Spinach side dish (Sigeumchi-namul: 시금치나물)

Spinach side dish (Sigeumchi-namul: 시금치나물) is a easy Korean recipe that serves 2. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Maangchi on YouTube.

Prep: 14 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 20 min

Cost: $12.55 total, $6.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Spinach (fresh, washed and trimmed)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (peeled and minced)
  • 1 stalk Green Onion (white and green parts sliced thinly)
  • 1.5 tsp Soy Sauce (regular or low-sodium)
  • 1.5 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for flavor)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (toasted)
  • 0.5 tsp Silgochu (Korean Red Pepper Powder) (optional, for color and mild heat)

Instructions

  1. Clean and Trim Spinach

    Rinse the spinach under cold running water, remove any tough stems or red‑rooted stems, and pat dry. Trim any damaged leaves.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Blanch Spinach

    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the spinach and blanch for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the leaves turn bright green.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Boiling

  3. Shock and Drain

    Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of ice‑cold water to stop cooking. Drain in a colander and gently squeeze out excess water with your hands.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Prepare Aromatics

    Mince the garlic cloves and slice the green onion thinly (both white and green parts).

    Time: PT2M

  5. Make Seasoning Sauce

    In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and optional silgochu. Stir until well blended.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Toss Spinach with Seasoning

    Add the squeezed spinach, minced garlic, and sliced green onion to the bowl. Toss thoroughly until the spinach is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Serve

    Transfer the seasoned spinach to a serving dish. It can be enjoyed immediately with rice or noodles.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
80
Protein
3g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
5g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Spinach side dish (Sigeumchi-namul: 시금치나물)

Recipe by Maangchi

A classic Korean seasoned spinach side dish (sigeumchi namul) that’s quick, healthy, and perfect with rice or noodles. The spinach is lightly blanched, squeezed dry, and tossed with garlic, green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and a pinch of Korean red pepper powder for color.

EasyKoreanServes 2

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Source Video
10m
Prep
4m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.55
Total cost
$6.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blanch the spinach for only 30‑60 seconds to retain bright color and tenderness.
  • Squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent a soggy final dish.
  • Balance the soy sauce and sesame oil for proper seasoning.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife; keep fingers tucked while chopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Sigeumchi Namul in Korean cuisine?

A

Sigeumchi Namul is one of the classic "banchan" (small side dishes) served with every Korean meal. Historically, it showcases the Korean emphasis on seasonal vegetables, simple seasoning, and balanced flavors, and it has been a staple since the Joseon era.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Sigeumchi Namul in Korean cuisine?

A

While the basic recipe is the same nationwide, some regions add a pinch of fermented shrimp sauce (saeujeot) or use different ratios of sesame oil and soy sauce. In Jeolla province, a slightly sweeter version with a touch of sugar is common.

cultural
Q

How is Sigeumchi Namul traditionally served in Korean households?

A

It is served cold or at room temperature in a small side‑dish bowl alongside rice, soup, and other banchan. It is meant to be eaten in small bites, providing a fresh, nutty contrast to richer dishes.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Sigeumchi Namul traditionally associated with in Korean culture?

A

Sigeumchi Namul appears on everyday meals, but it is also part of special holiday tables such as Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Seollal (Lunar New Year) where a variety of banchan are displayed.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Sigeumchi Namul?

A

It pairs beautifully with bibimbap, grilled bulgogi, Korean BBQ, and simple steamed rice. Its light flavor also complements noodle dishes like japchae or cold buckwheat noodles (naengmyeon).

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Sigeumchi Namul versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include fresh spinach, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and Korean red pepper powder (silgochu). Substitutes can be tamari for soy sauce, perilla oil for sesame oil, and paprika for color if silgochu is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sigeumchi Namul?

A

Common mistakes are over‑blanching the spinach, not removing enough water, and using too much soy sauce which can overwhelm the delicate flavor. Also, adding the seasoning before the spinach is fully cooled can cause the leaves to wilt.

technical
Q

Why does this Sigeumchi Namul recipe use a quick 30‑second blanch instead of steaming?

A

A quick blanch preserves the bright green color and crisp‑tender texture while allowing the seasoning to cling to the leaves. Steaming would make the spinach too soft and release more water, resulting in a soggy side dish.

technical
Q

Can I make Sigeumchi Namul ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the blanched spinach and seasoning a day ahead. Store the spinach in a dry container in the refrigerator and add the seasoning just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Maangchi specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Maangchi, hosted by Emily Kim, specializes in authentic Korean home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials for both traditional dishes and modern twists, all presented with clear visuals and friendly narration.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Maangchi's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Maangchi focuses on making Korean recipes accessible to beginners by breaking down each technique, providing ingredient alternatives, and emphasizing the cultural stories behind each dish, whereas many other channels target more advanced or restaurant‑style preparations.

channel

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