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Quick & Easy Goma-ae (Japanese Sesame Salad)

ByJuri Austin Published on Updated on
7 Comments
5 from 5 votes
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8 minutes
Servings 2 servings
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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!

Japanese goma-ae served on a plate.

Featured Comment

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

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

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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:

Goma-ae ingredients.
  • 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 are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

How to make goma-ae.

Step 1

Steam or boil the vegetables of your choice.

How to make goma-ae.

Step 2

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

How to make goma-ae.

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!

Goma-ae served in a bowl.

Spinach

Goma-ae served in a bowl.

Green beans

Goma-ae served in a bowl.

Broccoli

Goma-ae served in a bowl.

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
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Japanese goma-ae served on a plate.

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Leave a Rating!

I hope you enjoy this Goma-ae! If you try it, don’t forget to leave a rating to share your thoughts—I love hearing from you!

Quick & Easy Goma-ae (Japanese Sesame Salad)

5 from 5 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 3 minutes
Total: 8 minutes
Servings: 2 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
Gomaae recipe

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
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Combine: Pour the sesame dressing over the prepared vegetables. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  4. 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.
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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

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Juri Austin wearing denim kimono and holding bento box.

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!

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5 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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7 Comments

  1. 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.

    Reply