Experience the authentic taste of Japan with my Japanese Sesame Dipping Sauce recipe! Crafted from toasted sesame seeds, miso paste, soy sauce, and more, this traditional condiment boasts a creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor that’s perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes! Get ready to savor a sauce that beautifully combines Japanese tradition and flavor in this simple recipe.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of versatile sauces that pair well with any dish, you’ll love my Japanese Sesame Dipping Sauce! It’s a simple and easy-to-make condiment inspired by Japanese cuisine, reminiscent of my beloved Hibachi Ginger Sauce and Teriyaki Sauce. But what sets my take on this sauce apart is its unique blend of creamy sesame, savory miso, and zesty flavors, creating a delightful umami sensation!
Crafted just like my Cilantro Green Sauce, it’s made by blending all the ingredients in a food processor, making it a breeze to whip up. Whether you’re dipping chicken, beef, pork, fish, or vegetables, or using this sauce to dip in my Pork Shabu Shabu recipe, this sauce adds a burst of flavor to shabu shabu that’s sure to impress. Perfect for anyone seeking an effortless way to infuse Japanese flair into their homemade meals!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – Toasted Sesame Seeds ground and the base of the goma sauce.
- Garlic – fresh garlic.
- Miso – awase brown Miso works best.
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – 100% Toasted Sesame Oil that should have a dark brown color.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets.
- Rice Vinegar – Rice Vinegar distilled from rice used in Asian cuisine. Can sub with distilled white vinegar.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
🥢 Miso Note
There are three types of miso: White Miso is mild with sweet, nutty, and savory flavors. Red Miso offers a more robust and salty taste, while Brown Miso, also known as Awase Miso, in a blend between the 2 and strikes a balance between salty, sweet, and umami flavors. We recommend using Brown Miso for this sauce, but the choice depends on personal preference.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Start by boiling out some Japanese sake or cooking wine with high heat.
🍶 Boiling Sake Pro Tip
For a quicker alternative to boiling sake, you can simply Microwave for 30-45 Seconds.
Step 2 Next, add toasted sesame seeds in a food processor and grind for 30-45 seconds until fragrant and semi-powder is formed.
🥢 Sesame Paste Pro Tip
For optimal flavor, consider using a Mortar and Pestle Set if available to grind down the toasted sesame seeds when preparing sesame paste. This method ensures the seeds are finely ground, enhancing your sauce.
Step 3 Then add in garlic, miso, soy sauce, sesame oil, boiled-out Japanese sake, rice vinegar, water salt, and sweetener, and grind for another 5-10 seconds and transfer the sauce mixture to a small bowl.
Recipe Variation
Use this base sauce with some adjusted ingredient ratios to create my Japanese Sesame Dressing! Goes perfect tossed with your favorite crispy lettuces!
Pairing Recommendation
Pair this sauce with some steamed vegetables to create an easy Asian Steamed Vegetables With Sesame Sauce side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you use this dipping sauce with?
You can use this dipping sauce with a variety of dishes to add a burst of flavor! It pairs perfectly with grilled or sautéed chicken, pork, and shrimp, as well as sautéed, steamed, or BBQ vegetables. It's also great with grilled skewers, Asian-style noodles, and even as a salad dressing. Plus, it doubles up as a dipping sauce for Japanese hot pot Shabu Shabu, making it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal!
Is this dipping sauce suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, this dipping sauce is suitable for vegetarians or vegans as long as the miso you are using is vegan-friendly.
How can I adjust the consistency of the sauce if it's too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, you can add more ground toasted sesame seeds to thicken it. Conversely, if the sauce is too thick, you can adjust it by adding water to achieve the desired consistency.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, transfer the sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate. When stored properly, the sauce will maintain its freshness and flavor for up to 10-14 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Japanese Sesame Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seed
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Miso
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 4 tbsp Japanese Sake can substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine
- 4 tsp Rice Vinegar can sub with distilled white vinegar
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- In a frying pan, add Japanese sake, bring to a boil, remove from heat and set aside. Note - this step is to remove the alcohol from the sake.
- Add toasted sesame seed into a food processor and grind for 30-45 seconds until seeds are broken up and fragrant.
- Add garlic, miso, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, boiled-out Japanese sake, rice vinegar, water salt and sweetener into the food processor. Grind for another 5-10 seconds and transfer to a dipping bowl.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
