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You've likely heard of "Minari", the 2020 film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, which tells the story of a Korean-American family striving to build a life on a farm in rural Arkansas. In the movie, the grandmother, portrayed by Oscar-winning actress Youn Yuh-jung, plants minari (water dropwort) near a stream, symbolizing resilience and the importance of cultural roots. This humble herb, thriving in new soil, becomes a poignant metaphor for the family's journey and the broader immigrant experience. But beyond the screen, minari is a beloved spring vegetable in Korea, cherished for its fresh flavor and health benefits.

 ⓒ A24

What Is Minari?

Minari, also known as water dropwort or Korean watercress, is a leafy green with crisp stems and a clean, slightly peppery taste. It thrives in wet environments like stream banks and paddy fields, making it a common sight in Korean countryside gardens. Both the leaves and stems are edible, and it’s often used fresh, blanched, or lightly cooked in various dishes.

ⓒ W Table

In Korean culture, minari is more than just a plant; it's a cherished symbol of spring. While it can grow year-round except during winter, minari harvested in spring is considered the best – tender, fragrant, and full of flavor. Spring minari is the most tender – perfect for eating raw. That is why for many families, eating minari is a seasonal ritual. As one Korean writer noted, “Adults say that if you don’t eat minari at least two or three times between February and March, you haven’t properly welcomed the spring.”

ⓒ G Market

Health Benefits of Minari 

Minari isn’t just tasty – it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s rich in calcium, iron, potassium, and fiber, which support bone health, blood circulation, and digestion. Its detoxifying properties help cleanse the liver and reduce inflammation. Traditionally, it has been used to lower blood pressure and even treat minor ailments like hives and fevers.

Easy Minari Dishes to Try

1. Minari Muchim (Seasoned Minari Salad)

ⓒ Carving A Journey

This simple side dish highlights minari’s fresh flavor. Blanch the minari briefly, then mix it with a sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Add minced garlic and sliced chili for extra kick. It’s a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats or rice dishes.

2. Minari Jeon (Minari Pancakes)

ⓒ Naver Blog 배꽃의 소박한 밥상이야기

Minari jeon is a savory pancake that combines chopped minari with a light batter. Mix flour, water, and a pinch of salt to create the batter, then fold in the minari. Pan-fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a dash of sesame oil.

3. Minari in Soups and Stews

ⓒ Naver Blog 황금빛 인생

Adding minari to soups and stews brings a fresh, herbal note that balances rich flavors. In Korea, it’s commonly added to dishes like maeuntang (spicy fish stew) just before serving, enhancing both taste and aroma.

Minari and Samgyeopsal: A Perfect Pairing

ⓒ The JoongAng

One popular way to enjoy minari is with samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly). The crisp, slightly bitter minari complements the rich, fatty pork, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Minari Samgyeopsal Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Fresh minari, washed and trimmed

• Slices of pork belly

• Ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)

• Garlic cloves, sliced

• Green chili peppers, sliced

• Lettuce leaves

ⓒ Daum

Instructions:

1. Grill the pork belly slices until they are cooked and slightly crispy.

2. On a lettuce leaf, place a piece of grilled pork, a few sprigs of minari, a slice of garlic, and a slice of chili pepper.

3. Add a dab of ssamjang.

4. Wrap the lettuce around the fillings and enjoy in one bite.

This combination is a staple in Korean BBQ and showcases how minari can elevate a meal with its fresh taste.

ⓒ The JoongAng

Minari is more than just a vegetable; it’s a celebration of spring and a testament to the enduring connection between food and culture. So next time you’re at an Asian market or see minari in a grocery store, pick up a bunch and try incorporating it into your cooking. It’s a delicious way to welcome the spring season and explore the rich flavors of Korean cuisine.

Complementary Korean products to explore:

                  ⓒ CJ Haechandeul Gochujang Hot Pepper Paste                                      ⓒ CJ Haechandeul Ssamjang Seasoned Soybean Paste 

ⓒ NavidCook Korean Grill Stove                                                                           ⓒ Ottogi Perilla Oil