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Close-up of Spinach Goma Ae, a Japanese spinach salad with sesame dressing.

Spinach Goma Ae: A Delicious and Healthy Japanese Side Dish


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A traditional Japanese side dish featuring blanched spinach tossed in a nutty, umami-rich sesame dressing. This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine, often served alongside rice and protein dishes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bunch fresh spinach
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp mirin
  • 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat until golden brown.
  2. Use a mortar and pestle to grind the toasted sesame seeds into a coarse paste.
  3. Mix ground sesame seeds with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to create the dressing.
  4. Boil water and blanch the spinach for 30 seconds.
  5. Drain, rinse with cold water, and squeeze out excess moisture.
  6. Toss the spinach in the sesame dressing until well coated.
  7. Plate the dish and garnish with extra sesame seeds.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, try using black sesame seeds instead of white. You can also substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Blanching
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: spinach gomae, Japanese side dish, sesame dressing, vegan, healthy