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Spinach Ohitashi

A classic Japanese side dish featuring blanched spinach steeped in a gentle savory dashi broth. Served chilled with a light garnish of shaved bonito flakes.

12 minEasyServes 435 cal/serving

JapaneseSideStovetopPescatarianLow CarbNut-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh spinach, trimmed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup dashi stock
  • 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp mirin
  • 2 tbsp bonito flakes

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in 1 tsp salt.

  2. 2

    Blanch 1 lb trimmed fresh spinach for 30 seconds until wilted and bright green.

  3. 3

    Transfer fresh spinach to an ice water bath, then squeeze out excess moisture gently.

  4. 4

    Mix 1 cup dashi stock, 1.5 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp mirin in a medium bowl.

  5. 5

    Cut fresh spinach into two-inch lengths and submerge into the dashi liquid.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, then garnish with 2 tbsp bonito flakes before serving.

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Questions

What is Spinach Ohitashi?

A classic Japanese side dish featuring blanched spinach steeped in a gentle savory dashi broth. Served chilled with a light garnish of shaved bonito flakes. This reference files it under Japanese side: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 12 minutes start to finish.

How long does Spinach Ohitashi take?

As written, 12 minutes: 10 of prep and 2 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 6, 15 minutes. That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

Why does Spinach Ohitashi bake in a water bath?

Step 3 reads: "Transfer fresh spinach to an ice water bath, then squeeze out excess moisture gently." The water holds the outside of the dish at a gentle, even temperature, so the custard sets without curdling or cracking. Step 3 sets it up; use hot tap water, not boiling.

Is there a substitute for dashi in Spinach Ohitashi?

The entry for Spinach Ohitashi calls for 1 cup dashi stock. 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.

Can I make Spinach Ohitashi gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Spinach Ohitashi is 1.5 tbsp soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How many carbs are in Spinach Ohitashi?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 4 g of carbohydrate in about 35 calories, with 3 g protein and 0 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 480 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

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