A savory, nutty, sweet sesame miso dressing coats blanched spinach to make a delicious salad or side to various Asian dishes. Served cold or at room temperature, this delicious spinach is a traditional Japanese dish, also known as Spinach Goma-ae or Horenso no Gomaae.
What Makes Sesame Miso Spinach Healthy?
Spinach: This veggie is packed with vitamins A, C, K, and folate, and minerals like iron and calcium. It also offers antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein, which help protect your cells from damage and support eye health. The fiber in spinach also aids digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Sesame Seeds: These seeds provide healthy fats, particularly unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Miso: A fermented food made from soybeans, miso adds protein and beneficial probiotics that support gut health. Read about how miso promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Sesame Miso Spinach Ingredients
This recipe requires five simple ingredients:
- fresh spinach
- toasted white sesame seeds
- white miso
- soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
- coconut sugar (or table sugar)
Scroll to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How to Make Sesame Miso Spinach
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Blanch spinach for 1 minute in the boiling water.
Drain spinach in a colander and thoroughly rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside.
In a coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle, grind the white sesame seeds until they are coarsely ground (not pasty).
In a small bowl, mix miso, soy sauce, sugar, and ground sesame seeds. The mixture will be thick.
With your hands, squeeze as much water from your cooled spinach as you can.
If you used large spinach leaves, roughly chop the spinach in chunks.
Combine your spinach and miso sesame mixture with tongs. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe FAQs
Is Sesame Miso Spinach served hot or cold?
Sesame Miso Spinach (Sesame Goma-ae) is typically served chilled or at room temperature, making it a refreshing side dish.
How long does Sesame Miso Spinach last in the refrigerator?
The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors may meld and become even more pronounced over time.
Can I make the sesame sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sesame sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just mix it with the blanched spinach when you’re ready to serve.
Is Sesame Miso Spinach gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure that your miso paste is also gluten-free.
What can I use instead of sugar?
You can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol if you prefer.
Can I add other ingredients to this dish?
Yes, you can add other ingredients like shredded carrots, mushrooms, or edamame for added texture and flavor.
How can I make the dish less salty?
To reduce the saltiness, use a low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount of miso and soy sauce to your taste.
Sesame Miso Spinach
Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 1.5 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp white miso
- 2 tsp soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
- 2 tsp coconut sugar or sugar of your choice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Blanch spinach for 1 minute in the boiling water.
- Drain spinach in a colander and thoroughly rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside.
- In a coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle, grind the white sesame seeds until they are coarsely ground (not pasty).
- In a small bowl, mix miso, soy sauce, sugar, and ground sesame seeds. The mixture will be thick.
- With your hands, squeeze as much water from your cooled spinach as you can. If you used large spinach leaves, roughly chop the spinach in chunks.
- Combine your spinach and miso sesame mixture with tongs. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
One Response
Best way to eat cooked spinach hands down.