Authentic Korean Spinach Side Dish

Korean cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a deep-rooted philosophy of using fresh ingredients. It is a culinary tradition that beautifully balances taste, texture, and visual appeal. A cornerstone of this cuisine is the variety of side dishes known as banchan, which accompany almost every meal. These small yet flavorful dishes are designed to complement the main course and provide a range of tastes and textures, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Discover the delicious and nutritious Sizzling Spicy Korean Spinach Side Dish, a vibrant addition to your meals. This easy-to-make recipe highlights the star ingredient, spinach, known for its health benefits, alongside garlic, sesame oil, and gochugaru for that signature kick. With its beautiful colors and bold flavors, this dish is perfect as a banchan or side to any main course. Explore the essence of Korean cooking and impress your family and friends with this delightful recipe.

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Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) fresh spinach, washed and trimmed

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

1 green onion, finely chopped

Salt, to taste

Instructions

Blanch the Spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for about 1-2 minutes until just wilted. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain thoroughly and squeeze out excess water. Roughly chop the spinach and set aside.

Prepare the Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, gochugaru, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the salt to taste based on your preference.

Mix It All Together: Add the chopped spinach to the bowl with the seasoning. Gently toss until the spinach is well-coated with the mixture.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion over the seasoned spinach. Toss lightly once again to incorporate.

Enjoy: Serve this flavorful spinach side dish warm or cold. It pairs perfectly with rice and any main Korean dish!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings