Horenso no Goma-ae, or classic Japanese sesame spinach salad, is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that's a staple in Japanese cuisine. Its vibrant green color and nutty, savory dressing make it a beautiful and delicious addition to any meal, from a light lunch to a side at a celebratory dinner. The combination of tender spinach and creamy sesame dressing is unbelievably satisfying, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes. This recipe prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients to highlight the natural goodness of the spinach. Its simplicity belies its depth of flavor, making it a perfect dish for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Beyond its ease of preparation, Horenso no Goma-ae offers a healthy and nutritious meal option. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, while the sesame dressing adds healthy fats and a unique umami flavor. To learn how to create this culinary masterpiece yourself, let’s dive into the easy step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Saucepan
- Bowl
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
Ingredients
- Spinach
- Water
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- White toasted sesame seeds: 1/2 tablespoon
- Dashi or water: 1/2 tablespoon
- Ground sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons
- Light brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Cooking string (100% cotton)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Blanch the Spinach
- Prepare the spinach by cutting off the bottom stems to remove dirt. Wash thoroughly under cold running water.
- Divide the spinach into thirds based on thickness (thickest stems, middle, and leaves). Tie each section together with cooking string.
- Boil water in a saucepan. Add salt once boiling.
- Add the thickest stems to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Then add the middle section and cook for 45 seconds. Finally, add the leaves and blanch for 30 seconds.
- Immediately transfer the cooked spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve color and texture.
Step 2. Make the Sesame Dressing
- Combine white toasted sesame seeds, dashi (or water), ground sesame seeds, light brown sugar, soy sauce, and salt. Mix until a thick paste forms.
Step 3. Combine and Dress the Spinach
- Squeeze out excess water from the spinach, remove the string, and add it to the sauce. Mix thoroughly until the spinach is evenly coated.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Vegan Braised Lotus Root (Yeongeun Jorim): Easy Korean Recipe
Tips
- Adding spinach in order of thickness prevents raw stems and overcooked leaves.
- Thoroughly squeezing the spinach before adding it to the sauce is important to prevent a watery dressing.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before proceeding. Frozen spinach can be slightly more watery, affecting the final texture.
2. What can I substitute for tahini if I don't have any?
While tahini is ideal, you can try substituting with a similar amount of smooth peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still create a creamy dressing.
This simple yet elegant Horenso no Goma-ae is a testament to the beauty of fresh ingredients and a well-balanced dressing. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish as a side, a light meal, or a delicious addition to your next Japanese-inspired feast. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound mastery of this classic Japanese salad!