Hot Japanese Spinach Salad

This Hot Japanese Spinach Salad offers a comforting twist on traditional raw greens. By gently microwaving fresh spinach and crisp bean sprouts, you retain their vibrant color while softening their texture for a warmer, more comforting bite. The dish is dressed with a simple yet potent mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds, creating a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and nutty flavors. It serves as an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, tofu, or rice bowls. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this vegan-friendly salad is a staple in many Japanese households, bringing a touch of umami-rich elegance to any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Cooking Method: Microwave

Cuisine: Japanese

Courses: Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 26.1

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian

Description

This Hot Japanese Spinach Salad offers a comforting twist on traditional raw greens. By gently microwaving fresh spinach and crisp bean sprouts, you retain their vibrant color while softening their texture for a warmer, more comforting bite. The dish is dressed with a simple yet potent mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds, creating a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and nutty flavors. It serves as an excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, tofu, or rice bowls. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this vegan-friendly salad is a staple in many Japanese households, bringing a touch of umami-rich elegance to any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

1 pound Fresh spinach
0.5 pound Bean sprouts
1 tablespoon Sugar
2 teaspoon Distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon Soy sauce
2 teaspoon Sesame seeds, toasted

Directions

1
Wash the spinach and bean sprouts thoroughly, then drain well to remove excess water.
2
Place the spinach and bean sprouts in a 2-quart microwave-safe baking dish.
3
Cover the dish and microwave on High for 2 minutes.
4
Remove the dish, toss the vegetables to redistribute them, cover again, and microwave on High for 3 more minutes or until tender.
5
While the vegetables are cooking, combine sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds in a small bowl.
6
Stir the dressing mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
7
Pour the dressing over the hot vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 26.1kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.5g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 89.7mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 4.1g2%
Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
Sugars 0.5g
Protein 3.3g7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best flavor, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the dressing to enhance their nutty aroma.

This dish is best served immediately while warm. Do not store leftovers as the texture of the spinach and bean sprouts will degrade significantly upon reheating.

If you do not have a microwave, you can blanch the spinach and bean sprouts in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain well before adding the dressing.

Keywords: japanese, spinach, hot salad, bean sprouts, soy sauce, sesame seeds, vegan, microwave, side dish, quick recipe, healthy, asian cuisine, vegetable salad, warm salad, easy dinner, gluten-free option, umami, light meal, family style, comfort food

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/hot-japanese-spinach-salad/