Sesame Spinach Salad: Japanese-Inspired Freshness

Spinach with Sesame Dressing Recipe

Overview

Experience the delightful flavors of Japanese home cooking with this quick and easy Spinach with Sesame Dressing recipe. Perfect for summer, this dish combines the freshness of spinach with the nuttiness of sesame seeds and the umami of soy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Recipe Information

• Name: Spinach with Sesame Dressing (from Japanese Home Cooking)
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Recipe Category: Vegetable
• Keywords: Japanese, Asian, Summer, Spicy, < 30 Mins, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
• Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
• Review Count: 1 review
• Calories: 86.7 per serving
• Fat Content: 5.9g
• Saturated Fat Content: 0.8g
• Cholesterol Content: 0mg
• Sodium Content: 319.8mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 6g
• Fiber Content: 3.2g
• Sugar Content: 0.5g
• Protein Content: 4.9g
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 340g spinach
• 5 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 dashi packet (optional, for additional flavor)

Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach:

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   • Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.
   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Place the spinach in the pot with the stalks at the bottom and the leafy parts at the top. Boil until the spinach is tender.
   • Drain the spinach and rinse it well under cold water to stop the cooking process.
   • Trim off the tough ends of the spinach, leaving most of the stalk intact. Squeeze out excess water and cut the spinach into 4cm lengths.

2. Prepare the Sesame Dressing:

   • In a dry skillet over low heat, toast the sesame seeds until they turn golden brown and become fragrant. Reserve a tablespoon of sesame seeds for garnish.
   • Using a pestle and mortar, lightly crush half of the toasted sesame seeds to release their oils and flavors.
   • In a small bowl, combine the crushed sesame seeds with soy sauce. If using dashi, dissolve it in a small amount of warm water and add it to the sesame seed mixture. Mix well to combine.

3. Combine and Serve:

   • Place the cooked spinach in a mixing bowl. Gently loosen the spinach leaves.
   • Pour the sesame dressing over the spinach and toss gently to coat evenly.
   • Transfer the dressed spinach to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the reserved toasted sesame seeds on top as a garnish.

4. Optional Variations:

   • This dish can be prepared with cabbage, green beans, or watercress instead of spinach, following the same cooking and dressing instructions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spinach with Sesame Dressing as a refreshing side dish or as part of a larger Japanese meal. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and grilled fish or tofu. Enjoy the crisp texture of spinach complemented by the rich flavors of sesame and soy sauce, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal any time of the year.

Nutritional Information

• Per Serving:
  • Calories: 86.7
  • Fat: 5.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 319.8mg
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 3.2g
  • Sugar: 0.5g
  • Protein: 4.9g

Final Thoughts

This Spinach with Sesame Dressing recipe from Japanese home cooking is a testament to simplicity and flavor. It embodies the essence of Japanese cuisine with its balance of umami and freshness, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a nutritious addition to your meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy both your palate and your desire for a healthy, flavorful dish.