This quick and easy Japanese spinach salad is typically served as a side. Informal Japanese gastropubs called izakayas specialize in small-to-medium portion communal dishes – and you’ll frequently find gomae on the menu alongside other mainstays like takowasa, karaage and blistered shishito peppers.
Gomae (or goma ae) is a Japanese side dish made of blanched spinach tossed in a sweet, savory, and nutty sesame sauce. Now, the term ‘gomae’ actually refers to the sesame dressing itself. Goma means ‘sesame seeds’ – and Ae loosely means tossing or mixing together.
Toast your sesame seeds then grind them. Make the dressing and set aside.
Blanche and shock spinach, then drain well. Cut spinach and transfer to mixing bowl.
Add dressing, toss, and serve.