Spinach Stir-Fry: A Simple Korean Side Dish Full of Warm Memories
Spinach always reminds me of my mom.
I picture her blanching a large batch of spinach in a giant basin, seasoning it with care. Just one bite of her spinach banchan was enough to finish a bowl of rice.
These days, we can find spinach year-round, but those warm memories feel like spring in my heart.
Today, I’m preparing spinach a little differently—as a stir-fry.
This version uses green onion oil and tuna sauce to bring out a deep, savory flavor with minimal ingredients.
Watch the video first!
Ingredients for Spinach Stir-Fry
- 1 handful of spinach (washed and drained)
- A bit of green onion (finely chopped)
- 0.5–1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp tuna sauce (or fish sauce)
- Cooking oil (as needed)
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
How to Make Spinach Stir-Fry
1. Make green onion oil
Add cooking oil to a pan. Stir-fry the chopped green onion and minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden.
2. Stir-fry the spinach
Add the spinach to the pan and stir-fry over medium heat.
Season with 1 tbsp tuna sauce.
Keep stirring until the spinach wilts.
3. Final seasoning
Turn off the heat, then drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds.
Mix lightly and serve!
Spinach Health Benefits
Spinach is rich in iron and folic acid, making it great for preventing anemia.
It’s also packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which help boost the immune system and support skin health.
Plus, its high fiber content aids digestion and supports weight control.
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A Bite of Daily Life
No matter the ingredient, I always try to use everything without waste.
This spinach stir-fry actually started with greens I planned to use for a salad.
But once I made green onion oil, it turned into something completely new.
Cooking isn’t a strict formula—it’s a story created with whatever lands in your hands that day.
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