Japanese Sesame Dressing

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!

Japanese sesame dressing in a dressing container.

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 SeedsToasted 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 VinegarRice Vinegar distilled from rice used in Asian cuisine. Can sub with distilled white vinegar.
  • Salt – sea salt preferred.
  • Sweetener use your preferred sweetener.

Ingredients to make Japanese sesame dressing on the countertop.

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.

Japanese sake being boil in a frying pan.

🍶 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.

Toasted sesame seeds in a blender.

🥢 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.

Japanese sesame salad dressing in a blender.

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!

Green salad dressed with Japanese sesame dressing.

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.

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Watch How To Make It

Japanese sesame dressing in a dressing container.

Japanese Sesame Dressing

Discover how to make a delicious Japanese Sesame Dressing with this easy recipe. Perfect for adding a nutty, creamy touch to salads, it’s simple to prepare and ideal for a quick homemade upgrade. Enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors in just minutes!
5 from 3 votes
Course: dressing
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: Japanese Sesame Dressing
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 4
Print Recipe
Calories: 68kcal

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.
    Ingredients to make Japanese sesame dressing on the countertop.
  • In a skillet, add Japanese sake and bring to a boil to remove alcohol then set aside.
    Japanese sake being boil in a frying pan.
  • Add toasted sesame seed into a blender and blend for 10-20 seconds until seeds turn into a powder.
    Toasted sesame seeds in a blender.
  • 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.
    Japanese sesame salad dressing in a blender.

Nutrition

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 577mg | Potassium: 27mg | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 5mg
*Values Based Per Serving
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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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