Sigeumchi Namul is a popular Korean side dish made from spinach, seasoned simply with sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. It’s a quick and healthy banchan (side dish) often served with meals. Here’s a classic recipe for it:
Sigeumchi Namul Recipe (Korean Spinach Side Dish)
Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
- Salt (for blanching water)
- Optional: 1 tsp rice vinegar (for a tangy touch)
Instructions:
- Blanch the spinach:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Add the spinach to the boiling water and blanch for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the spinach is wilted.
- Quickly drain the spinach and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out excess water gently.
- Season the spinach:
- Place the spinach in a bowl and separate it with your hands or chop it into manageable lengths if needed.
- Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
- Mix everything well, gently massaging the seasoning into the spinach.
- Taste and adjust:
- Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or sesame oil as per your taste.
- Optionally, add a splash of rice vinegar for a slight tang.
- Serve:
- Transfer the seasoned spinach to a plate, sprinkle with extra sesame seeds, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy your Sigeumchi Namul as part of a Korean meal!