Goma-ae Recipe
Japanese · Side dish · 15 min total
Goma-ae is a classic Japanese side dish of blanched vegetables, typically spinach, tossed in a savory-sweet sesame dressing. This quick and easy recipe brings out the nutty flavor of sesame seeds.
10
min prep
min prep
5
min cook
min cook
4
servings
servings
90
kcal/serving
kcal/serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh spinach, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon water (for dressing, optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add spinach and blanch for 30 seconds until wilted. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain well and squeeze out excess water. Cut into 2-inch lengths.
- Grind the toasted sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder until mostly ground but with some texture remaining.
- In a small bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves. If dressing is too thick, add 1 tablespoon water to thin.
- Place the spinach in a mixing bowl, pour the dressing over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- For best flavor, toast raw sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then cool before grinding.
- Goma-ae can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Substitute spinach with green beans, broccoli, or asparagus for variety.
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