Japanese Spinach with Sesame

This traditional Japanese spinach salad with its iconic nutty sesame dressing brings authentic Japanese flavors to your table in minutes. The bright green blanched spinach pairs beautifully with the rich, umami-packed dressing for a dish that's simultaneously light and satisfying.

I first discovered this dish at a small family-owned Japanese restaurant and became instantly obsessed with recreating it at home. After several attempts, this version has become my go-to for quick dinner parties when I need an impressive yet effortless side dish.

Ingredients

• Fresh spinach: Choose young, tender leaves with bright green color for the best texture and flavor
• Sesame seeds: The star ingredient that gives this dish its nutty depth and traditional appeal
• Soy sauce: Use Japanese tamari for a more authentic taste and richer color
• Rice vinegar: Provides gentle acidity that balances the salty and sweet elements
• Sugar: Just enough to round out the dressing without making it too sweet
• Sesame oil: Toasted variety adds intense nutty flavor, do not substitute with other oils
• Fresh garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that create dimension and authentic Japanese flavor
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all other flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blanch the Spinach:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Submerge the clean spinach completely for exactly 60 seconds, watch carefully as overcooking will result in mushy texture. The spinach should turn bright green and just begin to wilt. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to lock in the color and stop the cooking process. Once completely cool, drain thoroughly and squeeze gently but firmly between your palms to remove all excess moisture. This prevents a watery salad.

Toast the Sesame Seeds:

Place seeds in a completely dry skillet over medium heat. Watch them constantly, shaking the pan frequently for even toasting. They will begin to turn golden and release a nutty aroma after about 2 minutes. Remove immediately when they reach a light golden color as they continue cooking from residual heat. Allow to cool completely before using for maximum flavor release.

Prepare the Dressing:

Combine all liquid ingredients and seasonings in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until the sugar completely dissolves, about 60 seconds of continuous whisking. The dressing should appear slightly thickened and emulsified. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the garlic and ginger to infuse their flavors throughout the mixture.

Assemble the Salad:

Cut the drained spinach into bite-sized pieces if needed. Place in a serving bowl and drizzle two-thirds of the dressing over the spinach. Toss gently with chopsticks or salad tongs to evenly coat each leaf without bruising. Add remaining dressing if needed, but avoid oversaturating.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds generously over the dressed spinach. For best flavor, serve immediately while the contrast between the warm dressing and cool spinach creates the perfect temperature balance.

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The sesame seeds are truly the star of this dish. I always keep a jar of high-quality seeds in my freezer to maintain freshness and toast them as needed. The difference between pre-toasted and freshly toasted seeds is remarkable, my Japanese grandmother taught me this little trick when I was just learning to cook.

Traditional Serving Context

In Japanese cuisine, this dish is known as Goma-ae or Gomaae, which translates to "dressed with sesame." It appears frequently as part of traditional ichiju-sansai meals, a balanced eating style featuring one soup and three sides alongside rice. While spinach is most common, the same sesame dressing works beautifully with blanched green beans, broccoli, or even carrots. The dish exemplifies the Japanese cooking principle of highlighting natural ingredients through minimal but thoughtful preparation.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile side dish complements nearly any Japanese main course. Serve alongside grilled salmon, chicken teriyaki, or traditional tonkatsu for a balanced meal. For a complete vegetarian option, pair with miso soup and vegetable tempura. The cooling nature of the dish makes it especially welcome alongside spicier foods. During summer months, I often serve this chilled as part of a larger selection of small plates, creating an elegant and refreshing spread.

Storage Tips

This salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for meal prep. Store the dressed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but keep the toasted sesame seeds separate until serving to maintain their crunch. The dressing alone will keep for up to one week refrigerated, so consider making a double batch to have on hand for quick salads throughout the week. If the dressing separates during storage, simply whisk again before using.

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This dish is an elegant yet simple way to bring authentic Japanese flavors to your table—perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this Japanese spinach salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Blanch and dry the spinach and store it in the refrigerator, and make the dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture. Toast the sesame seeds in advance, but add them last moment for maximum crunch.

→ What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don't have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar make good substitutes. Add a pinch of sugar to compensate for rice vinegar's mild sweetness. Lemon juice can also work in a pinch, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.

→ Is it necessary to blanch the spinach?

Blanching is traditional in this dish as it softens the spinach slightly while maintaining its bright color. It also reduces the raw taste and volume. However, you can use raw spinach for a different texture and stronger flavor if preferred.

→ What other vegetables work well in this salad?

This dressing pairs wonderfully with other vegetables like blanched green beans, broccoli, or bok choy. You could also add thinly sliced cucumber, shredded carrot, or radish for extra crunch and color. For protein, consider adding edamame or tofu.

→ How long does the sesame dressing last in the refrigerator?

The sesame dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop nicely after a day or two. Just shake or stir well before using as the ingredients may separate.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach is ideal for this dish, you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Thaw it completely, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. The texture won't be quite the same as blanched fresh spinach, but the flavor will still be good.