Horenso no goma-ae (spinach & sesame salad)
Enjoy a delightful culinary experience with Horenso no Goma-ae, a traditional Japanese spinach and sesame salad. This easy-to-make recipe combines toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, a hint of spice, sugar, and fresh spinach for a perfectly balanced, savory dish that's both healthy and delicious. Perfect as a side or a light main course. Indulge your taste buds in the authentic flavors of Japan!
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup sesame seeds1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp spice mix
2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp water
3 cups spinach
Horenso no goma-ae is a traditional Japanese dish that translates to spinach with sesame dressing. This healthy and delicious salad combines the nutty flavor of sesame seeds with fresh spinach, creating a flavorful dish that's perfect as a side or light meal.
Instructions:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sesame seeds and toast them until they become fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Once the sesame seeds have cooled, place them in a mortar and pestle (or use a spice grinder).
- Grind the seeds into a coarse powder. It's okay if some seeds remain whole, as this adds texture to the salad.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, spice mix, sugar, and water.
- Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved and you have a smooth dressing.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add the spinach and blanch for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until wilted.
- Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and retain its vibrant green color.
- Once cooled, drain the spinach and squeeze out any excess water. You can gently pat it dry with a paper towel as well.
- Cut the blanched spinach into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the spinach in a mixing bowl and pour the sesame dressing over it.
- Toss well to ensure the spinach is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Transfer the dressed spinach to a serving dish.
- Optionally, you can sprinkle some additional whole sesame seeds on top for garnish.
- Serve the Horenso no Goma-ae as a side dish with your favorite Japanese meal. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Tips:
- Use fresh spinach to ensure the best texture and flavor. Baby spinach is a good alternative if regular spinach is unavailable.
- Toast the sesame seeds lightly before grinding them to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar according to your taste preferences.
- Ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained after blanching to prevent the dressing from becoming too watery.
- For added flavor, you can incorporate a splash of rice vinegar or some grated ginger into the dressing.
Horenso no goma-ae is a delightful way to enjoy spinach. Its nutty sesame dressing perfectly complements the freshness of the spinach, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can bring a touch of Japanese cuisine into your kitchen. Enjoy this salad as a side dish or a healthy snack!
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 66kcal
Protein 2.33g
Carbohydrates 3.15g
Fiber 1.22g
Sugar 1.78g
Fat 5g
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