Goma-ae

Goma-ae (胡麻和え) is a Japanese side dish. It consists of vegetables, most commonly spinach, dressed with a sesame sauce. The sauce, also called goma-ae, is made primarily from ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes mirin or dashi. The vegetables are typically blanched and then mixed with the sauce just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. Other vegetables commonly used in goma-ae include green beans, asparagus, and broccoli. The dish is valued for its simplicity, nutritional value, and nutty flavor. It is a common component of bento boxes and Japanese home cooking. Goma-ae can be vegetarian or vegan depending on the ingredients used in the sauce.