Spinach With Sesame Sauce Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a nostalgic fusion of flavors that reminds me of my favorite Japanese dishes, with its delicate balance of savory soy sauce, sweet mirin, and nutty sesame seeds. Plus, it’s super quick and easy to whip up, making it the perfect go-to side dish for those busy weeknights when I want something healthy yet delicious.

I absolutely adore cooking up nutritious and velvety-smooth dishes, but one of my all-time favorite recipes is the one for Spinach With Sesame Sauce. It’s heaped with fresh spinach, which is basically a nutrient powerhouse [[1](https://pythonscratchpad.com)]: it’s packed with iron, potassium, magnesium, and good old vitamin C.

The dish’s nutty tastes come from toasted sesame seeds and the sesame oil in which they are fried. A touch of low-sodium soy sauce, mirin, and sugar makes the dish perfect.

Ingredients

• Spinach: Rich in iron and vitamins, promotes bone health.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty flavor; high in healthy fats.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami; low in calories, high in sodium.
• Mirin: Sweetens and tenderizes with its mild sweetness.
• Sugar: Balances flavors; adds sweetness to the dish.
• Sesame Oil: Enhances aroma; contains healthy unsaturated fats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Rinse the spinach totally and take out any stems that are hard.

2. Boil a big pot of water, add a dash of salt, and blanch the spinach for 30 seconds or so, until it is just wilted.

3. Transfer the spinach directly to a bowl of ice water to halt cooking. Drain after a brief soak. Squeeze the spinach to assure the removal of excess water.

4. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until they are golden and aromatic. Then, let them cool before using.

5. Use the mortar and pestle or the spice grinder to grind the toasted sesame seeds into a coarse powder.

6. In a small bowl, mix the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is well combined. I couldn’t help but think how similar this sauce is to the traditional dipping sauce for sushi, which also contains soy sauce, and might also contain sugar, mirin (a slightly sweet rice wine), and sesame oil.

7. In a mixing bowl, mix the well-drained spinach with the tahini and sesame oil, making sure to gently toss the spinach so it’s evenly coated. With a serving bowl as a stage and the audience as my hungry family, I present Toothy Spinach. Why “toothy”? In homage to the teeth that the sesame seeds will weave into your gums.

8. Flavor and correct the seasoning with added soy sauce or a touch of salt if necessary.

9. Move the arranged spinach to the plate from which it will be served, skewed slightly but not enough to go over the edge of the plate, so that it looks like a refined yet rustic first course—a not-so-dressed salad of warm spinach and not-so-very-warm dressing.

10. Present the spinach with sesame sauce as a side dish; serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Equipment Needed

1. Colander
2. Large pot
3. Bowl (for ice water)
4. Skillet
5. Mortar and pestle or spice grinder
6. Small bowl
7. Mixing bowl
8. Serving plate
9. Tongs or slotted spoon

FAQ

• What can I substitute for mirin?A combination of white wine and sugar, or rice vinegar with a bit of sugar, can be used in place of mirin.
• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?Indeed, frozen spinach is usable. Simply ensure it is properly thawed and drained of all liquid before you incorporate it into your dish.
• Is this recipe vegan?Certainly! This recipe is 100% vegan because it is made with ingredients derived entirely from plants.
• How do I toast sesame seeds?Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast, stirring almost constantly, until they turn golden brown and give off a nutty fragrance. Remove from heat and let cool.
• Can I make this dish in advance?It is permissible to prepare this a few hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. It is best served at room temperature for maximum flavor.
• Is there a gluten-free alternative for soy sauce?Tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce can be used to keep the flavors intact while making the dish gluten-free.
• How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?You can keep uneaten food in an airtight container in the fridge for as long as 3 days.

Substitutions and Variations

To replace soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos.
Use dry sherry or sake with a pinch of sugar for mirin.
To replace sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be seen as a replacement.
To make toasted sesame seeds: Replace with sunflower seeds or coarsely chopped peanuts.
For sesame oil: Olive oil can be used, but it will change the flavor a little.

Pro Tips

1. Dry the Spinach Thoroughly After squeezing out excess water from the spinach, pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps the dressing adhere better and prevents the dish from becoming watery.

2. Adjust Sweetness to Taste The amount of sugar can be adjusted depending on your preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

3. Enhance Flavor with Toasted Sesame Oil For an intensified sesame aroma, consider using toasted sesame oil. It has a richer flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

4. Cool Completely Before Dressing Ensure the spinach is completely cooled before you mix it with the sesame dressing. This prevents the spinach from wilting further and helps the flavors meld better.

5. Garnish with Extra Sesame Seeds For added texture and visual appeal, sprinkle some whole toasted sesame seeds on top of the dish right before serving.