Korean Spinach Side Dish (Sigeumchi Muchim)
A simple seasoned spinach dish with tuna extract that's perfect for winter
When winter arrives in Korea, spinach takes on a special sweetness that makes it a star ingredient for seasonal side dishes. This transformation isn't just coincidence – it's nature's brilliant design. During cold weather, spinach plants store extra sugar in their roots to survive harsh conditions, resulting in a naturally sweeter flavor that's perfect for this classic Korean spinach side dish.
This Sigeumchi muchim (Korean seasoned spinach) celebrates winter's bounty with minimal seasoning to let the vegetable's natural sweetness shine through. The addition of tuna extract provides a delicate umami depth that enhances the spinach without overpowering it.
This spinach side dish offers a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's an excellent way to incorporate nutrient-rich greens into your meals.
What is Korean Spinach Side Dish?
Korean spinach side dish, known as Sigeumchi-muchim or Sigeumchi-namul, is a classic Korean banchan (side dish) made with blanched spinach that's seasoned with garlic, green onions, sesame oil, and other flavorful ingredients. Unlike Western spinach preparations that often involve heavy cream or cheese, this Korean preparation highlights the natural flavor of the vegetable with a light, savory dressing.
What makes this spinach side dish special is the emphasis on proper blanching technique and the balance of seasonings. Winter spinach is particularly prized for this dish because of its natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the umami from tuna extract and the nutty notes from sesame oil and freshly ground sesame seeds.
What You'll Need to Make Korean Spinach Side Dish
To prepare this delicious spinach side dish, you'll need:
Equipment:
- Large pot for blanching
- Large bowl for ice water
- Colander or strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Kitchen scissors or knife
- Mortar and pestle (optional, for grinding sesame seeds)
Pantry Staples:
- Fine salt
- Whole sesame seeds
- Minced garlic
- Sesame oil
- Tuna extract (available at Korean markets or online)
Why You'll Love This Korean Spinach Side Dish
Winter spinach brings a natural sweetness to this dish that you simply won't find other times of the year. The cold weather forces the plant to store extra sugar in its roots, creating a delightful flavor that needs minimal seasoning to shine.
Beyond its taste, this side dish fits perfectly into busy weeknights. In just 20 minutes—about the time it takes to cook rice you'll have a nutritious addition to your meal that's packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The versatility of this spinach side dish makes it a true kitchen hero. It complements everything from a humble bowl of rice to grilled proteins or heartier Korean stews. The tuna extract works silently in the background, adding that subtle umami depth that makes people wonder what makes it taste so good.
Make a batch on Sunday, and you'll find it actually improves over a few days in the refrigerator as the flavors meld together. This make-ahead quality turns this simple spinach into a week long kitchen ally, ready whenever you need to add something green and delicious to your plate.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bunch spinach (about 400g/14oz)
- 1 white part of green onion, finely chopped
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon tuna extract
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground sesame seeds
- Fine salt to taste (about 1-2 pinches)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
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Prepare the spinach: Untie the spinach bunch and clean the roots thoroughly.
Instead of removing the roots, use a knife to gently scrape off any dirt from the surface.
Trim only the very bottom of the roots and remove any yellowed leaves.
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Cut and wash: Cut the spinach into 2-4 pieces depending on size. Thoroughly rinse under running water to remove all dirt and debris.
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Blanch the spinach:
Bring 1.5 liters of water with 1 tablespoon of coarse salt to a rolling boil. Add the spinach and blanch for approximately 30 seconds (never exceed 40 seconds).
This quick blanching preserves the vegetable's nutrients and maintains the pleasing crunch of the roots. -
Cool and drain:
Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, squeeze firmly with both hands to remove excess water. Fluff and spread the spinach to make it easier to season. -
Prepare the seasonings:
Freshly grind the sesame seeds and finely chop the white part of the green onion.
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Season the spinach:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach with 1 tablespoon chopped green onion, 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon tuna extract, 1 tablespoon ground sesame seeds, and a pinch or two of fine salt. - Mix thoroughly: Gently toss the spinach with the seasonings, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
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Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the seasoned spinach and mix one final time until well incorporated.
Tips for Perfect Korean Spinach Side Dish
- Grind sesame seeds fresh for a deeper nutty aroma and smoother texture.
- Avoid overcooking: Keeping the blanching time short preserves color, sweetness, and texture.
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.
- This Korean spinach side dish pairs well with rice bowls, soups, and other mild vegetable sides.
For spinach handling tips, an external resource like Serious Eats’ guide to blanching greens can be a helpful reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Korean spinach side dish captures the essence of winter's bounty with minimal ingredients that let the natural sweetness of seasonal spinach shine through. The addition of tuna extract brings a subtle depth of flavor that transforms this simple vegetable into a crave-worthy banchan.
Perfect alongside a bowl of steamed rice or as part of a larger Korean meal, this spinach side dish offers a nutritious and flavorful way to enjoy winter greens. The combination of proper blanching technique and thoughtful seasoning results in a dish that's both authentic and accessible for home cooks.
Try making this spinach side dish today and discover why this humble green vegetable becomes something truly special in the cold winter months!
