Looking for a super quick, flavorful, and healthy Korean side dish? This Korean spinach salad (Sigeumchi Namul) is ready in under 5 minutes and is perfect for adding more greens to your meals. Blanched spinach tossed with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds delivers a savory, umami-packed flavor that pairs perfectly with rice, Korean proteins, or noodle dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes – ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Healthy & Vegan: Packed with nutrients, low in calories, and 100% plant-based.
- Versatile: Serve as a side dish, in bibimbap, kimbap, or as a light salad.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need spinach, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch (10 oz) fresh spinach, ends trimmed
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 stalk green onion, chopped
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Trim the Spinach: Slice the spinach into 2-inch pieces.
- Blanch: Boil a pot of salted water, add spinach, and blanch for 30 seconds until just wilted.
- Cool & Drain: Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then squeeze out excess water.
- Season: In a mixing bowl, combine spinach with garlic, green onion, soy sauce, salt, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Toss until evenly coated.
- Serve: Enjoy cold or at room temperature as a side dish or part of a Korean meal spread.
Expert Tips
- Quick Blanching: Only 30–60 seconds keeps the spinach tender-crisp.
- Ice Bath: Prevents overcooking and preserves the bright green color.
- Squeeze Well: Removing extra water ensures the spinach absorbs the seasoning.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- No need to reheat – this dish is served cold or at room temperature.
Perfect Pairings
- Proteins: Gochujang chicken, Korean bulgogi, or galbi jjim.
- Soups: Kimchi jjigae, tteok mandu guk, or soon dubu jjigae.
- Rice & Noodles: Bibimbap, japchae, or kimchi fried rice.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 63 kcal
- Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin A: 10,667 IU
- Vitamin C: 33 mg
This Korean spinach side dish is a must-try for anyone wanting a quick, flavorful, and nutrient-packed addition to any meal. Its simple ingredients, fast prep, and delicious umami flavor make it a staple in Korean home cooking – and now in your kitchen too!
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