This simple yet elegant side dish transforms fresh spinach into a restaurant-quality accompaniment with just a few pantry staples. The key is proper blanching to retain the spinach’s bright green color and tender-crisp texture, followed by an immediate ice bath to stop the cooking process. The dressing, a perfect balance of salty soy sauce and nutty sesame oil, clings to the leaves, providing a deep umami flavor profile that complements almost any main course. It is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a healthy addition to a buffet. The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free if you use tamari, making it accessible for various dietary needs while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Spinach Dressed In Soy Sauce And Sesame Oil
Description
This simple yet elegant side dish transforms fresh spinach into a restaurant-quality accompaniment with just a few pantry staples. The key is proper blanching to retain the spinach's bright green color and tender-crisp texture, followed by an immediate ice bath to stop the cooking process. The dressing, a perfect balance of salty soy sauce and nutty sesame oil, clings to the leaves, providing a deep umami flavor profile that complements almost any main course. It is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a healthy addition to a buffet. The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free if you use tamari, making it accessible for various dietary needs while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
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Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
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Add the stemmed spinach to the boiling water and blanch for 30-60 seconds until just wilted and bright green.
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Remove the spinach with a slotted spoon and immediately submerge it in the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
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Let the spinach cool completely, then drain well and squeeze out excess water gently with your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
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Transfer the drained spinach to a serving bowl.
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Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil to taste, tossing gently to coat all leaves evenly.
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Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 11.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.2g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 39.5mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 1.8g1%
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
- Sugars 0.2g
- Protein 1.4g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.