Get ready to elevate your salads with my Japanese Sesame Dressing! I crafted this recipe to bring the authentic flavors of Japanese restaurants right to your home, using toasted sesame seeds and a blend of authentic Japanese ingredients! It’s incredibly simple to whip up in just a few minutes and will save you money compared to store-bought versions. Give your salads that classic, delicious taste—let’s dive into making this easy, homemade dressing!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m thrilled to share my Japanese Sesame Dressing with you! This recipe is a fantastic way to bring authentic Japanese flavors right to your kitchen. Made from toasted sesame seeds, this dressing is rich, nutty, and creamy with a hint of sweetness that complements any salad perfectly!
What I love about this recipe is how effortlessly you can create a restaurant-quality dressing in just a few minutes using only a blender – no extra bowls needed! Plus, it doubles as an amazing Sesame Dipping Sauce for cooked veggies, just like in my Japanese Okra Salad! It’s a win-win!
This dressing is ideal for anyone who wants a quick, delicious, and fuss-free way to elevate their salads. I crafted this recipe to be easy and convenient, perfect for busy home cooks who want to add a touch of gourmet to their meals. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Don’t wait—give it a go now and enjoy that homemade taste!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – Toasted Sesame Seeds ground and the base flavor of the dressing. Ensure you are using toasted sesame seeds, not untoasted.
- Garlic – fresh garlic.
- 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. This helps balance the flavors of the dressing and provide a touch of umami.
- 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.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Start by boiling Japanese sake over high heat in a skillet for 10-15 seconds, then remove from 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 to a blender and blend for 10-20 seconds until fragrant and a 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 boosting the flavor in the final dressing.
Step 3 Then add garlic, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, boiled Japanese sake, rice vinegar, water, salt, and sweetener. Mix for another 5-10 seconds in the blender and transfer to a dressing container.
Recipe Variations
By incorporating some miso and making a few adjustments, you can make a flavorful Sesame Dipping Sauce that pairs wonderfully with dishes like my Pork Shabu Shabu or Asian Style Steamed Vegetables. This adaptation brings a savory depth to the dressing, making it a perfect addition to a variety of meals!
Pairing Recommendations
This dressing is perfect for elevating classic green salads, whether you’re using green romaine, leaf lettuce, or a fresh spring mix. For a complete Japanese inspired starter set, pair it with my Tofu Miso Soup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dressing in advance?
Yup, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time. It’s perfect for making in advance and storing for later use.
What can I use this dressing on besides salad?
This dressing is versatile and works great as a dipping sauce for vegetables, grilled meats, or as a flavor enhancer for various dishes.
Can I use a food processor instead?
Unfortunately, a food processor isn't able to grind sesame seeds into the fine powder we need. Instead, you can grind the sesame seeds by hand with a mortar and pestle. Then, you can mix them with the other ingredients to get the desired consistency.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, transfer the dressing into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 14-21 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Miso Salad Dressing
- Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing
- Japanese Wafu Salad Dressing
- Korean Salad Dressing
Watch How To Make It
Japanese Sesame Dressing
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seed
- 2 Clove Garlic
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 4 tbsp Japanese Sake
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar can sub with distilled white vinegar
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- In a skillet, add Japanese sake and bring to a boil to remove alcohol then set aside.
- Add toasted sesame seed into a blender and blend for 10-20 seconds until seeds turn into a powder.
- Add garlic, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, boiled-out Japanese sake, rice vinegar, water salt and sweetener into the blender. Mix for another 5-10 seconds in the blender and transfer storage container of choice.
