Are you a fan of Japanese cuisine? Do you love the nutty and savory flavor of Gomae sauce? If so, you’re in luck!
In this article, we’ll show you how to make this delicious sauce from scratch. Gomae sauce is typically made with toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, sugar, and dashi powder. It’s commonly used to dress blanched spinach or green beans, but can also be used with other vegetables.
With just a few simple steps, you can make your own Gomae sauce at home and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. So, let’s get started!
How To Make Gomae Sauce?
To make Gomae sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds
– 2 teaspoons of sugar
– 4-5 teaspoons of soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon of dashi powder (optional)
– Water
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Toast the sesame seeds: Place the sesame seeds in a small pan over low heat. Stir continuously until they become golden, which should take around 6-7 minutes.
2. Grind the sesame seeds: Turn off the heat and transfer the toasted seeds to a sesame seed grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind the seeds until they resemble large grains of sand.
3. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, sugar, dashi powder (if using), and a small amount of water. Stir well until everything is combined.
4. Adjust the consistency: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less water. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less water. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more water.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, more sugar for sweetness, or more dashi powder for umami flavor.
That’s it! Your Gomae sauce is ready to use. You can use it to dress blanched spinach or green beans, or any other vegetable of your choice.
Gathering The Ingredients
Before you start making Gomae sauce, it’s important to gather all of your ingredients and kitchen tools. For this recipe, you’ll need 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 4-5 teaspoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of dashi powder (optional), and water.
To toast the sesame seeds, you’ll need a small pan and a heat source. You’ll also need a sesame seed grinder or mortar and pestle to grind the seeds. For mixing the sauce, you’ll need a bowl and a spoon or whisk.
Make sure to have all of your ingredients measured out and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the process much smoother and prevent any mistakes or forgotten ingredients.
Once you have everything gathered, you’re ready to start making your Gomae sauce. Follow the steps above for a delicious and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with blanched spinach or green beans.
Toasting The Sesame Seeds
Toasting sesame seeds is an important step in making Gomae sauce, as it brings out the nutty flavor and aroma of the seeds. Here’s how to do it:
1. Heat a small pan over low heat.
2. Add the sesame seeds to the pan and stir continuously until they become golden brown. This should take around 6-7 minutes.
3. Keep an eye on the seeds as they can burn quickly, and burnt sesame seeds will have a bitter taste.
4. Once the sesame seeds are toasted, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the seeds to a sesame seed grinder or mortar and pestle.
5. Grind the seeds until they resemble large grains of sand.
6. The freshly ground sesame powder can now be used to make the Gomae sauce.
Toasting sesame seeds is a simple yet essential step in making Gomae sauce. It adds depth of flavor and aroma that cannot be achieved with untoasted sesame seeds. With just a few minutes of toasting and grinding, you can elevate your Gomae sauce to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Mixing The Sauce
To mix the Gomae sauce, start by combining the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, sugar, dashi powder (if using), and a small amount of water in a bowl. Stir well until everything is combined. The sauce should have a smooth and creamy consistency.
Next, adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less water depending on your preference. If you like a thick sauce, use less water. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more water.
Once you have achieved your desired consistency, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, more sugar for sweetness, or more dashi powder for umami flavor.
Keep in mind that the flavor of the sauce will develop over time, so it’s best to let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using it. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more harmonious taste.
When you’re ready to use the sauce, simply drizzle it over your blanched vegetables or use it as a dipping sauce for meats or tofu. The nutty and savory flavor of Gomae sauce is sure to elevate any dish it’s paired with.
Preparing The Vegetables
Once you have your Gomae sauce ready, it’s time to prepare the vegetables to go with it. Traditionally, blanched spinach is used for Gomae, but you can also use other vegetables such as green beans or broccoli.
Here are the steps to prepare the vegetables:
1. Wash and drain the vegetables: Start by washing the vegetables thoroughly under running water. Drain them well and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Blanch the vegetables: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the vegetables. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes or until they are just tender but still crisp. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy and lose their color.
3. Shock the vegetables: Once the vegetables are cooked, immediately remove them from the pot and transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and help the vegetables retain their color and texture.
4. Drain and squeeze out excess water: After a few minutes in the ice water, remove the vegetables from the bowl and drain them well. Squeeze out any excess water using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
5. Serve with Gomae sauce: Arrange the blanched vegetables on a plate or in a bowl and drizzle them with Gomae sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can prepare any vegetable of your choice to go with your delicious Gomae sauce. Enjoy!
Serving And Enjoying Your Gomae Dish
Now that you have made your delicious Gomae sauce, it’s time to serve and enjoy your dish. Here are some tips on how to do it:
1. Blanch your vegetables: Start by blanching your vegetables of choice. Spinach is the most common vegetable used in Gomae, but you can also use green beans, broccoli, or asparagus. Blanch the vegetables for a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
2. Drain and cool the vegetables: Once the vegetables are cooked, drain them and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
3. Dress the vegetables: Place the blanched vegetables in a bowl and pour the Gomae sauce over them. Toss the vegetables gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
4. Serve and enjoy: Transfer the dressed vegetables to a serving dish and garnish with some toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions. Your Gomae dish is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s a perfect side dish for any Japanese meal or can be served as a healthy snack.
5. Store any leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken over time, so you may need to add a little water to loosen it up before serving again.
With these easy steps, you can make a delicious and healthy Gomae dish at home. Experiment with different vegetables and enjoy this traditional Japanese side dish with your family and friends!
