0 have already made this dish!
The preparation:
-
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the okra until they are bright green.
-
Remove the okra from the pot and immediately place them in cold water to prevent further cooking. Then drain well.
-
Add white sesame seeds to a suribachi (Japanese mortar – alternatively you can use a regular mortar or already ground sesame seeds) and grind them with a pestle until fragrant and creamy in consistency.
-
Mix soy sauce, sugar, and mirin into the ground sesame seeds in the suribachi and stir everything well until a delicious dressing is formed.
-
Cut the okra into bite-sized pieces and mix them directly in the suribachi with the dressing.
-
Serve the okra on a small plate and sprinkle a little extra sesame on top as desired.
Table of contents:
Summary
Welcome to Okra-goma-ae, where you can discover the delightful Japanese side dish of okra with sesame dressing, known as Okra no Gomaae. This site explores the cultural significance of Gomaae, a traditional method of seasoning vegetables that highlights their natural flavors. While okra made its way into Japanese cuisine during the Meiji period, it has gained popularity for its unique texture and health benefits, making it a staple in home cooking and bentoboxes. The site presents variations of Gomaae using ingredients like spinach, green beans, asparagus, and broccoli, along with tips for enhancing flavor and presentation, such as adding chili oil, citrus zest, or miso. With its quick preparation and refreshing taste, Okra no Gomaae is perfect for health-conscious cooks and families alike.Cultural Background of Gomaae (Sesame Dressing)
Gomaae (Sesame dressing) is a simple and traditional Japanese method for seasoning vegetables and highlighting the natural flavors of the ingredients. The name "Gomaae" is derived from "Goma" (sesame) and "ae" (a sauce or dressing for mixing). Gomaae dishes are very popular as side dishes in Japanese households and are also part of the classic ichiju-sansai meal (one soup, three dishes).
Okra was introduced to Japanese cuisine only during the Meiji era and is relatively new compared to classic vegetables for Gomaae such as spinach or green beans. However, its unique texture and health benefits quickly made okra a favorite in home cooking. The natural sliminess of okra perfectly complements the sesame dressing, providing a great mix of flavor and consistency.
Today, you can find Okra no Gomaae not only at home but also in Japanese bento boxes or even in restaurants. It is healthy, refreshing, and so quick to prepare that it is especially popular among families and health-conscious cooks.
Variations of Gomaae with Different Ingredients
Okra no Gomaae is delicious, but Gomaae can also be prepared with many other vegetables. The sesame dressing goes with almost anything and is a true classic in Japanese households.
Here are a few popular alternatives to okra:
- Spinach (Horenso): Spinach is the classic choice for Gomaae. It absorbs the dressing well and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Green Beans (Ingen): Blanched green beans stay nice and crisp and complement the sesame dressing with their fresh taste.
- Asparagus: Tender asparagus tips make Gomaae a chic, modern variant.
- Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli florets provide a hearty and nutritious alternative.
Some also add roasted sesame, miso paste, or a splash of soy sauce to the dressing to enhance the flavor a bit more. With seasonal vegetables or small experiments, you can easily adapt Gomaae to your taste.
Creative Ways to Enhance Okra Gomaae
Okra no Gomaae is already super delicious, but with a few tricks you can elevate the flavor and presentation to a new level. Here are some ideas for creative variations:
- Spicy Note: A bit of chili oil or Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese seven-spice mix) gives the sesame dressing a great kick.
- Citrus Infusion: A splash of yuzu juice or grated yuzu zest makes the dressing really fresh.
- Nutty Note: Replace some of the sesame seeds with ground walnuts or almonds – this makes the flavor even more intense.
- Miso Blend: A spoonful of white miso paste in the dressing adds extra umami and depth.
- Protein Addition: Adding a few thin slices of cooked chicken or tofu makes the dish perfect as a main course as well.
You can also do a lot visually. Arrange the okra in a circle on the plate, drizzle the sesame dressing over it, and sprinkle everything with roasted sesame. It not only looks pretty but also makes a great impression. With such small ideas, a simple side dish becomes something truly special.
Comments