Gomae (Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing)
A classic Japanese side dish featuring blanched spinach tossed in a sweet and savory nutty sesame dressing. This simple, elegant salad comes together quickly and provides a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 114 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten, sesame, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 250 gspinach, fresh
dressing
- 3 tbsptoasted sesame seed
- 2 tbspsoy sauce
- 1 tbspgranulated sugar
- 1 tbspmirin
garnish
- 1 tsptoasted sesame seed(optional)
Equipment
bowl · pot · colander · cutting board · knife · mortar and pestle
The method
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the dressing by grinding the main portion of toasted sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder until a coarse paste forms.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: For a deeper flavor, ensure your sesame seeds are well-toasted and fragrant before grinding.
- 2
In a small bowl, mix the ground sesame with the soy sauce, sugar, and mirin to create the dressing. Set aside.
About 1 min
- 3
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare a separate large bowl of ice water.
About 3 min
- 4
Wash the spinach thoroughly, then add it to the boiling water and blanch for about 60 seconds until wilted but still vibrant green.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcook the spinach or it will become mushy.
- 5
Using a slotted spoon or strainer, immediately transfer the spinach to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: This 'shocking' step helps the spinach retain its bright green color.
- 6
Once cool, drain the spinach and squeeze out as much excess water as possible by hand.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Removing water is crucial for the dressing to adhere properly and not become diluted.
- 7
Place the squeezed spinach on a cutting board and chop into bite-sized sections, about 3-4 cm long.
About 1 min
- 8
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach and the prepared sesame dressing, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
About 1 min
- 9
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining toasted sesame seeds, if using.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 113.6kcal
- Protein
- 4.5g
- Carbs
- 10.9g
- Fat
- 6.5g
- Fibre
- 2.9g
- Sugar
- 5.5g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Serve chilled or at room temperature; do not reheat.
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