A Beloved Japanese Spinach Side Dish for All Ages and Occasions
Spinach with sesame dressing, or Goma-ae, is one of the most iconic and well-loved side dishes in Japanese home cooking. Made with simple ingredients and rich in nutrients, this dish is a staple on dinner tables, in lunchboxes, and even at Japanese-style pubs.
In Japan, spinach is one of the most frequently used vegetables for side dishes, and Goma-ae is a typical way to prepare it. You’ll often see it served as a small plate in Izakaya (Japanese pubs)—sometimes even as an otoshi, a starter dish automatically served alongside your first drink.
What Is Otoshi?
A Cultural and Practical Part of Japanese Drinking Etiquette
In Japanese dining culture, especially at Izakaya, an otoshi is a small appetizer served automatically with your drink order. It’s not just a welcoming gesture—it also has a practical role.
Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can cause you to become intoxicated more quickly, which isn’t ideal. That’s why, in Japan, it’s customary to serve food and alcohol together right from the start. A small dish like Goma-ae is perfect for this: light, flavorful, and gentle on the stomach, making it the ideal partner for your first sip of sake or beer.
Spinach – Packed with Nutrients
A Healthy Choice for Kids and Adults
Spinach is naturally rich in iron, vitamins A and C, folic acid, and dietary fiber. When combined with ground sesame seeds—full of calcium and healthy fats—you get a nutritionally balanced dish that supports energy and wellness.
This makes Goma-ae a favorite not just for adults enjoying sake, but also for growing children. It’s easy to prepare, digestible, and fits well into any healthy meal plan.
Made with Simple Ingredients, Full of Umami
A Quick Dish That Doesn’t Sacrifice Flavor
All you need is spinach, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and a bit of sugar. That’s it! And yet, the result is surprisingly deep in flavor. The sweet-savory sesame dressing clings to the vibrant green spinach, bringing out its natural umami.
It’s delicious as a side dish with rice, or as a small plate to enjoy with sake or beer. Because it takes just a few minutes to prepare, it’s a go-to option when you need one more dish on the table.
Versatile and Seasonally Adaptable
Enjoy Goma-ae with Different Vegetables
While spinach is the classic choice, Goma-ae can be made with many seasonal vegetables—like asparagus, green beans, okra, or komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach). This makes it an ideal year-round side dish, adaptable to whatever is fresh at the market.
It also stores well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or as a colorful addition to any Japanese meal.
Goma-ae may be simple, but it represents the heart of Japanese home cooking: seasonal, nutritious, and satisfying. Whether served with a family dinner or alongside a glass of sake at an Izakaya, spinach with sesame dressing is a dish that speaks to Japan’s deep appreciation for balance and flavor.
If you haven’t tried it yet, this is a wonderful dish to start with—easy to make, delicious, and full of cultural charm.
Spinach with Sesame Dressing (Goma-ae)
Ingredients
Instructions
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Boil the Spinach
Wash the spinach thoroughly. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Also prepare a large bowl of ice water to plunge the spinach in after cooking. Since the stems and leaves cook at different speeds, start by placing the stems in the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds. Then gradually lower in the leaves and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer the spinach to the ice water immediately to preserve its bright green color. Once the spinach has cooled, gently squeeze out the excess water and cut the spinach into even 1-inch (3-cm) pieces.
If you overcook the spinach, the leaves can become too soft and start to break down. Be sure to boil it for no more than 30 seconds. When squeezing out the excess water, gently press from the stems toward the leaves using the palm of your hand to avoid damaging the spinach. -
Prepare the Sesame Sauce
Grind the sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle until most of the seeds are crushed. (You can also use a spice grinder, but grind them briefly.) This releases their aroma and enhances the flavor. Once the sesame seeds are mostly ground, add the sugar and soy sauce to make the dressing.
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Mix with Spinach
Add the cut spinach to the sesame sauce. Gently separate the spinach as you mix to ensure it's evenly coated and not clumped together.
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Plate and Serve
Plate the spinach neatly, forming a small mound. This makes the dish look more appetizing and elegant when served.
