Spinach with Sesame Dressing (Gomaae)

This traditional Japanese side dish pairs nutrient-dense spinach with healthy fat-packed toasted sesame seeds for a light, plant-based protein boost.

Ingredients

Calories next to each ingredient are for that ingredient across the whole recipe (4 servings), not per serving.

• 700 g (1.5 lbs) fresh spinach · 161 kcal in the whole recipe
• 35 g (3.5 tbsp) white sesame seeds · 221 kcal in the whole recipe
• 32 g (2 tbsp) low-sodium soy sauce · 18 kcal in the whole recipe
• 10 g (2 tsp) sugar · 39 kcal in the whole recipe
• 5 g (1 tsp) sesame oil · 44 kcal in the whole recipe
• A pinch of salt for boiling water

Method

1. Blanch fresh spinach in boiling salted water for 1 minute, transfer immediately to ice water, drain thoroughly, squeeze out excess moisture, and cut into 4 cm pieces.

   

2. Dry-toast white sesame seeds in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.

   

3. Grind the toasted sesame seeds in a mortar or spice grinder until coarsely crushed and fragrant.

   

4. Add low-sodium soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil to the crushed sesame seeds, stirring into a thick dressing.

   

5. Toss the squeezed spinach with the sesame dressing until evenly coated, and serve.

   

A Besly kitchen recipe — portions, macros and step photos by Besly.