Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing, also known as Goma-ae, is a popular and simple side dish in Japanese cuisine. “Goma” means sesame, and “ae” refers to the method of mixing or dressing, making this dish a delicious and healthy way to enjoy spinach. The nutty, slightly sweet, and savory sesame dressing perfectly complements the vibrant, tender spinach, creating a refreshing salad that pairs well with a variety of meals, from sushi to grilled meats. This salad is also packed with nutrients and can be made in just a few minutes, making it an ideal addition to any meal or as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sake (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Pinch of salt (for blanching)
For the Sesame Dressing:
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: a small pinch of chili flakes for heat
Preparation:
Step 1:
Begin by toasting the sesame seeds for the dressing. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Stir them frequently until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Once toasted, transfer the seeds to a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder, and grind until the seeds form a rough paste. Set aside.
Step 2:
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. While waiting for the water to boil, wash the spinach thoroughly. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, blanch the spinach for about 30 seconds, just until the leaves turn bright green and wilt slightly.
Step 3:
Quickly drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its bright green color. After the spinach has cooled, drain it well and squeeze out any excess water. Set the spinach aside.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, prepare the sesame dressing by combining the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil. Mix everything until well combined, forming a thick, aromatic dressing.
Step 5:
Gently toss the blanched spinach with the sesame dressing, ensuring that the spinach is well coated. You can use your hands or a pair of chopsticks to lightly mix everything together.
Step 6:
Transfer the dressed spinach to a serving bowl. Optionally, sprinkle some extra toasted sesame seeds or a small pinch of chili flakes on top for added flavor and presentation.
Variation:
- Spicy Sesame Spinach Salad: Add a touch of heat by including a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil into the sesame dressing.
- Shiitake Mushroom Addition: For extra texture and umami, sauté thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms in sesame oil and add them to the salad.
- Sesame-Carrot Mix: Blanch thinly sliced carrots along with the spinach and dress them together for added sweetness and crunch.
Cooking Note:
- Use fresh, high-quality spinach for the best results. Baby spinach is tender and works well for this recipe, but regular spinach leaves will add a heartier texture.
- Blanch the spinach just long enough to wilt it without losing its bright color and crunch.
- Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated, but for best texture and flavor, serve it fresh within a few hours of preparation.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Japanese spinach salad as a refreshing side dish to accompany sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, or yakitori.
- It pairs wonderfully with rice bowls, miso soup, and even grilled meats like chicken or beef.
- For a light meal, enjoy it on its own with a bowl of steamed rice and pickled vegetables.
Tips:
- Squeeze Excess Water: After blanching the spinach, be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible. Excess water will dilute the flavor of the sesame dressing.
- Use a Mortar and Pestle: Grinding the sesame seeds with a mortar and pestle releases more of their oils, resulting in a richer, creamier dressing.
- Storage: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh as the spinach may lose its vibrant texture over time.
- Double the Dressing: If you love sesame flavor, feel free to make extra dressing and use it for other dishes like cold noodles or as a dipping sauce for vegetables.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 5 minutes (blanching spinach)
Total Time:
- 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen spinach for this salad?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach if fresh is not available. Be sure to thaw and drain it completely, then squeeze out any excess water before mixing with the sesame dressing.
2. What type of sesame seeds should I use?
Both white and black sesame seeds work well in this recipe. White sesame seeds are more traditional and have a milder flavor, while black sesame seeds add a slightly earthier, bolder taste and more visual contrast.
3. Can I make the sesame dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sesame dressing up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and simply toss it with the spinach when you’re ready to serve.
4. Is there a substitute for mirin in the dressing?
If you don’t have mirin, you can use a small amount of rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar as a substitute. The sweetness of mirin is an important element in balancing the flavor of the dressing.
5. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes! Blanched green beans, carrots, or even broccoli can be mixed with the spinach to add more variety and texture to the salad.
Conclusion:
Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing is a classic, healthy side dish that showcases the simplicity and balance of Japanese cuisine. The nutty sesame dressing brings out the natural sweetness of the spinach, while the slight saltiness of the soy sauce adds depth to the flavor. This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a light side dish or snack. Whether served alongside a Japanese meal or as part of a more casual spread, this refreshing salad is sure to impress with its clean, bright flavors and elegant presentation.
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Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing
- Total Time: 15 min
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sake (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Pinch of salt (for blanching)
For the Sesame Dressing:
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: a small pinch of chili flakes for heat
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Begin by toasting the sesame seeds for the dressing. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Stir them frequently until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Once toasted, transfer the seeds to a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder, and grind until the seeds form a rough paste. Set aside.
Step 2:
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. While waiting for the water to boil, wash the spinach thoroughly. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, blanch the spinach for about 30 seconds, just until the leaves turn bright green and wilt slightly.
Step 3:
Quickly drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its bright green color. After the spinach has cooled, drain it well and squeeze out any excess water. Set the spinach aside.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, prepare the sesame dressing by combining the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil. Mix everything until well combined, forming a thick, aromatic dressing.
Step 5:
Gently toss the blanched spinach with the sesame dressing, ensuring that the spinach is well coated. You can use your hands or a pair of chopsticks to lightly mix everything together.
Step 6:
Transfer the dressed spinach to a serving bowl. Optionally, sprinkle some extra toasted sesame seeds or a small pinch of chili flakes on top for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality spinach for the best results. Baby spinach is tender and works well for this recipe, but regular spinach leaves will add a heartier texture.
- Blanch the spinach just long enough to wilt it without losing its bright color and crunch.
- Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated, but for best texture and flavor, serve it fresh within a few hours of preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 110
- Sodium: 370
- Protein: 4g