Name: Delicious Korean Spinach Side Dish in Just 5 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 bunch Spinach (Fresh and nutrient-rich); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced right before using); 2 tablespoons Green Onion (Chopped, can substitute with chives); 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (Low-sodium is preferable); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Adjust according to preference); 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil (Indispensable for authentic taste); 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (Optional, adds crunch and nuttiness)

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The aroma of sautéed garlic and toasted sesame oil wafts through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to bustling Korean markets. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Korean Spinach, also known as Sigeumchi Namul. This quick and easy side dish not only brightens up my meals but is a marvelous way to sneak in some nutritious greens, perfect for busy weeknights! In under five minutes, you can whip together this gluten-free delight that’s bursting with savory flavors and complements any main course beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, you’ll love how effortlessly this dish comes together. Curious about how to make your meals healthier without sacrificing flavor? Let’s dive into this simple recipe!

Why is Korean Spinach a Must-Try?

Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in just five minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights.

Healthy Addition: Packed with nutrients, it’s a great way to increase your vegetable intake and support a balanced diet.

Versatility: Use bok choy or kale if you’re looking for alternatives, making it easy to adapt to what you have on hand.

Savory Flavor: The combination of toasted sesame oil and garlic provides a deliciously nutty and aromatic profile that’s hard to resist.

Perfect Side Dish: It beautifully complements main courses, like my favorite Korean Ramen Grilled or adds flair to your plate alongside a Chicken Spinach Casserole.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served at a dinner party or just for you, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy!

Korean Spinach Ingredients

For the Spinach Dish

Spinach – Fresh and nutrient-rich; it’s the star of this Korean spinach recipe!
Garlic – Fresh garlic adds depth; it’s best when minced right before using.
Green Onion – Provides a mild and colorful contrast; you can swap it with chives for a different taste.
Soy Sauce – Adds that savory umami flavor; opt for low-sodium for a healthier choice.
Salt – Enhances all flavors; adjust according to personal preference.
Toasted Sesame Oil – This rich oil delivers a nutty flavor that’s indispensable for authentic taste.
Toasted Sesame Seeds – Adds crunch and nuttiness; feel free to omit if you don’t have any on hand.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Spinach

Step 1: Trim Spinach
Begin by preparing your fresh spinach for cooking. Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the ends of the stems and chop the spinach into 2-inch pieces, ensuring they are manageable for blanching. Set aside while you boil the water.

Step 2: Blanch Spinach
In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a rapid boil and add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Once boiling, carefully add the chopped spinach and blanch for 30 seconds. Keep an eye on the spinach; it should turn bright green and wilt slightly without losing its crispness.

Step 3: Cool Spinach
Immediately transfer the blanched spinach into a bowl filled with ice water, which stops the cooking process and retains its vibrant color. Submerge the spinach completely for about two minutes. After cooling, gently squeeze out excess water using your hands and set it aside in a clean bowl.

Step 4: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach with minced garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, salt, and toasted sesame oil. Toss everything together thoroughly until the spinach is well-coated. The mixture should be flavorful and aromatic, highlighting the essence of this Korean spinach dish.

Step 5: Serve
Your Korean Spinach side dish is now ready to enjoy! Serve it cold or at room temperature, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch. This quick and easy dish pairs beautifully with rice or other Korean mains, making it a delightful addition to your meals.

Make Ahead Options

These Korean Spinach (Sigeumchi Namul) are perfect for those busy days when you need a quick side dish ready to go! You can blanch the spinach and mix the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. To do this, follow the initial steps of blanching the spinach, cooling it, and then gently squeezing out excess water. Combine with minced garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply give it a good toss to refresh the ingredients, and enjoy this delicious side dish just as flavorful as if it were freshly made!

What to Serve with Quick & Easy Korean Spinach Side Dish?

This vibrant Korean spinach side dish beautifully complements various meals, adding a refreshing burst of flavor and nutrition.

Steamed Rice:
A fluffy bowl of warm steamed rice provides the perfect backdrop to absorb the savory flavors of the spinach.
Spicy Kimchi:
The tangy heat of kimchi creates a delightful contrast, enhancing your meal with probiotics and crunch.
Grilled Chicken:
Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and a charred flavor, balancing perfectly with the nutty spinach dish.
Soy-Glazed Tofu:
Light and protein-rich, soy-glazed tofu shares similar umami notes, making your meal cohesive and satisfying.
Japanese Pickles:
The crisp and tart profile of pickles creates an engaging textural contrast, elevating your dining experience.
Chilled Soba Noodles:
These buckwheat noodles offer a firm yet tender texture, complementing the fresh taste of spinach while staying refreshing for warmer days.
Sesame Dressing Salad:
A light salad topped with sesame dressing reinforces the nuttiness of the spinach, creating a beautiful harmony throughout your meal.
Korean BBQ Meat:
Tender, marinated meats from a Korean BBQ provide robust flavors that play wonderfully with the spinach’s subtlety.
Green Tea:
A warm cup of green tea enhances digestion and provides a calming finish to your vibrant meal of flavors.

How to Store and Freeze Korean Spinach

Fridge: Store leftover Korean spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Freezer: If you want to store it longer, place the spinach in a freezer-friendly bag, pressing out as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Thawing: To enjoy frozen Korean spinach, simply transfer it to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also use a microwave to defrost it quickly if you’re in a hurry.

Reheating: If desired, reheat briefly in a skillet over low heat, but remember that this dish is traditionally served cold or at room temperature for the optimal taste.

Korean Spinach Variations to Explore

Feel free to get creative with your Korean spinach dish—delight in new textures and flavors!

Greens Alternatives: Substitute spinach with bok choy or kale for a different leafy profile. Each option offers unique textures while maintaining that savory flavor.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of rice vinegar for a refreshing tang or sprinkle chili flakes for a spicy kick. Just a hint of heat will take this dish to a new level of excitement!
Add Crunch: Toss in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch. This contrast brings a delightful texture that pairs beautifully with the tender spinach.
Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked chickpeas or edamame for an easy protein boost. This makes your side dish more filling and nourishing, making it great for a light lunch.
Sesame Variation: Try using different types of sesame oil, like garlic-infused for an extra flavor dimension. It deepens the dish’s flavor while bringing in new aromas.
Herbs Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint when mixing the ingredients. Fresh herbs can brighten the flavors and add unique aromatic notes.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with other Korean side dishes like bean sprout salad or braised potatoes for a colorful and diverse table spread. It rounds out the meal beautifully.
Spicy Version: Add gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for a fiery twist. This introduces a delicious layer of heat to complement the rich umami flavors.

Embrace these variations and make the Korean spinach dish your own! Whether you enjoy it as a side to the comforting Korean Ramen Grilled or alongside a hearty Chicken Spinach Casserole, your taste buds are in for a treat!

Expert Tips for Korean Spinach

Perfect Blanching: Don’t over-blanch the spinach; aim for just 30 seconds. This keeps it bright green and slightly crisp, enhancing the texture of the Korean spinach.
Fresh Garlic: Always use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced. Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor that truly elevates your dish.
Low-Sodium Option: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep your Korean spinach healthier without sacrificing the savory flavor.
Authentic Oil: Use toasted sesame oil, as it brings an authentic nutty flavor. Avoid regular oils to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Storage Wisely: Store leftover Korean spinach in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days without losing its great taste.

Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul) Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to select fresh spinach?
Absolutely! When selecting spinach, look for vibrant, leafy greens without any dark spots or wilting. The leaves should feel firm and crisp to the touch. If you’re substituting with bok choy or kale, ensure those greens are fresh as well, with no yellowing or soft spots.

How should I store leftover Korean spinach?
Leftover Korean spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation. This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no need to reheat when serving later!

Can I freeze Korean spinach?
Certainly! To freeze your Korean spinach, first let it cool completely. Place the spinach in a freezer-friendly bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What should I do if the spinach turns out too bitter?
If you find your spinach isn’t tasting right, it’s possible that the leaves were overcooked. To avoid this in the future, remember to blanch for just 30 seconds. If bitterness occurs, you can counteract it by adding a bit more soy sauce or sesame oil when mixing your ingredients, as it enhances flavor and balances the dish.

Is this recipe suitable for those with allergies?
Very! This Korean spinach recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. However, always check the labels to ensure they’re free of allergens. If you are cooking for pets, avoid adding any salt or sauces, and serve them plain blanched spinach instead.