Sesame oil spinach, also known as "Sigeumchi Namul" in Korean side dishes, is an easy-to-make dish with a delicate fragrance and full health benefits.
塞 Steps to Make Sesame Oil Spinach
The key to this dish is "crispness and bright green color."
Spinach 250-300 grams
Sesame oil 1-2 tablespoons
Light soy sauce or shoyu 1 tablespoon (or a pinch of salt to taste)
Finely minced garlic 1 clove
Toasted white sesame seeds 1 tablespoon
Blanch the spinach: Boil water with a pinch of salt, then blanch the spinach for only 30-60 seconds until it wilts and turns dark green.
Cold shock: Immediately transfer the spinach to ice-cold water to stop the cooking (this keeps it crisp and preserves color).
Squeeze out water: Press the spinach to remove as much water as possible, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Season: Mix in minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil evenly with the spinach.
Sprinkle sesame seeds: Finish by sprinkling toasted white sesame seeds, then serve.
This dish is savory, rich, and fragrant with sesame oil, so it pairs well with many foods:
Bibimbap (Korean mixed rice): an essential component.
Grilled beef or pork: helps cut through the richness of the meat.
Hot steamed rice and fried eggs: perfect for a quick but nutritious breakfast.
Noodles or ramen: adds fiber and aroma to the noodle bowl.
Spinach is called a "superfood" due to its dense nutrient content.
Eye care: Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent macular degeneration.
Bone support: Aids calcium absorption.
Antioxidant effects: Contains vitamins C and E that nourish skin and boost immunity.
Healthy fats from sesame oil: Contains unsaturated fatty acids that help lower blood cholesterol.
Caution: Spinach is high in oxalates, which can increase kidney stone risk if consumed excessively; blanching reduces oxalate levels.