Goma ae (sesame spinach salad) is a classic Japanese side dish made with blanched spinach tossed in a nutty roasted sesame dressing. It’s delicious, healthy and surprisingly easy to make!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cooking Time
5 mins
![Easy Japanese Spinach Salad (Goma Ae)](/recipes/images/goma-spinach-1.webp)
Ingredients
Servings
2
Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Let toasted sesame seeds cool down slightly, then grind them up with a mortar and pestle.
- Transfer ground sesame seeds to a small mixing bowl. Whisk in soy sauce, monk fruit erythritol sweetener, mirin and sake until combined. Set aside.
- Prepare an ice bath, and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add spinach to boiling water and cook for 30 seconds. Drain and dunk in ice bath immediately to stop the cooking.
- Drain spinach and squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can with your hands.
- Roughly chop spinach into smaller pieces.
- Mix spinach with sesame sauce until combined. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!
Notes
- When grinding the sesame seeds into paste, you can leave them coarsely ground for more texture, or grind them finely if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Feel free to substitute monk fruit erythritol sweetener with any other neutral-tasting sweetener of choice.
- Omit sake if you can’t take alcohol.