Korean Spinach Banchan (Two Ways)
User Reviews
5
Korean Spinach Banchan (Two Ways)
Description
Spinach is quickly blanched in salted boiling water for 30 seconds, then cooled in cold water to halt cooking. After thoroughly squeezing out moisture, the leaves are cut into manageable pieces. The classic banchan combines the spinach with soy-based seasonings, minced garlic, sesame oil, green onion, and sesame seeds, yielding a subtly savory and aromatic side dish.
The spicy version incorporates Korean chili paste (gochujang) and soybean paste (doenjang) along with garlic and sesame oil, adding layers of heat and umami. The pastes are first blended gently, then incorporated into the spinach with the sesame seeds for even coating.
Both variations provide a fresh, textured vegetable banchan that can accompany many Korean meals, offering either mild savoriness or a spicy kick depending on preference.
Ingredients
For classic spinach banchan
- 1 bunch spinach cleaned
- 2 tsp Korean soup soy sauce or 1 tbsp soy sauce, also known as gukganjang
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 teaspoon sesame seeds toasted
- 1 green onion finely chopped
For spicy spinach banchan
- 1 bunch spinach cleaned
- 2 tsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tsp Korean soybean paste aka doenjang
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
To clean and blanch the spinach
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Add some salt and the spinach to the water; blanch for 30 seconds. Drain the spinach in a colander and rinse under cold water until all the heat from the spinach has been cooled. Squeeze the spinach firmly to remove excess water. Place spinach on the cutting board and cut the spinach into 3-inch long pieces.
To make classic spinach banchan
- Put spinach in a mixing bowl. Add Korean soup soy sauce (or soy sauce), garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Toss with your hand to incorporate the seasoning into the spinach.
To make spicy spinach banchan
- Put spinach in a mixing bowl. Add gochujang, doenjang, garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
- Smear the Korean pastes together with your fingers to mix them first, then toss everything together to incorporate the seasoning into the spinach.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people each
Amount Per Serving
Calories 97 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 3g | |
| Calories | 97kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Sodium | 359mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 991mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 15977IU | 320% |
| Vitamin C | 49mg | 54% |
| Calcium | 195mg | 20% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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