Spinach banchan, also known as Sigeumchi Muchim or Sigeumchi Namul, is one of the most popular Korean side dishes. This side dish appeared on Bon Appétit, Your Majesty when Chef Yeon competed, making it along with spinach doenjang soup. You’ll learn how to make a quick, healthy, and flavorful spinach banchan at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Table of Contents
What is Spinach Banchan (Sigeumchi Muchim)?
There are actually several types of spinach side dishes, but the most representative one is Sigeumchi Muchim. Sigeumchi means spinach, and muchim comes from the Korean verb meaning “to season or mix.” This dish is also often called Sigeumchi Namul.
Sigeumchi Muchim can be made in different ways: the simple version seasoned with salt and sesame oil to highlight the natural flavor of spinach, or variations seasoned with doenjang (soybean paste) or gochujang (Korean chili paste).
Why Spinach Banchan is Loved in Korean Meals
In Korea, spinach is inexpensive, easy to find, and quick to cook, which makes it a beloved side dish for home meals. It is also a healthy ingredient, rich in vitamins A and C, folate, iron, and calcium.
In Bon Appétit Your Majesty, Chef Yeon chose spinach as the main ingredient to help with dizziness caused by anemia and to support bone health for the queen.
Ingredients of Sigeumchi Namul
- Spinach (fresh, not frozen): The spinach used for Sigeumchi Muchim should be fresh, not frozen. Unlike many Western cooking methods for spinach, in Korean side dishes the spinach is lightly blanched to preserve its texture.
- Garlic, sesame oil, sesame seeds: Just like in most Korean dishes, garlic is included in this side dish and plays an important role in adding fragrance. Sesame oil enhances the nutty flavor, while toasted sesame seeds add aroma, texture, and visual appeal.
- Tuna extract and substitutes: Compared to regular anchovy sauce or sand lance sauce, tuna extract has less of a fishy taste and offers a deeper umami flavor. If it’s not available, you can use Korean fish sauce or Korean soup soy sauce as substitutes.
- Salt and water: Adding salt to the boiling water when blanching spinach helps maintain a vibrant green color and reduces bitterness. It also minimizes the loss of vitamin C, preserving the nutritional value of spinach.
Kitchen Tools for Spinach Namul
- Pot, strainer, mixing bowl
- Tongs or chopsticks
- Spoon
Spinach Banchan Recipe (Bon Appétit Your Majesty Recipe)
Blanch the Spinach
Add salt to the boiling water to bring out the vibrant green color of the spinach and to help prevent nutrient loss. Once the water is boiling, add the spinach and blanch it for exactly 20 seconds. It is important to keep the texture slightly firm. If you cook it longer, the spinach will become mushy when mixed later.
Cool and Squeeze
Immediately place the blanched spinach into cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve its texture. After rinsing, be sure to squeeze out the excess water so the side dish won’t be watery. However, don’t squeeze too hard, as that can make the spinach too limp. Use just enough pressure to remove the moisture.
Season the Spinach
Add minced garlic, tuna extract (or Korean fish sauce, or Korean soup soy sauce), and sesame oil. Gently mix by hand until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as the spinach can easily break apart.
Finish with Sesame Seeds
Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to add texture, nutty flavor, and a visually appealing finish.
Tips for the Best Spinach Banchan
- Do not overcook spinach: To preserve both texture and nutrients, it’s very important to blanch the spinach just lightly.
- Adjust garlic amount for preference: Minced garlic is recommended for flavor, but you can reduce it according to your taste.
- Replace tuna extract with soup soy sauce for a vegetarian option: You can use Korean fish sauce instead of tuna extract, or substitute with Korean soup soy sauce to make a vegan-friendly version.
Storage Duration for Spinach Banchan
Spinach has a short shelf life, so it’s best to eat it fresh. It is recommended to store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
- About 90 kcal per serving (180 kcal total for 2 servings)
- High in vitamins A, C, K, and iron
- Low-calorie and nutrient-rich
How to Serve Spinach Banchan
With Spinach Doenjang Soup
Pair spinach banchan with spinach doenjang soup, rice, and kimchi for a complete, healthy Korean meal.
As a Korean BBQ Side Dish
You may have seen spinach banchan at Korean BBQ restaurants. While it’s not always served in Korea, overseas Korean BBQ restaurants often include it as a standard side dish.
A Healthy Side for Lunch Boxes
In Korea, lunch boxes are called dosirak. Spinach banchan pairs perfectly with rice in a lunch box. If you want a light and healthy meal for the day, this Spinach Banchan is a great choice for your Korean dosirak.
Bon Appétit Your Majesty Food
Curious about French-Korean fusion dishes from the drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, like the butter gochujang bibimbap? In the blog post below, you can find detailed information on each dish, including ingredients and recipes.
Clam Spinach Doenjang Soup
This Korean doenjang soup recipe from Bon Appétit, Your Majesty pairs perfectly with the spinach banchan we’re making today. The umami-rich broth from clams combines with doenjang (soybean paste) to create a deep and savory Korean soup.
More Korean Side Dishes to Try
Pickled Onions Banchan
This Korean side dish features onions that are lightly grilled to bring out their natural sweetness, then marinated in a sweet and tangy soy sauce dressing. Such jangajji (pickled side dishes) are staple banchan in Korean households, often kept in the refrigerator. This onion pickled banchan is also particularly popular as a Korean BBQ side dish.
Korean Potato Salad
You may have seen this sweet and creamy potato salad served at Korean BBQ restaurants. It is characterized by a smooth potato base combined with crunchy cucumber and carrots, giving it a delightful texture.
FAQ about Spinach Banchan
What is spinach banchan called?
In Korea, it is called Sigeumchi Muchim or Sigeumchi Namul.
How to cook spinach for weight loss?
Using minimal seasoning to bring out the natural sweetness is best for weight loss. Like in today’s spinach banchan, blanching the spinach in water and seasoning it with just salt and sesame oil is the most natural and healthy way to prepare it.
What is the secret to good Korean spinach?
The key is to blanch the spinach very lightly and squeeze out all the water. Using fish sauce (or a similar seasoning) adds a deep, umami flavor.
How long to blanch spinach for banchan?
Exactly 20 seconds is recommended. This preserves the texture of the spinach.
What are some banchan for beginners?
Steamed egg (Gyeranjjim) and rolled omelet (Gyeranmari) are the easiest and most affordable Korean home-style side dishes to make. My blog also has various other simple banchan recipes.
Can I make a vegetarian version of spinach namul?
Yes, you can substitute fish sauce with Korean soup soy sauce to make it vegetarian.
How long can I store spinach namul?
Spinach namul is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Kitchen Guide for Spinach Namul
- Rice Cooker: US | UK
- Korean Tuna Extract: US
- Korean Soup Soy Sauce: US l UK
- Korean Fish Sauce: US l UK
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Spinach Banchan (Sigeumchi Muchim)
Equipment
- 1 Pot
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 100 g fresh spinach
- 500 ml water
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tbsp tuna extract (or soup soy sauce or Korean fish sauce)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a pot, bring 500ml of water and 1 tsp of salt to a boil.
- Add the spinach and blanch for exactly 20 seconds.
- Rinse the blanched spinach quickly under cold water, then squeeze out excess water.
- Place the spinach in a mixing bowl and add minced garlic, tuna extract(or Korean fish sauce or soup soy sauce) and sesame oil. Gently mix by hand.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to finish.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @blondekimchi_ on Instagram and hashtag it #blondekimchi.
