Spinach with Sesame Dressing from Japanese Home Cooking
Brighten your dinner table with the earthy flavors of Spinach with Sesame Dressing, a beloved dish straight from Japanese home cooking. This quick and easy side dish features tender, blanched spinach tossed in an aromatic sesame dressing made from freshly toasted white sesame seeds, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from sugar and optional mirin. The salad is a perfect balance of nuttiness and umami, enhanced by the vibrant green color of the spinach preserved through an ice bath blanching technique. Ready in just 15 minutes, this delightful recipe pairs beautifully with rice and grilled dishes, making it an ideal addition to any Japanese-inspired meal. Serve it immediately for a fresh and healthy side dish that celebrates timeless Japanese culinary simplicity. Keywords: Japanese spinach salad, sesame dressing recipe, Japanese side dish, healthy Japanese cooking, spinach side dish recipe.
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Ingredients
- 300 grams Fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons White sesame seeds
- 1.5 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Mirin (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Wash the spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water.
Step 3
Blanch the spinach for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until just wilted. Immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant green color.
Step 4
Drain the spinach well and gently squeeze out excess water. Cut the spinach into 2-inch (5 cm) lengths and set aside.
Step 5
Toast the white sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. This should take 2-3 minutes.
Step 6
Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a mortar and pestle (or use a spice grinder) and grind them until they are partially crushed. You still want some texture to the seeds.
Step 7
In a small bowl, mix the crushed sesame seeds with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (if using) to form a dressing.
Step 8
Toss the prepared spinach with the sesame dressing until well combined.
Step 9
Transfer the spinach with sesame dressing to a serving dish and serve immediately as a side dish.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (351.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 213.2 |
| Total Fat 9.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 1.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1094.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 22.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5.3g | |
| Protein 12.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 464.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 12.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 169.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories