Korean Seasoned Spinach (Sigumchi Namul)

Written by
Naomi Imatome-Yun
Asian food expert Naomi Imatome-Yun is a freelance writer and the author of four Asian food cookbooks.
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Naomi Imatome-Yun
Updated 10/18/20
Sigumchi Namul (Korean spiced spinach) on a white plate

Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images
  • Total: 15 mins
  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Servings: 6 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
56 Calories
3g Fat
5g Carbs
3g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 56
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g 4%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1405mg 61%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 8mg 38%
Calcium 124mg 10%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 391mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Appetizers and side dishes play a key role in Korean cuisine, and sigumchi namul (seasoned spinach) has everything you need to make a particular tasty side. It is also part of other well-known main dishes in Korea, such as bibimbap (rice with mixed vegetables), chapchae (stir-fried noodles), and kimbap (rice and seaweed rolls).

This korean spinach dish side is easily customizable. If you want to use more or less of any of the ingredients, depending on your tastes, feel free to do so. Those with health concerns, for example, may want to use less soy sauce (or a low-sodium version) or less sugar. But everyone can feel good about a dish such as sigumchi namul since spinach is one of the heartiest plant-based foods you can eat. It's chock full of iron, with more of the nutrient than some animal proteins.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh spinach

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

  • 1 tablespoon sesame salt

  • 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

  • 2 teaspoons sugar

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds.

  3. Quickly remove the spinach to a colander and rinse it under cold water.

  4. Gently squeeze the spinach to remove excess water and transfer to a serving bowl.

  5. In a measuring cup or small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, sesame salt, garlic, and sugar. Mix well.

  6. Pour the dressing over the spinach and toss gently. Serve and enjoy!

Tip

If you don't have sesame salt, you can use a combination of 1 teaspoon salt and 3/4 cup sesame seeds (both white and black).

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