Gochugaru Sesame Spinach Banchan

Tender spinach tossed with gochugaru, sesame, and garlic for a quick Korean-inspired side dish.

👅Flavor: Nutty sesame, gentle chili warmth, and savory garlic with a bright vinegar lift.
Korean-style spinach banchan with sesame
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Prep Time
10 minutes
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Cook Time
5 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes
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Servings
4 servings
easy
Cuisine
Korean
Exotic level
banchan-side
Difficulty
easy
Diet
vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free
Devices used
Stovetop
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Explore this recipe

Required Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Colander

Utilized Devices

Stovetop

Cooking Techniques

  • blanching
  • tossing
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Ingredients

  • 280 gBaby spinach
  • 15 mlToasted sesame oil
  • 15 mlGluten-free tamari
  • 15 mlRice vinegar
  • 4 gSugar
  • 3 gGochugaru
  • 3 gGarlicgrated
  • 9 gToasted sesame seeds
  • 1 gKosher salt
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Instructions

1

Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare an ice bath.

2

Blanch the spinach for 30 seconds, then transfer to the ice bath. Squeeze dry and roughly chop.

3

Whisk the sesame oil, tamari, rice vinegar, sugar, gochugaru, garlic, sesame seeds, and salt in a bowl.

4

Toss the spinach with the dressing until evenly coated.

5

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Chef Tips

  • Squeeze the spinach well so the dressing clings and doesn’t get watery.
  • Adjust the gochugaru to taste for more or less heat.
  • This banchan keeps for up to 3 days refrigerated.
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Nutritional Highlights

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Calories per serving
90
  • Spinach delivers iron and folate
  • Quick Korean side dish with minimal prep
  • Naturally gluten-free with tamari

Dietary Notes

Compliant With

vegetariangluten-freedairy-free

Allergens

  • Contains soy (tamari)
  • Contains sesame

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes—thaw fully, squeeze dry, and reduce the salt slightly.

How spicy is this?

It’s mild; start with 1/2 teaspoon gochugaru for a gentler heat.

Nutrition

Calories90
Protein3 g
Carbs7 g
Fat6 g