5 from 5 votes

Servings servings

Learn how to make Goma-ae with this quick and easy recipe! This Japanese sesame salad is flavorful, simple, and perfect for any meal.

Looking for simple side dishes? Try my Kinpira Gobo, Steamed Vegetables, or Napa Cabbage Slaw!

Featured Comment

From Michael: “Excellent recipe. Great with steamed green beans.”

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This goma-ae takes just a few minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
You can use a variety of vegetables, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
The rich, slightly sweet sesame dressing enhances the vegetables perfectly.

What is Gom-ae?

Goma-ae, or Japanese sesame salad, is a classic Japanese side dish. It’s often served in bento box or alongside main dishes at Japanese restaurants.

This easy and flavorful dish features boiled vegetables coated in a savory sesame dressing. While spinach is the most popular choice, goma-ae is incredibly versatile and can be made with many other vegetables as well.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Goma-ae:

Your Choice of Vegetables: As mentioned earlier, goma-ae is a versatile dish that works well with many vegetables, especially green ones. In this recipe, I’ve chosen spinach, green beans, broccoli, and asparagus. You’ll find more variations in the following section!
Sesame Dressing: Made with a simple yet flavorful combination of ground sesame seeds, sugar, and soy sauce. Freshly ground sesame seeds offer a richer flavor and a delightful aroma. If you have time, grind them yourself using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. For convenience, store-bought ground sesame seeds work just as well. White sesame seeds are traditional, but black sesame seeds can be used as well.

How To Make Goma-ae: STEP BY STEP

Here’s a quick visual guide! Check the recipe card below for the video and full details!

Step 1

Steam or boil the vegetables of your choice.

Step 2

Combine sugar, soy sauce, and ground sesame seeds in a small bowl.

Step 3

Put the vegetables in a large bowl and add the sesame dressing.

Step 4

Combine them until well blended.

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy right away. Below are 4 different variations of goma-ae!

Spinach

Broccoli

Green beans

Asparagus

Recipe Tips

Cook vegetables until just tender to maintain their texture and vibrant color.
Pat the vegetables dry to avoid watering down the dressing.
Mix the vegetables with the sesame dressing just before serving to enjoy the freshest flavor.

Storage

You can store goma-ae in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, keep in mind that the vegetables may release water over time, which can affect the texture and flavor. For the best results, I recommend enjoying the dish fresh.

Variations

Goma-ae pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetables. While spinach is a classic choice, you can try with these options to add variety:

Kale
Eggplant
Carrot
Bean sprout (Moyashi)
Shiitake mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms
Shimeji mushrooms

Want more Japanese Plant-Based Ideas?

Get 10 Easy
Vegetarian recipes

More Japanese Side Dishes You Will Love

Leave a Rating!

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Don’t forget to rate it and share your thoughts!

Quick & Easy Goma-ae (Japanese Sesame Salad)

5 from 5 votes

Prep: 5

Cook: 3

Total: 8

Servings: servings

Author: Juri Austin

Learn how to make Goma-ae with this quick and easy recipe! This Japanese sesame salad is flavorful, simple, and perfect for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to Shopping List

Equipment

Large pot

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups Vegetable of Choice, such as spinach, green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.
▢ 1 tsp Sugar
▢ 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
▢ 1 Tbsp Ground Sesame Seeds

Instructions

Steam Vegetable: Steam or boil the vegetable of your choice until tender. Drain and let cool, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
Make Sesame Salad Dressing: In a small bowl, combine sugar, soy sauce, and ground sesame seeds. Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
Combine: Pour the sesame dressing over the prepared vegetables. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store in the refrigerator for three days.
Cook vegetables until just tender to maintain their texture and vibrant color.
Pat the vegetables dry to avoid watering down the dressing.
Mix the vegetables with the sesame dressing just before serving to enjoy the freshest flavor.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 61kcalCarbohydrates: 7.8gProtein: 4.2g

This nutritional information is estimated and provided for general reference only.

Course: Side

Cuisine: Japanese

Keyword: Goma-ae, Japanese salad with sesame seeds, vegan

Did You Make This Recipe?

Please !

Juri Austin

Hi! I’m Juri, founder of Chef JA Cooks and the creator and photographer of this site. I’m here to guide you in authentic yet easy-to-follow Japanese recipes! Let’s explore the world of Japanese cuisine together!

Learn More About Juri

5 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

7 Comments

Toni says:

Jan 29, 2024 at 4:29 PM

I used Tahini paste as no ground sesame seeds nor a mortar & pestle to hand. That may explain the nasty flavour. Luckily I tested the dressing first. Replaced it with Kewpie roasted sesame salad dressing mixed with a little soy and way better.

1. Juri Austin says:
  
  Jan 30, 2024 at 4:12 AM
  
  Thanks for sharing your experience, Toni! I’ll take another look at alternative options to tahini.
  
Donna says:

Jun 26, 2023 at 7:37 AM

Delicious! Thank you

1. JURI says:
  
  Jun 26, 2023 at 1:11 PM
  
  My pleasure, Donna! I’m happy to hear you enjoy the recipe!
  
Donna Jorgensen says:

Jun 26, 2023 at 7:35 AM

Very good recipe, clearly written. Thank you so much!

Michael says:

Oct 7, 2022 at 7:59 AM

Excellent recipe. Great with steamed green beans.

1. JURI says:
  
  Oct 7, 2022 at 10:15 AM
  
  Thank you for your review, Micheal! I’m glad you like the gomaae recipe!