Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Spinach)
Blanched spinach dressed with sesame, garlic and soy.
Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Spinach) is a classic vegetarian Korean recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 3 and comes together in roughly 10 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 10 minutes without much fuss. The method is straightforward, with each step doing one clear job so the finished dish tastes balanced rather than busy.
The headline ingredients here are spinach, garlic and soy sauce. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them.
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80
kcal
5g
Protein
6g
Carbs
5g
Fat
Ingredients
- spinach400 g
- garlic1 clove
- soy sauce1 tbsp
- sesame oil1 tbsp
- sesame seeds1 tbsp
Method
- 1Step 1 ~3 min
Blanch spinach 30 sec, plunge into iced water.
- 2Step 2 ~3 min
Squeeze dry; chop.
- 3Step 3 ~3 min
Toss with garlic, soy, sesame oil.
- 4Step 4 ~3 min
Sprinkle sesame seeds.
Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 10 minutes.
Pro tips & common mistakes
- Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.
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Frequently asked questions
- How long does Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Spinach) take to cook?
- From prep to plate, Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Spinach) takes about 10 minutes and yields 3 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
- Is Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Spinach) vegetarian?
- Yes — this version of Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Spinach) is fully vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, swap any dairy or eggs for a plant-based equivalent of the same texture.
- What are the key ingredients in Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Spinach)?
- The headline ingredients are spinach, garlic, soy sauce. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
- Can I scale this recipe up or down?
- Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 6. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
- How should I store the leftovers?
- Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
- Can I freeze Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Spinach)?
- Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
- What should I serve with Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Spinach)?
- Sigeumchi Namul (Sesame Spinach) pairs naturally with classic korean sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
- What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
- Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.