Spinach Namul (Korean Seasoned Spinach)
Spinach Namul (Korean Seasoned Spinach) is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 30 calories per serving. Recipe by Cafe Maddy on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 1 min | Total: 18 min
Cost: $1.80 total, $0.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 300 g Spinach (fresh, washed)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for flavor)
- 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (lightly toasted)
Instructions
Boil Water
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 100°C
Blanch Spinach
Add the spinach to the boiling water and simmer for exactly 10 seconds.
Time: PT0M10S
Temperature: 100°C
Shock in Ice Water
Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of ice‑cold water to stop cooking and lock in crispness.
Time: PT1M
Drain and Squeeze
Drain the spinach in a colander, then gently squeeze out excess water with your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
Time: PT2M
Season and Massage
Transfer the spinach to a large bowl. Add minced garlic, salt, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Using clean hands or a wooden spoon, massage the mixture until the spinach is evenly coated.
Time: PT3M
Serve
Transfer the seasoned spinach to a serving dish and enjoy as a banchan alongside rice and other Korean dishes.
Time: PT0M30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 30
- Protein
- 2g
- Carbohydrates
- 3g
- Fat
- 2g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spinach: Swiss chard, Kale (thinly sliced)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (¾ tsp)
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil (for nutty flavor)
- Instead of Toasted Sesame Seeds: Pumpkin seeds
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Hands
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blanch spinach for exactly 10 seconds
- Shock in ice water to stop cooking
- Squeeze out excess water
- Massage seasoning into the spinach
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use ice cubes in the shock water for a faster temperature drop.
- Lightly toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1‑2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- If you prefer a milder garlic taste, use half a clove or a pinch of garlic powder.
Troubleshooting
Spinach is soggy.
Reduce blanch time to 8‑10 seconds and be sure to squeeze out all excess water after shocking.
Seasoning is uneven.
Massage the spinach longer with clean hands or a wooden spoon until the coating is uniform.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades.
Room temperature: Best served within 2 hours of preparation.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the spinach up to step 5 and keep refrigerated; give it a quick toss before serving.
- Toast sesame seeds ahead of time for extra nuttiness.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
