Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)

Super easy and flavorful, the Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul) is a delightful addition to any meal. This vibrant salad is not only quick to prepare—taking just under 5 minutes—but also packed with nutrition. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a refreshing snack, this dish highlights the natural flavors of spinach while incorporating delicious Asian seasonings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish can be made in just 5 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich flavor profile that complements any meal.
• Versatile Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a larger spread; this side dish fits many cuisines.
• Healthy Option: With minimal calories and great nutritional benefits, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy vegetables.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking the Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul), gather your tools. Having everything in place makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot
• Ice bath bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot: Essential for blanching spinach quickly while retaining its vibrant color and nutrients.
• Ice bath bowl: Stops the cooking process instantly, preserving the spinach’s crispness and bright green color.
• Mixing bowl: Allows for easy combination of all ingredients without spilling.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul), you’ll need the following ingredients:

Fresh Ingredients

• 1 bunch (10 oz) spinach (ends trimmed)
• 1 clove garlic (finely minced)
• 1 stalk green onion (chopped)

Seasoning Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

How to Make Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)

Step 1: Trim the Spinach

Place the spinach on a cutting board. Trim the ends and slice into about 2-inch pieces. This will help with even cooking and easier mixing later.

Step 2: Blanch the Spinach

Bring a pot of water with salt to a boil over high heat. Add the spinach and blanch for 30 seconds or until just wilted. This step ensures that your spinach retains its vibrant color.

Step 3: Cool in an Ice Bath

Once blanched, transfer the spinach immediately into an ice bath. This stops further cooking. Gently squeeze out all excess water after cooling.

Step 4: Mix

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach with minced garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, salt, toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul) on the side of your meal. Enjoy this fresh and tasty dish!

How to Serve Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)

Korean spinach side dish, or Sigeumchi Namul, is a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal. It pairs well with a variety of dishes and can elevate your dining experience.

With Grilled Meats

• Bulgogi – Enjoy this fresh side with marinated beef bulgogi for a balanced meal.
• Samgyeopsal – The refreshing spinach complements the richness of grilled pork belly nicely.

As Part of a Korean BBQ Spread

• Banchan Variety – Serve Sigeumchi Namul alongside other traditional banchan to create a colorful and flavorful spread.
• Rice and Kimchi – This dish goes perfectly with steamed rice and spicy kimchi for an authentic Korean experience.

In Rice Bowls

• Vegetable Rice Bowl – Add Sigeumchi Namul to your rice bowls for added texture and flavor.
• Bibimbap – Incorporate it into bibimbap to enhance the mix of flavors and colors.

As a Snack

• Quick Snack Option – Enjoy this dish as a healthy snack on its own or with some rice cakes for extra crunch.

How to Perfect Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)

To make the best version of Sigeumchi Namul, keep these tips in mind for perfect results every time.

• Use Fresh Spinach – Fresh spinach will yield a vibrant color and better texture compared to frozen options.
• Don’t Overcook – Blanch only until wilted to preserve the spinach’s bright green color and nutrients.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go! Adjust soy sauce or salt according to your preference for savory flavor.
• Chill Properly – An ice bath is essential; it helps maintain the crispness of the spinach after blanching.
• Experiment with Garlic – For stronger garlic flavor, increase the amount or use roasted garlic instead of raw.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)

Sigeumchi Namul pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some popular options:

1. Kimchi – A staple in Korean cuisine, its spicy tanginess enhances the mild spinach.
2. Korean Potato Salad – Creamy and sweet, it balances out the freshness of the spinach dish.
3. Pickled Radish (Danmuji) – This bright yellow pickled radish adds crunch and sweetness, creating contrast on your plate.
4. Japchae – Savory stir-fried glass noodles provide a delightful texture along with the spinach side.
5. Steamed Egg (Gyeran-jjim) – Light and fluffy steamed eggs add richness that complements Sigeumchi Namul well.
6. Spicy Tofu Stir-fry – A bit of heat from spicy tofu adds depth and excitement next to this refreshing dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul), it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the blanching step: Blanching helps preserve the spinach’s bright color and softens it. Always blanch for about 30 seconds before cooling in an ice bath.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and green onions add vibrant flavors. Using stale ingredients can result in a bland dish.
• Overcooking the spinach: Cooking spinach too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it while blanching to ensure it’s just wilted.
• Ignoring seasoning balance: Adding too much or too little soy sauce can throw off the flavor. Taste as you mix and adjust to your preference.
• Forgetting to squeeze out excess water: Not removing excess water from blanched spinach can make the dish watery. Gently squeeze out any extra moisture after cooling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Timeframe: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to keep the spinach fresh.

Freezing Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)

• Timeframe: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring all air is removed.

Reheating Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet for about 3-5 minutes until warmed, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul).

Can I use frozen spinach for Sigeumchi Namul?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen spinach, but be sure to squeeze out excess water before mixing with seasonings.

What other vegetables can I include in this Korean Spinach Side Dish?

Feel free to add thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition.

How do I serve Korean Spinach Side Dish?

Korean Spinach Side Dish is typically served cold or at room temperature as a banchan alongside rice and other dishes.

Is Sigeumchi Namul healthy?

Yes! This dish is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.

Can I make Sigeumchi Namul ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for three days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul) is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile enough to pair with various meals. Feel free to customize it by adding other veggies or adjusting seasonings. Give this delightful side dish a try; you’ll love how it brightens your plate!

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Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul)

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 6 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 as a side dish 1x

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Description

Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul) is a quick and nutritious addition to any meal, taking less than 5 minutes to prepare. This vibrant dish showcases the fresh flavors of spinach, enhanced by savory garlic, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a refreshing snack. Whether served alongside grilled meats or as part of a larger Korean banchan spread, Sigeumchi Namul offers a delightful taste experience while being low in calories and packed with vitamins. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this side dish is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bunch (10 oz) spinach
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 stalk green onion (chopped)
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Trim the ends of the spinach and cut into 2-inch pieces.
2. Boil water in a pot; add salt and blanch spinach for 30 seconds until wilted.
3. Transfer the spinach to an ice bath immediately to stop cooking; squeeze out excess water after cooling.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach with garlic, green onion, soy sauce, salt, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Mix well.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite dishes.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Blanching
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 70g
• Calories: 40
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg