Quick Weeknights · Japanese
Creamy Sesame Spinach Ohitashi
Blanched spinach bathed in a silky, roasted sesame dressing that elevates a humble green to side-dish stardom.
Why This Works
Grinding the sesame seeds right before mixing creates a fresh, fragrant emulsion that clings to the spinach leaves, providing a creamy texture without using any actual dairy ingredients.
The Upgrade
Top with a few toasted whole sesame seeds for an additional textural pop.
Chef's Secret
Michelin TechniqueSqueeze every drop of water from the spinach; if the greens are watery, the sesame dressing will slide right off.
Ingredients
Total time including resting: 15 min
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare an ice bath.
Briefly blanch the spinach for 30 seconds until just wilted.
Immediately shock the spinach in the ice water, then drain and squeeze out all excess moisture.
Grind the sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle until they release their natural oils.
Whisk the ground seeds with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to create a paste.
Gently toss the spinach with the sesame dressing until evenly coated.
Serve at room temperature or chilled for a crisp, clean flavor profile.
Wine Pairing
Koshu
White Wine
The BottleGrace Koshu
This Japanese white wine is known for its subtle, citrus-driven profile that perfectly complements toasted sesame. It adds a refreshing, clean finish to the rich, nutty spinach.
Make It a Complete Meal
Sides the kitchen recommends alongside this dish.
Side Dish
Grilled Mackerel
The oily, salty fish provides the protein necessary to turn the spinach into a complete dinner.
Ingredients
Directions
Score the skin of the mackerel fillets in a shallow crosshatch pattern.
Generously season both sides of the fish with kosher salt.
Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Place fish skin-side down and sear for 4 minutes until crispy.
Flip carefully and cook for an additional 2 minutes until just opaque.
Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Side Dish
Steamed Brown Rice
Nutty brown rice adds a hearty, earthy fiber to complement the sesame dressing.
Ingredients
Directions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Combine rice, water, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting.
Cover tightly and simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid.
Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff gently with a rice paddle before serving.
Member Reviews
How did it turn out?
Rate this recipe
The timing on the steps was spot on. Came out perfect on the first try.