Blanched Garlic Spinach with Black Sesame Drizzle
Tender blanched spinach tossed in toasted black sesame seeds and garlic oil, delivering a nutty and aromatic side dish. This japanese-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh spinach, thinly sliced garlic cloves, black sesame seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 400 g fresh spinach
- 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- for blanching water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 400 g fresh spinach and blanch for 30 seconds until wilted but still bright green. Immediately transfer spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking, then drain and squeeze out excess water.
- Step 2: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 2 tbsp black sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly popping, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and gently sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Place the drained spinach in a mixing bowl. Add the garlic oil with slices, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and the toasted black sesame seeds. Toss thoroughly until spinach is evenly coated and fragrant.
- Step 5: Serve immediately as a flavorful vegetable side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blanched Garlic Spinach with Black Sesame Drizzle take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Blanched Garlic Spinach with Black Sesame Drizzle?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh spinach from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Blanched Garlic Spinach with Black Sesame Drizzle?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Blanched Garlic Spinach with Black Sesame Drizzle for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Blanched Garlic Spinach with Black Sesame Drizzle vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
