Japanese Spinach Gomaae Salad (Sesame Dressing)
Spinach Gomaae is a classic Japanese side dish featuring tender blanched spinach dressed in a rich, nutty sesame sauce. This dish is simple yet packed with umami, making it a perfect complement to any Japanese meal.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Large bowl
- Colander
- Mortar and pestle or food processor
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Spinach
- 7 oz Fresh spinach Baby spinach or mature spinach with stems trimmed
Sesame Dressing
- 2 tbsp Toasted white sesame seeds Freshly ground for the best flavor
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce Low sodium recommended
- 1 tbsp Mirin Provides a mild sweetness
- 1 tsp Sugar Can substitute with honey
Instructions
- Bring a small saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Meanwhile, prepare a large bowl of ice water.
- Blanch the spinach by immersing it in boiling water for 30 seconds, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The spinach should wilt but remain vibrant green.
- Quickly transfer the spinach to the ice water bath to stop further cooking. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then drain in a colander.
- Gently squeeze out excess water from the spinach, then cut into bite-sized chunks.
- Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the toasted sesame seeds until they form a coarse paste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Stir well to create a smooth dressing.
- Toss the drained spinach with the sesame dressing until evenly coated.
- Transfer the dressed spinach to a serving bowl and garnish with extra sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before grinding.
- You can also add a splash of dashi for extra umami.
Nutrition
Calories: 94kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 647mgPotassium: 610mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 9305IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 178mgIron: 4mg
Feedback is key!Rate this Recipe !