots (1 handful). Mix and massage the ingredients into the spinach until everything is evenly distributed. The carrots add a lovely color and a delightful crunch, making the spinach muchim more satisfying.
Step 6
Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a perfect finish! The slightly pungent yet sweet flavor of the spinach, combined with the savory sesame oil and nutty sesame seeds, is simply exquisite. Served over a bowl of warm rice, it’s pure deliciousness. This simple yet nutritious spinach muchim is a wonderful addition to your dinner table tonight!
