Sesame Spinach (Gomae)

Name: Sesame Spinach (Gomae)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh spinach, washed; 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds; 1 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free); 2 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp dashi (or water for vegan); 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1/4 tsp salt, for boiling water; 2 cups ice water, for shocking

15 minEasyServes 485 cal/serving

JapaneseSideStovetopVegetarianVeganLow CarbGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb fresh spinach, washed
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp dashi (or water for vegan)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/4 tsp salt, for boiling water
2 cups ice water, for shocking

Instructions

1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1/4 tsp for boiling water salt.
2

Prepare a large bowl of 2 cups for shocking ice water for shocking the spinach.
3

Wash 1 lb washed fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. Trim off any tough stems if using mature spinach.
4

Once the water is boiling, add the spinach and blanch for 30-45 seconds, just until wilted and bright green.
5

Immediately transfer the spinach to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its color.
6

While the spinach is cooling, prepare the sesame dressing. In a suribachi (Japanese mortar and pestle) or using a food processor, grind 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds until they're about 80% crushed.
7

To the ground sesame seeds, add 1 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free), 2 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp dashi (or water for vegan), and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Mix well to form a thick, creamy dressing.
8

Once the spinach is cool, drain it well. Using your hands, squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach. This is important for the dressing to adhere properly.
9

Cut the squeezed spinach into 2-inch pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
10

Add the sesame dressing to the spinach and mix thoroughly until the spinach is well coated.
11

Arrange the dressed spinach on a serving plate. This dish can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator before serving.
12

Optionally, garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top for presentation.

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Questions

What is Sesame Spinach (Gomae)?

A traditional Japanese side dish of blanched spinach dressed in a nutty, sweet sesame sauce. This simple yet elegant preparation highlights the natural flavor of the greens with a creamy sesame dressing. This reference files it under Japanese side: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 15 minutes start to finish.

Why blanch first in Sesame Spinach (Gomae)?

Step 4 reads: "Once the water is boiling, add the spinach and blanch for 30-45 seconds, just until wilted and bright green." The quick boil in step 4 sets the color and takes off the raw edge. If the step follows it with cold water, that is to stop the cooking at once so the vegetables stay bright and crisp.

Do I need any special equipment for Sesame Spinach (Gomae)?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a food processor (step 6) and a mortar and pestle (step 6). If you do not have one, a sharp knife and patience, or a blender in short pulses, stands in for the food processor.

Is there a substitute for dashi in Sesame Spinach (Gomae)?

The entry for Sesame Spinach (Gomae) calls for 1 tbsp dashi (or water for vegan). In its place: Light chicken or vegetable stock with a splash of soy sauce works. For something closer, steep a piece of kombu or a few dried shiitake in hot water for 20 minutes.

Does Sesame Spinach (Gomae) contain sesame?

Yes: 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. The full allergen list for this entry is soy and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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