Simple Japanese Spinach Salad (Hourensou Goma-ae) Recipe

Updated at: 09/01/2025

Hourensou Goma-ae, or simple Japanese spinach salad with sesame dressing, is a culinary delight that embodies the essence of Japanese cuisine: simplicity, freshness, and a harmonious blend of flavors. This classic dish is incredibly versatile, serving as a healthy side dish, a light lunch, or even a refreshing appetizer. Its vibrant green color and nutty, subtly sweet sesame dressing make it a visually appealing and palate-pleasing experience. The key to a perfect Hourensou Goma-ae lies in blanching the spinach just right to maintain its bright color and tender texture.

Beyond its captivating simplicity, this recipe offers a gateway to exploring the world of Japanese cooking, even for beginners. The ingredients are readily available, and the technique is straightforward, promising delicious results even for novice cooks. Ready to create this flavorful and healthy Japanese staple? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to make your own delicious Hourensou Goma-ae.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Spinach
  • Sugar: 2 tsp
  • Soy Sauce: 2 tsp
  • Roasted Sesame Seeds: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Blanch and Chill the Spinach

  • Prepare boiling water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. This helps maintain the spinach's green color.
  • Blanch the spinach roots in boiling water for 30 seconds.
  • Add the rest of the spinach leaves to the boiling water and cook for 30 seconds until softened.
  • Remove the spinach and immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the color.
Prepare boiling water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. This helps maintain the spinach's green color.Blanch the spinach roots in boiling water for 30 seconds.Add the rest of the spinach leaves to the boiling water and cook for 30 seconds until softened.Remove the spinach and immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the color.
Blanch and Chill the Spinach
  • Remove the root parts and chop the spinach into 3-4 cm pieces.
Remove the root parts and chop the spinach into 3-4 cm pieces.
Blanch and Chill the Spinach

Step 2. Prepare the Sesame Dressing

  • Grind the roasted sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle or food processor until a fragrant paste forms.
  • In a bowl, mix the sugar, soy sauce, and ground sesame seeds.
Grind the roasted sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle or food processor until a fragrant paste forms.In a bowl, mix the sugar, soy sauce, and ground sesame seeds.
Prepare the Sesame Dressing

Step 3. Combine and Serve

  • Add the prepared spinach to the sesame dressing and gently mix well.
  • Arrange the spinach salad on a plate, shaping it like Mount Fuji if desired.
  • Sprinkle additional roasted sesame seeds on top as a garnish.
Add the prepared spinach to the sesame dressing and gently mix well.Arrange the spinach salad on a plate, shaping it like Mount Fuji if desired. Sprinkle additional roasted sesame seeds on top as a garnish.
Combine and Serve

Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes

Tips

  • Adding salt to the boiling water helps maintain the spinach's vibrant green color.
  • This recipe is a healthy and simple traditional Japanese dish, perfect for home cooking.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before using. Frozen spinach can be slightly more watery, impacting the final texture.

2. What kind of sesame oil should I use?

Toasted sesame oil is essential for the authentic flavor. Don't substitute with regular sesame oil.

3. How long can I store leftover Hourensou Goma-ae?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor may slightly diminish over time.


Enjoy your homemade Hourensou Goma-ae! This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a special gathering. We hope you’ve found this recipe both delicious and easy to follow.