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Spinach Ohitashi

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This authentic spinach ohitashi is a quintessential Japanese side dish that celebrates the natural, earthy flavour of leafy greens. By lightly blanching the spinach and then steeping it in a delicate savoury dashi infusion, you create a dish that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. It provides a beautiful balance of salty and sweet notes, making it a sophisticated addition to any traditional Japanese spread.

As a dairy-free and nutrient-rich option, this recipe is ideal for those seeking a healthy and light accompaniment to grilled fish or steamed rice. The preparation is remarkably quick, requiring only a few moments of cooking to maintain the vibrant colour and crisp texture of the vegetable. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a truly versatile household staple.

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Ingredients for Spinach Ohitashi

  • 240ml Dashi

  • 60ml soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)

  • 1 bunch mature spinach, trimmed

  • Kosher salt

  • Bonito flakes (for serving)

How to make Spinach Ohitashi

Combine dashi, soy sauce, and mirin in a small bowl.

Cook spinach in a large pot of boiling salted water just until wilted and bright green, a matter of seconds. Drain and transfer to a large bowl of lightly salted ice water; let cool. Drain and squeeze out excess liquid from greens. Pack into a cylinder shape. Cut in half crosswise or into bite-size lengths.

To serve, divide greens among bowls and top with broth. Scatter bonito flakes over top.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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