Authentic Japanese Goma-ae: A Detailed Guide on Making Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of spinach
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of mirin (sweet sake)

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the spinach thoroughly and boil it in a pot of water for about 1 minute.
  2. Once the spinach is cooked, drain the water and rinse the spinach in cold water.
  3. Squeeze out the excess water from the spinach and cut into 2-inch lengths.
  4. In a pan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until they are lightly brown and aromatic.
  5. Grind the toasted sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle until they form a rough paste.
  6. Add the soy sauce, sugar, and mirin to the sesame paste and mix well to form the sauce.
  7. Toss the spinach in the sauce until it is thoroughly coated.
  8. Chill the Goma-ae in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving.

Tools for making

  • Pot - For boiling the spinach.
  • Pan - For toasting the sesame seeds.
  • Mortar and Pestle - For grinding the sesame seeds into a paste.
  • Bowl - For mixing the sesame paste with other ingredients.
  • Knife - For cutting the cooked spinach into pieces.
  • Cutting Board - To provide a surface for cutting the spinach.
  • Strainer - For draining the water from the cooked spinach.
  • Measuring Spoons - To measure the soy sauce, sugar, and mirin accurately.

Recipe variations

  • Use different vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots instead of spinach.
  • Replace the sesame seeds with other nuts or seeds like peanuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
  • Add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist.
  • For a spicy kick, mix in some chili flakes or hot sauce.
  • Include some minced garlic or ginger for added flavor.
  • Add a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra nutty taste.
  • For a sweeter version, use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
  • Make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.

Recipe overview

Goma-ae is a delightful Japanese dish that is both simple to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe involves blanching spinach and coating it in a rich and satisfying sesame sauce. The combination of the nutty and savory sesame sauce with the crisp and fresh spinach creates a wonderful harmony that is hard to resist. This Goma-ae recipe is perfect if you're looking for a healthy side dish to add to your meal. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes, and the result is a wonderfully unique dish that is sure to impress. Enjoy the refreshing taste and the interesting texture of Goma-ae.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
    Yes, you can use frozen spinach for this recipe. Make sure to thaw and drain the spinach before following the instructions.
  2. Can I substitute other seeds for sesame seeds?
    While sesame seeds are traditional for Goma-ae, you can try using other seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different flavor.
  3. Is there a substitute for mirin?
    If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a combination of rice vinegar and sugar. Use 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar as a replacement for 1 tablespoon of mirin.
  4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
    Yes, you can make Goma-ae in advance. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep it covered.
  5. Is Goma-ae gluten-free?
    The traditional Goma-ae recipe contains soy sauce, which typically includes gluten. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl for mixing the sauce ingredients.
  • Pot - Used for boiling the spinach.
  • Colander - To drain the cooked spinach and rinse with cold water.
  • Mortar and Pestle - For grinding the toasted sesame seeds into a paste.
  • Pan - To toast the sesame seeds.
  • Serving Dish - A dish to present and serve the Goma-ae.
  • Refrigerator - For chilling the Goma-ae before serving.

Origin stories

Goma-ae, a versatile and delightful Japanese dish, has its roots in simplicity and tradition. The name of the dish itself is a testament to its primary ingredients - 'Goma' means sesame seeds and 'Ae' translates to 'dressed', effectively meaning 'dressed with sesame'. A popular fixture in the Kaiseki cuisine, it embodies the Japanese philosophy of creating harmony in taste by juxtaposing the nuttiness of sesame with the mild profile of vegetables. The beauty of Goma-ae lies in its adaptability - it can be paired with a variety of vegetables, each creating a unique symphony of flavors. It’s often enjoyed as a side dish but can be a meal in itself when paired with rice. This humble yet delicious dish serves as a perfect example of Japan's culinary aesthetics that find profound taste in simple ingredients.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.