Spinach Gomaae

Name: Spinach Gomaae
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 300 g spinach; 2 tbsp sesame paste; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp mirin; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegan

Spinach Gomaae is a beloved home-style dish in Japan, often gracing the table as a side during family meals or gatherings. Cooked with simplicity and care, it reflects the essence of everyday Japanese home cooking, where ingredients are chosen with precision and dishes are prepared to be shared. Spinach is the star, its vibrant green color and tender texture a perfect canvas for the rich, nutty dressing that accompanies it.

The dish offers a delightful balance of flavors: the earthiness of spinach meets the creamy depth of sesame paste, gently sweetened by a hint of sugar and mirin. A touch of soy sauce adds umami, while fine sea salt enhances each component. The result is a harmonious blend that is both comforting and satisfying, inviting diners to savor the subtle yet distinct layers of taste.

Ingredients

300 gspinach
2 tbspsesame paste
1 tbspsoy sauce
1 tspsugar
1 tspmirin
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, wash the 300 g of spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of fine sea salt to the pot.
Add the spinach to the boiling water. Blanch the spinach for about 30 seconds until it turns a bright, vibrant green and becomes tender. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its color.
Once the spinach is cool, drain it well and gently squeeze out any excess water with your hands. This step is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming watery. Cut the spinach into 4-5 cm lengths and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp of sesame paste, 1 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tsp of sugar, and 1 tsp of mirin. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined. This will be the dressing for your spinach.
Place the drained spinach in a mixing bowl. Pour the sesame dressing over the spinach. Toss gently with your hands or a pair of chopsticks to ensure the spinach is evenly coated with the dressing without breaking the leaves.
Taste the spinach and adjust the seasoning with fine sea salt if needed. The flavors should be balanced, with the nuttiness of the sesame paste complementing the savory soy sauce and sweet mirin.
Transfer the dressed spinach to a serving dish. Serve immediately as a side dish, allowing everyone to enjoy the fresh, nutty flavors of this traditional Japanese home-cooked dish.