Best 2 Japanese Ohitashi Spinach Salad Recipes

**Ohitashi: A Refreshing and Flavorful Japanese Spinach Salad**

Ohitashi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of spinach leaves blanched and then chilled, served with a savory dashi-based dressing. It is a popular side dish or appetizer, often enjoyed during the summer months when spinach is at its peak. The combination of the tender, slightly crunchy spinach and the flavorful dressing makes for a refreshing and delicious salad. In this article, we will introduce two variations of Ohitashi: the classic version with a simple dashi dressing and a more modern take with a sesame-based dressing. Both recipes are easy to make and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced meal.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPINACH OHITASHI (JAPANESE SPINACH SALAD WITH SAVORY BROTH)

Spinach Ohitashi (Japanese Spinach Salad with Savory Broth) image

This method infuses ingredients with umami and subtle flavor but retains the food's natural taste. It's one of common methods we use to prepare vegetable dishes.

Provided by Namiko Chen

Categories Appetizer Salad Side Dish

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 bunch spinach ((8 oz, 227 g))
Pinch kosher salt (Diamond Crystal; use half for table salt)
½ cup water
1 kombu (dried kelp) ((5 g; 2"x 2" or 5 cm x 5 cm))
1 Tbsp mirin
1 Tbsp usukuchi (light-colored) soy sauce
katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) ((only for non-vegan/vegetarian))
toasted white sesame seeds

Steps:

Gather all the ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 31 kcal, Carbohydrate 4 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 352 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving

OSHITASHI (JAPANESE SPINACH SALAD WITH ROASTED SESAME)

Oshitashi (Japanese Spinach Salad With Roasted Sesame) image

From Nora Pouillon, this salad pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp, seared tuna or other fish or seafood.

Provided by Chef Kate

Categories Spinach

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 lb spinach, well washed and large stems removed
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons mirin

Steps:

Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet until lightly colored. Cool.
Add the spinach to a large saucepan of boiling water and cook 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
Have an ice bath ready.
Drain the spinach in a colander, shock in the ice bath (to retain color of spinach), then drain again.
Squeeze dry and place in a bowl.
Mix the cooked spinach with the soy sauce, mirin and sesame seeds.
Serve at room temperature.

Tips:

To save time, look for pre-washed spinach. If not, wash the spinach thoroughly in cold water and remove the stems.
To blanch the spinach, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the leaves are wilted. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the bright green color.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the spinach from the ice water to a colander to allow the water to drain completely.
Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor.
Season the dressing to taste, adding more soy sauce, rice vinegar, or sesame oil as desired.
Garnish the salad with bonito flakes, sesame seeds, or chopped green onions.
Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

Ohitashi spinach salad is a delicious and healthy Japanese side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its refreshing and savory flavor, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.