Korean Sigeumchi-namul
Korean Sigeumchi-namul is a classic seasoned spinach side dish, made by blanching fresh spinach and tossing it with a savory-sweet dressing of sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and toasted sesame seeds. It's a staple of Korean home cooking and a key component of the banchan (small shared side dishes) served with nearly every traditional meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, but an excellent source of protein for a vegetable dish. Its key nutrients are vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, calcium, and fiber, with a typical serving containing roughly 50-70 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 5 g |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin K | 450 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 5600 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Folate | 120 mcg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
Per 1 cup (about 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Sigeumchi-namul is a prime example of how Korean cuisine transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a flavorful and nutritionally balanced side. Nutritionally, the blanching process helps retain the spinach's vibrant color and nutrients while the sesame oil adds healthy fats that aid in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.
