Sesame-Infused Spinach Salad (Gomae)
Experience the delightful flavors of Chef floWers' Sesame-Infused Spinach Salad, a beautifully simple and healthy Japanese side dish packed with flavor. This Gomae recipe features tender, perfectly steamed spinach tossed in a luscious sesame dressing that marries the nutty aroma of toasted sesame seeds with the umami punch of soy sauce and the hint of sweetness from sugar. A beloved staple at Japanese restaurants, this dish can be prepared in minutes and is a great way to incorporate leafy greens into your diet, reminiscent of the joy of Popeye The Sailor Man! Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this salad is so delicious that you might just find yourself doubling the recipe for extra servings. Enjoy this vibrant salad rich in vitamins and flavors for a refreshing taste of Japan at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (toasted)
Water
2 tablespoons (none)
Soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 pinch (none)
Spinach
1 (120 g) packet (washed)
Instructions
1
Begin by toasting the sesame seeds in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma, roughly 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
2
Reserve a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for garnish. Crush the remaining seeds using a mortar and pestle, a rolling pin, or in a food processor until they reach a coarse texture.
3
Transfer the crushed seeds into a mixing bowl. Add the water, soy sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Stir well to combine, and set the dressing aside.
4
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil, and add a pinch of salt. Carefully add the washed spinach to the boiling water. Cook for exactly one minute to retain optimal color and nutrients.
5
Immediately drain the spinach into a colander and rinse briefly under cold running water to halt the cooking process. This helps maintain the vibrant green color.
6
Once cooled, use your hands to gently squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach, forming a small handful. (You want to remove as much water as possible without damaging the leaves.)
7
Optionally, chop the spinach into strips for easier serving. Transfer the spinach to serving bowls or plates.
8
Drizzle the sesame dressing over the spinach and sprinkle the reserved toasted sesame seeds as a garnish.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gomae?
Gomae is a classic Japanese side dish consisting of vegetables, most commonly spinach, tossed in a savory and sweet sesame-based dressing.
How do I toast the sesame seeds for this recipe?
Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
How long should I boil the spinach?
The spinach should be boiled for exactly one minute to ensure it retains its optimal color and nutrient content.
Why is it important to rinse the spinach in cold water?
Rinsing the spinach under cold running water immediately after boiling halts the cooking process, which helps maintain a vibrant green color.
What is the best way to remove moisture from the spinach?
Once cooled, use your hands to gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the spinach without damaging the leaves.
Can I use a food processor to crush the sesame seeds?
Yes, you can use a food processor, a mortar and pestle, or even a rolling pin to crush the seeds until they reach a coarse texture.
What are the primary flavors in the sesame dressing?
The dressing features a nutty aroma from toasted sesame seeds, an umami punch from soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from sugar.
Is this Sesame-Infused Spinach Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients like spinach, sesame seeds, and soy sauce.
Is the Gomae recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is tagged as gluten-free; however, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to maintain this dietary requirement.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is recommended for the best texture and color, you can use frozen spinach if you thaw it and squeeze out all excess moisture.
What should I do if I don't have a mortar and pestle?
If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can place the seeds in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a small food processor.
Should I salt the water before boiling the spinach?
Yes, adding a pinch of salt to the rolling boil before adding the spinach is recommended.
How much spinach is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 120 gram packet of washed spinach.
How do I serve the salad?
Drizzle the prepared sesame dressing over the spinach and sprinkle with reserved toasted sesame seeds as a garnish before serving immediately.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can mix the crushed sesame seeds, water, soy sauce, sugar, and salt ahead of time and store it until you are ready to dress the spinach.
What does the term 'Gomae' mean?
'Goma' means sesame in Japanese, and 'ae' refers to the style of dressing or tossing vegetables in a sauce.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is a very healthy dish rich in vitamins and minerals from the leafy greens and healthy fats from the sesame seeds.
Can I use black sesame seeds instead of white?
Yes, black sesame seeds can be used; they offer a slightly more intense flavor and a different visual aesthetic to the dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients: sesame seeds, water, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and spinach.
What is the role of sugar in the recipe?
Sugar provides a hint of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and the bitterness of the spinach.
Do I need to chop the spinach?
Chopping the spinach into strips after squeezing out the water is optional but makes the salad easier to serve and eat.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
While traditionally made with spinach, the same sesame dressing works wonderfully with green beans or steamed broccoli.
How do I avoid burning the sesame seeds?
Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly; remove them from the pan as soon as they turn golden and smell nutty.
Who created this recipe?
This specific Sesame-Infused Spinach Salad recipe was created by Chef floWers.
Is this recipe easy to double?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double if you are serving a larger group or want extra helpings.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a side dish, specifically a Japanese-style vegetable salad.
How long does the entire preparation take?
The dish can be prepared in just a few minutes, making it an ideal quick side for any meal.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or liquid aminos as a soy sauce alternative.
Should I use baby spinach or regular spinach?
Either works well, though regular spinach is traditional for Gomae as it holds its structure well after blanching.
Can this dish be eaten cold?
Yes, Gomae is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, making it a refreshing side dish.