Sesame Spinach

Sesame Spinach Recipe - Vegetarian Korean Dish

Region / culture: Korea | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sesame Spinach is a delicious and nutritious dish that is popular in Asian cuisine. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of spinach with the nutty taste of sesame oil and seeds, creating a flavorful and healthy side dish.

History

Sesame Spinach has its origins in traditional Asian cooking, where sesame seeds and oil are commonly used in dishes for their unique flavor and health benefits. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in many households.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh spinach
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 – 2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 green onion, chopped/minced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp sugar
1 dash pepper

How to prepare

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add spinach and remove as soon as the leaves turn bright green (they will shrink significantly).
Immediately rinse the spinach with cold water.
Drain the spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible (it's best to grab a handful and squeeze it like a ball).
Place the spinach in a bowl with the sauce mixture and toss well.

Variations

Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the spinach with cold water immediately after blanching to stop the cooking process and retain its vibrant green color.

- Squeezing out as much water as possible from the spinach is important to prevent the dish from becoming watery.

- Adjust the amount of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sesame Spinach as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the spinach helps to retain its vibrant color and crisp texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can blanch the spinach ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with additional sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Sesame Spinach with steamed rice and a protein of your choice for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150 per serving

Carbohydrates

8g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Sesame Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Sesame Spinach is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sesame Spinach is a simple yet flavorful dish that is packed with nutrients and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this dish as a side or main course for a healthy and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was strolling through the bustling streets of Chinatown in search of some fresh ingredients for dinner. As I passed by a small market, a friendly elderly woman caught my eye and beckoned me over to her stall.

She introduced herself as Mrs. Wong, a renowned chef in the community, and offered to teach me a special recipe for Sesame Spinach that had been passed down through generations in her family. I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn from such an experienced cook, and eagerly accepted her invitation to visit her home the following day.

Mrs. Wong's kitchen was a treasure trove of exotic spices and fragrant herbs, and I couldn't wait to get started on our cooking lesson. She began by showing me how to properly blanch the spinach and quickly toss it in a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic. The aroma that filled the room was simply intoxicating, and I knew this dish was going to be a hit with my family.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Mrs. Wong regaled me with stories of her youth in China and how she had first learned to cook from her own grandmother. She spoke fondly of the traditional dishes that had been a staple in her family for generations, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with this wise and talented woman.

After our meal, Mrs. Wong graciously presented me with a handwritten copy of the Sesame Spinach recipe, along with a small vial of her secret blend of spices. She urged me to practice the dish often and to pass it on to future generations, ensuring that the tradition would live on.

I left Mrs. Wong's home that day feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a masterful chef. The Sesame Spinach recipe has since become a beloved favorite in my own family, and I take great pride in sharing it with friends and neighbors whenever I can.

As I look back on that fateful day in Chinatown, I am filled with gratitude for Mrs. Wong and the gift she bestowed upon me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and to have the opportunity to learn from someone so talented and wise was truly a dream come true.

So whenever I prepare a batch of Sesame Spinach for my loved ones, I think of Mrs. Wong and the bond we forged over a shared love of food and tradition. And I am reminded once again of the power of a good recipe to connect us to our past and bring joy to the present.