TOTAL TIME: 10 minutes
YIELD: 2 servings
CALORIES: 180 kcal per serving
SPICINESS: Not Spicy
This is a quick, wholesome side dish that combines the vibrant freshness of spinach with a rich, nutty sesame dressing. Ready in just a few minutes, it’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for busy weekdays or as a healthy addition to a larger meal.
INGREDIENTS 备菜
| Item 配菜 | Amount 用量 |
|---|---|
| Spinach 菠菜 | 1 bunch |
| Sesame Paste 芝麻酱 | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic 蒜 | 2 cloves |
| Light Soy Sauce 生抽 | 1 tbsp |
| Vinegar 香醋 | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar 糖 | 1/2 tbsp |
| Sesame Oil 香油 | 1/2 tbsp |
| Salt 盐 | To taste |
| Water 温水 | 2-3 tbsp |
- For an even richer flavor, use a sesame–peanut blended paste instead of plain sesame paste.
- 芝麻酱建议选择芝麻与花生混合的那种，会更香一些。
INSTRUCTIONS 做法
1. Rinse the spinach thoroughly. 将菠菜洗净。
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 1 minute, then remove. 水烧开后放入菠菜焯水 1 分钟，捞出。
3. Immediately plunge the spinach into cold water to cool. 立即放入凉水中过凉。
4. Squeeze out excess water and cut into sections. 攥干水分后切段。
5. For a nicer presentation, press the spinach into a small container (such as a glass) and invert it onto a plate. 为了摆盘美观，可将菠菜压入一个小容器（如玻璃杯）后倒扣在碗中。
6. For the dressing: mix 2 tablespoons sesame paste with 2–3 tablespoons water until smooth (adjust water to your preferred consistency). Add 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon aged vinegar, ½ tablespoon sugar, a pinch of salt, and ½ tablespoon sesame oil (optional). Finally, stir in some minced garlic. 调料汁：取 2 勺芝麻酱，加入 2–3 勺饮用水搅匀，水量可根据个人喜好调节酱汁浓稀；再加入 1 勺生抽、1 勺陈醋、半勺白糖、一点盐、半勺香油（可省略），最后加蒜末搅拌均匀。
7. Pour the prepared dressing over the spinach and sprinkle with white sesame seeds or crushed peanuts before serving. 将调好的芝麻酱汁淋在菠菜上，最后撒些白芝麻或花生碎即可上桌。
Voila! Bon appétit!
Tips:
- Removing excess moisture makes the spinach crisper; a large bunch will shrink down to about a fistful. 攥干水分能让菠菜更爽脆，一大把菠菜最后大约只剩一小拳头大小
- I only used half of the sesame dressing for this dish. Store the remaining dressing in the refrigerator — it’s also delicious as a dip for other boiled vegetables. 这道菜最后调好的麻酱料汁我只用了一半，剩下的可以放入冰箱冷藏，蘸其他水煮蔬菜也非常好吃。
the Soycialist 