Goma-ae
Learn how to make goma-ae with this easy recipe! This flavorful Japanese sesame salad is perfect for any meal, and I’ll also share easy vegetable variations to try.
Looking for more easy ways to enjoy vegetables? Try these simple Japanese side dishes
Featured Comment
From Michael: “Excellent recipe. Great with steamed green beans.”
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Goma-ae:
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
Boil the spinach for 1 minute.
Step 2
Squeeze out any excess water, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
Combine sugar, soy sauce, and ground sesame seeds in a small bowl.
Step 4
Combine them until well blended.
Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy right away.
Variations
Try these vegetables for even more variations:
Broccoli
Green beans
Asparagus
Carrot
You can also make goma-ae with kale, eggplant, bean sprout (moyashi), shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, or shimeji mushrooms.
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Goma-ae
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the spinach: Boil the spinach for about 1 minute. Drain, then transfer to cold water to cool. Gently squeeze out the excess water.
- Cut and squeeze: Cut the spinach into bite-sized pieces, then squeeze again to remove any remaining water.
- 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 spinach. Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- When boiling spinach, place the thicker stem side into the boiling water first, then lower in the leaves.
- After boiling, transfer the spinach to cold water right away. This stops the cooking and helps keep the color bright.
- Make sure to squeeze out the excess water of the spinach. This prevents the flavor from becoming diluted.
Video
Nutrition
This nutritional information is estimated and provided for general reference only.
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.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Toni! I’ll take another look at alternative options to tahini.
Delicious! Thank you
My pleasure, Donna! I’m happy to hear you enjoy the recipe!
Very good recipe, clearly written. Thank you so much!
Excellent recipe. Great with steamed green beans.
Thank you for your review, Micheal! I’m glad you like the gomaae recipe!