Spinach Salad

This refreshing Chinese spinach salad is a perfect blend of garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice from red chili peppers. The unique aroma of Sichuan peppercorn oil adds a special touch, making this dish a flavorful and healthy highlight on your table. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal addition to any meal.

Before you start making this delicious spinach salad, let's go over some important tips and tricks to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.

1.Ingredient Selection and Substitutes:

Spinach: Choose fresh, bright green spinach with no yellowing or damaged leaves. Avoid using spinach that’s too mature, as it can be tough. If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach can be used—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water. You can also substitute other greens like tender kale or water spinach, though the texture will differ.

Sichuan Peppercorns: These add a distinctive numbing spice. If you can’t find them, a small amount of red pepper flakes or ground chili powder can be used, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid overpowering the dish.

2.Cooking Tools and Substitutes:

Pot: Use a medium-sized pot for blanching the spinach. A non-stick pot is ideal for easy control of the ingredients. If you don’t have the right pot, a large skillet can be used, but ensure there’s enough water to cover the spinach.

Pan: A regular frying pan works well for making Sichuan peppercorn oil. Stainless steel or cast iron pans are also good options. If you don’t have a frying pan, a wok can be used, but be cautious with the oil temperature.

3.Blanching Technique:

Water and Oil Amount: Make sure the pot has enough water to fully cover the spinach. Adding a small amount of cooking oil to the boiling water helps retain the spinach’s bright green color.

Blanching Time: Blanch the spinach for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Any longer and the spinach might lose its tender-crisp texture. Immediately transfer the spinach to cold or ice water after blanching to stop the cooking process and maintain its vibrant color.

4.Making Sichuan Peppercorn Oil:

Oil Temperature: Keep the heat on medium when making the oil. Let the oil warm up before adding the peppercorns, and fry them for 1-2 minutes. If the peppercorns start to darken too much, remove them immediately to prevent burning.

Peppercorn Removal: You can discard the peppercorns after infusing the oil or leave a few in for extra flavor. If you like a bit more heat, you can crush a few peppercorns and mix them into the salad.

5.Seasoning and Mixing:

Salt: Start with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and adjust according to your taste. It’s better to add salt gradually to avoid making the salad too salty.

Mixing: After pouring the peppercorn oil and salt over the spinach, gently toss with chopsticks or a large spoon. Be careful not to mash the spinach; you want to keep the leaves intact.

6.Plating and Garnishing:

Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch and flavor. You can buy pre-toasted seeds or toast them yourself in a dry pan over low heat until golden and fragrant.

Plating: Arrange the spinach neatly on a shallow plate. For a visually appealing dish, consider garnishing with extra red chili slices or a few whole Sichuan peppercorns.

7.Additional Tips:

Prep in Advance: Have all your ingredients ready, especially the ginger, garlic, and chili, to make the cooking process smoother and faster.

Taste and Adjust: After mixing, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can always add a bit more salt or a dash of soy sauce to enhance the flavor.

8.More Delicious Cold Dishes

If you enjoyed this tasty spinach salad recipe, you won’t want to miss out on these other refreshing cold dishes. Perfect for your next gathering, these recipes are simple, flavorful, and loved by everyone!

Cold Tossed Wood Ear Mushrooms

Cold Tossed Chicken Gizzards

Cold Bean Sprout Salad

By following these detailed instructions, even beginners in the kitchen can confidently make this vibrant spinach salad. It’s a healthy and delicious choice, whether for a light everyday meal or as a refreshing starter at a dinner party.