Quick & Healthy Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Namul) Recipe

Korean Spinach Side Dish, or sigeumchi namul, holds a special place in my heart from the countless family dinners where my grandmother would effortlessly transform simple spinach into something magical. I still remember watching her nimble fingers work through the emerald leaves, seasoning them with just the right amount of sesame oil and garlic.

This traditional banchan (side dish) isn’t just food—it’s a connection to Korean heritage that brings warmth and nutrition to any meal. Whether you’re preparing a Korean feast or simply want to add a healthy, flavorful side to your dinner table, this authentic recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a dish that’s both incredibly nutritious and bursting with flavor using just a handful of simple ingredients. This Korean spinach side dish has become my go-to solution for those moments when I need something fresh and vibrant on the table quickly. The combination of nutty sesame oil, aromatic garlic, and toasted sesame seeds creates layers of flavor that complement everything from grilled meats to simple rice bowls.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and health benefits. Packed with iron, vitamins, and minerals, it’s a guilt-free addition that actually makes your meal more nutritious. I love how it keeps well in the refrigerator for days, making it perfect for meal prep or spontaneous Korean-inspired dinners. Explore more quick & easy recipes here to discover similar time-saving dishes that bring authentic flavors to your kitchen.

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious Korean spinach side dish:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the authentic Korean flavors that make this side dish so addictive. Find more healthy recipe ideas here for additional nutritious options that fit perfectly into your weekly meal planning routine.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating this authentic Korean spinach side dish is surprisingly straightforward, but the technique makes all the difference in achieving that perfect restaurant-quality texture and flavor.

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to help maintain the spinach’s vibrant green color.

Step 2: Clean the spinach thoroughly under cold running water, removing any dirt or grit. Trim the tough stem ends but keep the tender stems attached.

Step 3: Blanch the spinach in the boiling water for exactly 30-45 seconds. The leaves should be wilted but still bright green.

Step 4: Immediately transfer the spinach to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. This crucial step preserves the color and prevents overcooking.

Step 5: Drain the spinach thoroughly and squeeze out excess water using your hands. Form it into a tight ball and squeeze again—removing moisture is key to preventing a watery dish.

Step 6: Roughly chop the squeezed spinach into 2-inch pieces and place in a mixing bowl.

Step 7: Add minced garlic, chopped green onion, soy sauce, salt, and sesame oil. Mix gently with your hands or chopsticks until evenly combined.

Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Exact Timing to make Korean Spinach Side Dish

This efficient Korean spinach side dish comes together in just 12 minutes total:

• Prep time: 5 minutes (cleaning and trimming spinach, mincing garlic)
• Blanching time: 1 minute (30-45 seconds in boiling water)
• Cooling and draining: 3 minutes (ice bath and squeezing excess water)
• Seasoning and mixing: 3 minutes (combining ingredients and final adjustments)

Nutritional Information

This Korean spinach side dish is a nutritional powerhouse that delivers impressive health benefits in every serving. Here’s the complete breakdown per serving (recipe serves 4):

According to USDA nutritional data, spinach is particularly rich in vitamin K, which supports bone health and blood clotting. The sesame oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats and adds vitamin E, while garlic provides compounds with potential cardiovascular benefits.

Healthier Alternatives

While this Korean Spinach Side Dish is already quite healthy, you can customize it to meet specific dietary needs without sacrificing the authentic Korean flavors:

These modifications allow you to enjoy this traditional Korean dish while aligning with your health goals. Discover more nutritious recipe alternatives here for additional ways to enhance your meal planning with healthier options.

Serving Suggestions

Korean BBQ Companion: This Korean spinach side dish shines alongside grilled meats like bulgogi, galbi, or Korean-style pork belly. The fresh, garlicky flavors cut through rich, fatty meats perfectly, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.

Rice Bowl Base: Transform this banchan into a complete meal by serving it over steamed rice with a fried egg on top. Add some kimchi and pickled vegetables for a balanced Korean-inspired bowl that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Bibimbap Essential: Include this seasoned spinach as one of the traditional vegetables in homemade bibimbap. Its earthy flavor and tender texture complement other classic banchan like seasoned bean sprouts, carrots, and mushrooms beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-blanching the Spinach: The most critical error is leaving spinach in boiling water too long. Anything beyond 45 seconds results in mushy, overcooked leaves that lose their vibrant color and appealing texture. Always have your ice bath ready before you start blanching.

Insufficient Water Removal: Failing to squeeze out excess water thoroughly leads to a watery, diluted dish that lacks the concentrated flavors this Korean spinach side dish is known for. Take time to really squeeze the spinach ball tightly—you’ll be surprised how much water comes out.

Adding Seasonings to Wet Spinach: Never season spinach that still contains excess moisture. The water will dilute your carefully measured soy sauce and sesame oil, resulting in bland, soggy spinach instead of the flavorful, well-seasoned banchan you’re aiming for.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Store your Korean spinach side dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as the garlic and sesame oil have time to meld together. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination.

Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for weekly meal prep since it maintains its texture and flavor well. Prepare a double batch on Sunday and portion it into individual containers alongside other Korean banchan for quick, healthy lunches throughout the week.

Freezing Guidelines: While fresh is best, you can freeze this Korean spinach side dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and drain any excess moisture before serving. The texture may be slightly softer, but the flavors remain delicious.

FAQs

Korean Spinach Side Dish

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• Author: julia
• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This quick and healthy Korean Spinach Side Dish, or Sigeumchi Namul, is a light, flavorful banchan that comes together in just minutes. Packed with nutrients and the nutty aroma of sesame oil, this easy recipe is perfect for meal prep or pairing with rice and grilled meats. A must-try for those who love recipes vegetarian healthy, recipes korean, and recipes for lunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bunch (10 oz) spinach, ends trimmed
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 stalk green onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
2. Rinse spinach thoroughly under cold water and trim the ends.
3. Blanch spinach in boiling water for 30–45 seconds until wilted but bright green.
4. Transfer immediately to an ice water bath to stop cooking.
5. Drain well and squeeze out excess water completely.
6. Chop spinach into 2-inch pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
7. Add garlic, green onion, soy sauce, salt, and sesame oil.
8. Mix gently until evenly coated, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh spinach and high-quality sesame oil. This side dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes great served cold or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Blanching
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sigeumchi namul, korean spinach, korean side dish, healthy spinach recipe, recipes korean, recipes vegetarian healthy