Ultimate Sesame Spinach

Elevate your side dish game with the "Ultimate Sesame Spinach," a quick and flavorful recipe that highlights tender spinach leaves tossed in a savory-sweet sesame dressing. This dish combines the deep nuttiness of toasted sesame oil and seeds with a tangy kick from rice vinegar and soy sauce, perfectly balanced by a touch of honey and garlic. Blanched for a vibrant green hue and silky texture, the spinach is topped with optional crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist. Ready in just 15 minutes, this nutrient-packed recipe is both simple and elegant, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal or a standout light appetizer. Perfect for fans of Asian-inspired flavors, it's a healthy, delicious way to add variety to your dinner table.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 450 grams fresh spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• 1 liter water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Set aside.

Step 2

Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot or saucepan. Add the salt to the boiling water.

Step 3

Blanch the spinach in the boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and gently squeeze out excess water.

Step 4

In a small bowl, prepare the sesame dressing by whisking together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and minced garlic until well combined.

Step 5

Toast the sesame seeds in a small pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 6

Place the blanched spinach in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sesame dressing over the spinach and toss gently until evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the spinach to a serving plate. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes over the top for a hint of spice.

Step 8

Serve immediately as a nutritious side dish or a light appetizer.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1545.6 grams (1545.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	426

Total Fat 33.00g	42%
Saturated Fat 4.50g	23%
Polyunsaturated Fat 13.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3331mg	145%
Total Carbohydrate 25.50g	9%
Dietary Fiber 12.00g	43%
Total Sugars 7.50g
Protein 16.50g	33%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 527mg	41%
Iron 13mg	71%
Potassium 2615mg	56%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.9%

Protein: 14.2%

Carbs: 21.9%