Easy Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame (Horenso Gomaae)

If there’s one Japanese side dish I come back to again and again, it’s Horenso Gomaae.

It’s simple, nourishing, and comes together in minutes - yet it delivers that deep, nutty flavor that makes you pause after the first bite. I love making this when I want something quick to balance out a heavier main dish, or when I just need a vegetable side that my kids will actually eat (yes, even spinach!).

This dish is a staple in Japanese home cooking. You’ll often find it in Bento boxes, Teishoku meals, or as part of a traditional spread. The magic is in the toasted sesame seeds—fragrant, slightly sweet, and savory all at once.

What is Horenso Gomaae?

Horenso Gomaae (ほうれん草の胡麻和え) is a classic Japanese side dish made with blanched spinach dressed in a sesame-based sauce.

“Goma” means sesame, and “ae” means dressed or mixed—so it literally translates to “sesame-dressed spinach.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 10 minutes
Minimal ingredients
Kid-friendly and mild in flavor
Naturally vegetarian
Perfect for meal prep or bento

Tips for the Best Gomaae

Don’t overcook the spinach—it should stay vibrant and slightly firm
Squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a watery dressing
Freshly toasted sesame seeds make a huge difference in flavor
Adjust sugar to taste depending on your preference

RECIPE

Servings: 3-4

Time: 15 min

Ingredients:

1 bunch fresh spinach
3 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar

Instructions:

Blanch the Spinach
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Add the spinach and cook for about 30–45 seconds until just wilted.
Cool and Squeeze
Transfer the spinach to cold water to stop the cooking.
Squeeze out excess water and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Dressing
Grind sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle.
Mix with soy sauce and sugar.
Combine
Add the spinach to the sesame dressing and mix well until evenly coated.