SPINACH GOMAAE SESAME DRESSING NUTTY AND LIGHT
A simple and nutritious Japanese side dish is Spinach Gomaae Sesame Dressing Nutty And Light, which combines tender blanched spinach with an aromatic sesame-soy dressing. It is made with just a handful of ingredients. This quick salad highlights the nutty flavour of freshly ground sesame seeds, balanced with a touch of soy sauce and sweetness from sugar. It’s light, vegan-friendly and packed with iron, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal or a stand-alone appetiser. Gomaae is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, offering a refreshing palate cleanser alongside heartier dishes. Despite its simplicity, it delivers complex umami notes and a creamy texture from the sesame seeds. Easy to prepare in under 10 minutes, this Spinach Gomaae Sesame Dressing Nutty And Light is perfect for a healthy snack or a side at your next Japanese-themed dinner. Customisable with other greens, it’s both versatile and elegant in presentation.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Side
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Japanese
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
5 Ingredients or Less, Prepared in Advance, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner, Picnic, Party, Summer, Back to School
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Low Fat, Low Sodium, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Quick & Easy, Healthy
DISH TYPE
Salad
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for Spinach Gomaae Sesame Dressing Nutty And Light:
- 7 grams | 0.25 ounces | ¼ cup blanched spinach
- 1.4 grams | 0.05 ounces | ½ teaspoon ground sesame seeds
- 1.25 millilitres | 0.04 fluid ounces | ¼ teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 gram | 0.04 ounces | ¼ teaspoon sugar
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 15 kilocalories
- Protein: 0.7 grams
- Carbohydrate: 1.6 grams
- Sugar: 0.7 grams
- Fibre: 0.6 grams
- Fat: 0.8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 grams
- Sodium: 75 milligrams
- Potassium: 60 milligrams
- Calcium: 30 milligrams
- Iron: 0.5 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Spinach Gomaae Sesame Dressing Nutty And Light:
- Prepare The Spinach: Blanch the spinach in boiling water for about 30 seconds until it is just wilted, then transfer it immediately to cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain And Squeeze: Gently squeeze out the excess water from the spinach and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and forms a thick paste.
- Toss Together: Add the blanched spinach to the bowl and mix gently until evenly coated with the sesame dressing.
- Serve: Transfer to a small serving bowl or plate and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
PREPARATION TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
1 minute
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Spinach Gomaae Sesame Dressing Nutty And Light:
- Use Freshly Ground Sesame: Toast white sesame seeds and grind them just before use for maximum aroma.
- Drain Well: Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent watery dressing.
- Adjust Sweetness: You can reduce or increase sugar to taste for a more savoury or sweeter note.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavour, let it rest in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
VARIATIONS
- Add Greens: Substitute spinach with green beans or kale for variety.
- Add Tofu: Crumbled tofu adds protein and creaminess.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a drop of sesame chilli oil for heat.
- Sesame Paste: Use Japanese white sesame paste (nerigoma) for a smoother, more decadent sauce.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended for freezing as spinach may become watery upon thawing.
- Reheating: Best served chilled or at room temperature and avoid reheating.
