Goma-ae 🇯🇵

Description

A tender Japanese spinach salad wrapped in the warm aroma of freshly toasted sesame. Soft greens meet a nutty-sweet dressing that melts on the tongue, creating a moment of peace with every bite. Perfect as a gentle appetizer before your main meal or as a healthy snack during the day.

Ingredients

• 🥬 300 g (10.5 oz) fresh spinach
• 🌰 3 tbsp (27 g) white sesame seeds
• 🍜 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
• 🍯 1 tbsp (15 g) sugar
• 🍶 1 tbsp (15 ml) mirin

Preparation

1. 1️⃣ Bring a pot of water to a boil and quickly blanch spinach for 30 seconds. Transfer immediately to ice water to preserve the color.
2. 2️⃣ Squeeze gently to remove excess water, then cut spinach into 4 cm (1.5 in) lengths.
3. 3️⃣ Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and aromatic.
4. 4️⃣ Grind warm sesame seeds in a mortar (or spice grinder) to release their oils.
5. 5️⃣ Mix ground sesame with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin to create the dressing.
6. 6️⃣ Toss spinach in the sesame dressing until evenly coated. Serve chilled for best flavor.

Total Time

🕒 Prep: 5 min

🔥 Cook: 5 min

⌛ Total: 10 min

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