Description
A refreshing and healthy Japanese Spinach Salad featuring blanched fresh spinach tossed in a savory sesame dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame seeds. This quick and easy salad is perfect as a side dish or light appetizer, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 bunch fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
Dressing and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the fresh spinach and blanch it for about 1 minute. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water.
- Toast sesame seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast them, stirring frequently, until they become golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Toss the salad: Place the blanched spinach in a serving bowl. Pour the prepared sesame dressing over the spinach and toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Serve with toasted seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad just before serving to add a nutty crunch.
Notes
- Use fresh, young spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the sugar and salt according to your taste preferences.
- For extra crunch, consider adding thinly sliced radishes or cucumber.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing experience.
- This salad pairs well with grilled fish or teriyaki dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
