This simple yet elegant side dish transforms fresh spinach into a savory delight using just a few pantry staples. The spinach is quickly blanched to retain its bright green color and crisp-tender texture, then shocked in ice water to stop the cooking process. Tossed with salty soy sauce and nutty sesame oil, the flavors are bold, umami-rich, and incredibly fresh. It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or tofu, and works beautifully as part of a bento box or a light vegan meal. Ready in under ten minutes, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of spinach while adding a sophisticated Asian flair.
Spinach Dressed In Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil
Description
This simple yet elegant side dish transforms fresh spinach into a savory delight using just a few pantry staples. The spinach is quickly blanched to retain its bright green color and crisp-tender texture, then shocked in ice water to stop the cooking process. Tossed with salty soy sauce and nutty sesame oil, the flavors are bold, umami-rich, and incredibly fresh. It&# 226;ÂÂs a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or tofu, and works beautifully as part of a bento box or a light vegan meal. Ready in under ten minutes, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of spinach while adding a sophisticated Asian flair.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
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Add the stemmed spinach to the boiling water and blanch for 30-60 seconds until just wilted.
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Immediately remove the spinach with a slotted spoon and plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.
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Drain the spinach well, squeezing out excess water gently with your hands.
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Transfer the spinach to a serving bowl and toss with soy sauce and sesame oil to taste.
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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.
Note
You can substitute the spinach with 2 bunches of broccoli florets or 1-2 lbs of green beans. Cook until crisp-tender following the same blanching method.
For added texture, consider sprinkling with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Taste carefully when adding soy sauce, as saltiness varies by brand. Add sesame oil gradually to avoid overpowering the delicate spinach flavor.
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.