Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or mortar and pestle
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems or wilted leaves.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until wilted.
3. Drain the spinach and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water and set aside.
4. In a food processor or mortar and pestle, grind the toasted sesame seeds until they form a paste.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the sesame paste, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, and salt.
6. In a large bowl, toss the spinach with the sesame sauce until evenly coated.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 minute
Temperature:
- Room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
- If you don't have mirin, you can use rice vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
- If you don't have sake, you can use dry white wine or chicken broth instead.
- Instead of sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Instead of spinach, you can use other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard.
- You can add other ingredients to the sesame sauce such as grated ginger, miso paste, or chili flakes.
- You can top the spinach with sliced green onions, chopped peanuts, or crispy fried shallots.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand.
- Don't overcook the spinach or it will become mushy.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant before grinding them.
- If the sesame sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- You can eat this dish cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, you can microwave it for 30 seconds or heat it up in a pan over low heat.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the spinach goma-ae in a shallow bowl or on a plate.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions.
Garnishes:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped peanuts
- Crispy fried shallots
Pairings:
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or fish.
- Serve with a bowl of rice and miso soup for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Edamame
- Pickled vegetables
- Seaweed salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sesame sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too salty, you can add a little bit of sugar or honey to balance it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Food history:
- Goma-ae is a traditional Japanese dish made with a sesame sauce. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish has a nutty, savory flavor from the sesame sauce and a slightly bitter flavor from the spinach.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the spinach goma-ae as a side dish or appetizer.
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Region: Japanese