Spinach Gomaae is a perfect choice if you are looking for a healthy Japanese side. You can easily incorporate the nutritional benefits of spinach and sesame seeds in a delicious way. Let's add some color to your dining table with this traditional Japanese dish.
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What is Spinach Gomaae?
Spinach Gomaae is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of spinach and flavorful sesame sauce. "Goma" means sesame seeds, and "ae" refers to tossing with seasonings. This dish allows you to enjoy the nutrients of spinach and sesame seeds by simply tossing boiled spinach with sesame sauce.
The sesame sauce used can also be easily prepared by mixing ground sesame seeds, sugar, and soy sauce. Due to its ease of preparation and nutritional value, this dish is a popular choice in Japan not only for the dinner table but also for breakfast or in bento (lunch boxes). Incorporate this healthy dish into your diet as well.
Health benefits of sesame seeds
Sesame seeds, the key ingredient in this dish, are known for their high nutritional value along with their delightful flavor. They contain sesame lignans, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, and magnesium, all packed into each seed. These nutrients can help lower bad cholesterol, improve liver function, and promote youthfulness.
Therefore, sesame seeds are a healthy food that you should actively include in your daily diet. Since they are better absorbed into the body when ground, spinach gomaae, which incorporates ground sesame, is an ideal way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of sesame seeds deliciously.
Making ground sesame seeds
To make this dish, ground sesame seeds are essential. These are commonly available in Japan, but how about in your area?
If you can only get raw or toasted sesame seeds, you need to (toast and) grind them. It doesn't take much effort, so follow these steps to make ground sesame seeds. Freshly ground sesame seeds have an exceptional flavor, so even if you already have some, it is worth making them to enjoy a more savory flavor.
Step 1
Put raw sesame seeds in a pot or pan and toast them over low heat. Shake the pot (or pan) constantly to prevent burning until a few sesame seeds start to pop, which should take 5-10 minutes.
Step 2
Grind the toasted sesame seeds with a mortar and pestle (or a food processor) until they reach a coarse consistency.
When using toasted sesame seeds, you only need to follow step 2. However, if you want to enhance the flavor of the sesame seeds further, toast them over very low heat before step 2, shaking the pot or pan constantly to prevent burning, for about 2 minutes until you smell a savory aroma.
It is best to avoid using non-stick coated pots or pans when toasting them because sesame seeds are so small that heating them in such a pot or pan is almost like heating an empty pot (or pan), which could potentially release harmful chemicals.
Variations of gomaae
Gomaae can be made with a variety of vegetables other than spinach. While spinach is the most popular choice in Japan, it is also commonly used with green beans, broccoli, and carrots. After enjoying this recipe, try making another gomaae dish with your favorite vegetables.
📋Step-by-step recipe
Ingredients
- 7 oz spinach
- 1 Tbsp ground white sesame seeds (When grinding raw or toasted sesame seeds, please refer to the instructions above.)
- ½ tsp sugar
- 2 tsp soy sauce
Instructions
🕒 Total: 10 mins
Step 1
Fill a large pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil.
Step 2
When the water boils, add salt (approximately 1% of the water's volume, not included in the recipe). Then, place spinach in the pot, starting from the root ends. Cook only the stems for a minute, and submerge the leaves for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 3
Remove the spinach from the pot and cool it under running water. Then, squeeze out any excess moisture.
Step 4
Trim the spinach roots and cut the remaining portions into 1.6-inch (4 cm) pieces.
Step 5
Mix ground sesame seeds, sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl.
Step 6
Place the spinach pieces in the bowl and toss them with the sesame sauce.
To store
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips on how to make
- Boil the spinach in a large pot of salted water. The purpose of using plenty of water is to remove the harsh taste from the spinach, and salt is added to prevent the color of the spinach from fading.
- Spinach should be boiled starting from the stems. Then, submerge the leaves to ensure even cooking.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Please consider leaving a review and star rating in the comments below. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you shared it with your friends.
Recipe card
Spinach Gomaae (Japanese Sesame Spinach Salad)
Ingredients
- 7 oz spinach
- 1 Tbsp ground white sesame seeds (When grinding raw or toasted sesame seeds, please refer to the instructions above.)
- ½ tsp sugar
- 2 tsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with plenty of water and bring it to a boil.
- When the water boils, add salt (approximately 1% of the water's volume, not included in the recipe). Then, place spinach in the pot, starting from the root ends. Cook only the stems for a minute, and submerge the leaves for an additional 30 seconds.
- Remove the spinach from the pot and cool it under running water. Then, squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Trim the spinach roots and cut the remaining portions into 1.6-inch (4 cm) pieces.
- Mix ground sesame seeds, sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl.
- Place the spinach pieces in the bowl and toss them with the sesame sauce.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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