Gomae (Japanese Spinach Salad)

Gomae (or Gomaae) is one of those dishes that my family likes to order when eating at Japanese restaurants. Gomae is a Japanese style spinach salad that is dressed with a sesame dressing. There is this one all-you-can-eat restaurant we used to go to a lot and we would order and consume many servings of this dish. The dish is good enough for us to order multiple times and healthy enough for us to consume guilt-free! So, I decided that I would attempt to re-create this great dish.

Surprisingly, this dish is quite easy to make. After boiling the spinach and cutting it into portions, the spinach is added to a delicious dressing made from crushed toasted sesame seeds, mirin, sake and sugar. I was surprised at how similar the taste was to the one we would order at Japanese restaurant. I was quite pleased and there were no left-overs as it was consumed almost immediately. What I like about this dish is that it’s so healthy, vegetarian and easy to make. It’s also very tasty and different from the typical salads we eat. I will definitely be making this over and over again!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Gomae

To achieve the best texture for your gomae, blanch the spinach quickly in boiling water for just 30 seconds. This helps preserve its vibrant green color and keeps the leaves tender yet crisp. After blanching, immediately transfer the spinach to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water before mixing with the dressing. For the sesame dressing, toasting the sesame seeds is key. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn them. This enhances the nutty flavor that makes the dressing so delicious.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Gomae is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a heartier dish, try adding shredded carrots or sliced cucumbers to the spinach. This adds extra crunch and color. You can also experiment with proteins, like sliced grilled chicken or tofu, to make it a complete meal. Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled fish or as part of a Japanese-inspired bento box. For a twist, add a splash of citrus juice, like yuzu or lemon, to the dressing for a refreshing zing. It pairs well with steamed rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a light snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of sake and mirin?

You can substitute both sake and mirin with cooking sherry in equal amounts. It won’t have the exact same flavor, but it will still add a nice depth to the dressing.

How should I store leftover gomae?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 2-3 days, but keep in mind that the spinach may lose some of its crispness.

Can I make gomae ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the dressing ahead of time, but blanch the spinach just before serving. This way, the spinach stays fresh and vibrant, while the dressing can be mixed in right before you eat.

What are some good serving suggestions for gomae?

Gomae pairs well with grilled meats or fish, making it a great side dish for a Japanese-themed meal. You can also serve it as part of a larger salad spread or alongside rice and other vegetable dishes.

What are common mistakes when making gomae?

One common mistake is overcooking the spinach, which can make it mushy and dull in color. Make sure to blanch it for just 30 seconds and then quickly cool it in an ice bath to keep that vibrant green hue.

Gomae (Japanese Spinach Salad)

Liza Agbanlog

Gomae (or Gomaae) is a Japanese style spinach salad that is dressed with a sesame dressing. It's a healthy vegetarian recipe that is easy to make and eat.

3.86 from 14 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 63 kcal

Equipment

• Mortar and Pestle or food processor

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 bag of ready-to-eat spinach (approx. 200 g)
• salt to taste

Sesame Dressing

• 1/2 tsp of sake can substitute with 1/2 tsp of cooking sherry
• 1/2 tsp of mirin can substitute with 1/2 tsp of cooking sherry
• 3 tbsp roasted white sesame seeds
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp white sugar

Instructions

 

• Heat a skillet to low heat. Toast the sesame seeds by placing them into the skillet. When a few of the sesame seeds begin to pop, remove from the heat.
• Grind the sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle. If you don't have access to a motor and pestle, you can grind them in a food processor.
• In a small bowl, combine the sesame seeds, soy sauce, sugar, sake and mirin. Mix well.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil add a pinch of salt.
• Add spinach to boiling water and cook for one minute. Drain and soak with cold water until cooled.
• Drain the spinach and make sure to remove as much water as possible. Collect the spinach and cut into 4 pieces (see picture above).
• Toss the spinach in the sesame dressing.

Notes

Recipe Source: Just One Cookbook

Nutrition

Calories: 63kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 422mgPotassium: 321mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 4689IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 2mg

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