Japanese spinach

Today, I invite you to discover a simple yet exceptionally refined recipe that combines traditional Japanese ingredients with an easy-to-follow technique. We are talking about a spinach salad with soy sauce and dashi, a fresh and savory dish, perfect for a light dinner or as a side dish for a more elaborate meal. You will be surprised at how easily you can bring a touch of Japanese culture right into your kitchen!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 500 g fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons dashi dissolved in 50 ml water (don’t worry, you’ll learn about this fascinating ingredient!)
- 1 pack of bonito flakes (katsuoboshi)
- Salt, to taste

A bit of history

This recipe is inspired by Japanese culinary traditions, where fresh ingredients are highlighted through simple cooking techniques. Dashi, a basic broth frequently used in Japanese cuisine, adds a deep umami flavor, while bonito flakes contribute an interesting texture and a delicate marine taste. These ingredients are essential in Japanese dishes, symbolizing respect for the quality and freshness of ingredients.

Step by step: Cooking the spinach salad

1. Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the spinach is fresh and green, without wilted leaves. If you can’t find dashi, don’t worry! You can try substituting it with vegetable or fish broth, but the taste will be slightly different.

2. Boil the water
In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. The salted water will help the spinach retain its vibrant color and nutrients.

3. Blanch the spinach
Once the water is boiling, add the cleaned spinach. Let it boil for about 1 minute. This process, called blanching, helps soften the leaves and intensify the color.

4. Cool the spinach
After a minute, remove the spinach from the water and immediately transfer it to a bowl of cold water. This step is essential to stop the cooking and maintain a crisp texture.

5. Drain the spinach
Once cooled, drain the spinach and cut it into pieces about 2 cm long. This will make serving easier and allow the sauce to absorb better.

6. Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce with the dashi dissolved in the 50 ml of water. Mix well and adjust the taste with salt if necessary. The sauce will add depth of flavor and elevate the salad to a special dish.

7. Assemble the salad
Place the cut spinach in serving bowls. Pour the soy sauce with dashi over the spinach, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

8. Add the bonito flakes
Finally, generously sprinkle the bonito flakes on top. They will soften slightly in the sauce and provide a delicious crunchy texture.

Serving

This spinach salad with soy sauce and dashi can be served as is or as a side dish alongside rice, fish, or meat. It is a light and versatile dish, perfect for a summer meal or to accompany a sushi platter. It can be enjoyed warm or cold, and the combination of flavors will surely impress everyone who tastes it.

Useful tips

- Vary the vegetables: You can experiment with other green vegetables, such as broccolini or green beans, to add diversity.
- Soy sauce: Choose a quality soy sauce, preferably low in sodium, to better control your salt intake.
- Alternative to dashi: If you can’t find dashi, a concentrated vegetable broth can be an alternative, but the taste will be different.

Frequently asked questions

- Where can I find dashi and bonito flakes?
These ingredients can be found in specialty stores, in the section dedicated to Asian products. You can also order them online.

- Can I use frozen spinach?
While fresh spinach is preferred, frozen spinach can be used in the absence of fresh. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.

- What drinks pair well with this salad?
The spinach salad pairs wonderfully with green tea or chilled sake, which will complement the delicate flavors of the dish.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This salad is not only delicious but also healthy! Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants. A serving of this salad has about 70 calories, depending on the amount of sauce used. It is a light dish, ideal for those who want to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.

Final notes

This spinach salad recipe with soy sauce and dashi is an excellent way to bring a bit of Japanese culture into your home without requiring advanced cooking skills. With a fresh taste and a crunchy texture, it is perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to experiment and add your favorite ingredients, making this salad a personalized dish. Bon appétit!