A flavorful and quick side dish featuring tender spinach with a savory sesame-garlic dressing.
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Use a large pot to ensure the spinach cooks evenly.
Add the spinach to the boiling water and blanch until it turns bright green and softens.
Do not overcook the spinach; it should retain a slight crunch.
Drain the spinach and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
This step helps preserve the vibrant green color of the spinach.
Squeeze out excess water from the spinach and place it in a mixing bowl.
Squeeze gently to avoid bruising the spinach.
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame seeds, green onion, garlic, sugar, and pepper to create the dressing.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Pour the dressing over the spinach and toss gently to coat evenly.
Ensure all spinach leaves are well-coated with the dressing.
Serve the spinach as a side dish, garnished with additional sesame seeds if desired.
This dish can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.