Korean Spinach Banchan (Sigeumchi Namul)

Korean Spinach Banchan (Sigeumchi Namul) is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Tina Yong on YouTube.

Prep: 6 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 16 min

Cost: $4.47 total, $1.12 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g Spinach (2 large bunches, washed and trimmed)
  • 1 tablespoon Salt (For blanching water)
  • 4 tablespoons Sesame Oil (Toasted Korean sesame oil for flavor)
  • 4 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Regular or low‑sodium)
  • 3 teaspoons Garlic (Minced)
  • 2 stalks Green Onion (Finely sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, optional for mild heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (Toasted)
  • ½ teaspoon Salt (To taste after seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Blanching Water

    Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 100°C

  2. Blanch Spinach

    Add the washed spinach in batches. Blanch for about 20 seconds until bright green and slightly wilted.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Ice Bath

    Immediately transfer the blanched spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Let sit 30 seconds.

    Time: PT30S

  4. Drain and Squeeze

    Drain the spinach in a colander. Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands, being careful not to crush the fibers.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Prepare Seasoning

    In a small bowl combine 4 tbsp sesame oil, 4 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tsp minced garlic, sliced green onions, 1 tsp gochugaru, 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, and ½ tsp salt. Mix well.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Combine Spinach and Seasoning

    Place the drained spinach in a clean bowl. Pour the seasoning over it and massage gently until evenly coated.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Serve or Store

    Transfer the seasoned spinach to an airtight container. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
4 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if using gluten‑free tamari), Gluten‑Free (use tamari)

Allergens: Sesame, Soy

Last updated: March 15, 2026

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Korean Spinach Banchan (Sigeumchi Namul)

Recipe by Tina Yong

A quick and healthy Korean side dish made with blanched spinach tossed in a savory sesame‑garlic sauce. Perfect for Korean BBQ, rice bowls, or any meal that needs a bright, crunchy vegetable boost.

EasyKoreanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
3m
Prep
2m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
15m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.47
Total cost
$1.12
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blanch spinach for only 20 seconds to keep crunch.
  • Use an ice bath to stop cooking instantly.
  • Gently squeeze out water without crushing the leaves.

Safety Warnings

  • Boiling water can cause severe burns; handle pot with oven mitts.
  • Ice bath may cause slipping; place bowl on a stable surface.

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