Looking for a quick and delicious way to elevate your salads? Say hello to my Japanese Wafu Salad Dressing – a homemade delight bursting with authentic Japanese flavors! Made with wholesome ingredients and ready in just 3 minutes, this dressing adds a touch of flair to your greens. Dive into my world of savory dressing with every bite!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes my Japanese Wafu Salad Dressing stand out is its effortless versatility as it doubles as a dressing or a dipping sauce just like in my Wafu Japanese Hamburger Steak and Japanese Wafu Steak recipe, adding a burst of Japanese-inspired flavor to your dishes! Inspired by my time in a Japanese restaurant, this signature creation mirrors the tangy, zesty, and savory notes found in authentic Japanese style dressings, just like my Miso Salad Dressing, Japanese Sesame Dressing and Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing that I am so proud of!
Just like my Caesar Dressing, it’s a breeze to whip up in the food processor too, making it perfect for anyone craving a homemade dressing without the fuss. If you’re ready to elevate your salads with a fail-proof recipe bursting with real ingredients, let’s dive in and make this dressing now!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Ponzu – a citrus flavored soy sauce found in most Japanese supermarkets, Mizkan brand preferred.
- 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.
- Onion – yellow or brown onion.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – optional garnish.
Additional Add Ins
If you’re looking to add a touch of extra flavor to your dressing, consider incorporating some optional add-ins like Yuzu Juice, Lemon Juice, Red Pepper, or Toasted Sesame Oil. While these ingredients are not essential, they can impart additional layers of complexity and character to the dressing.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Boil out the alcohol from Japanese sake in a skillet.
🍶 Boiling Sake Pro Tip
For a quicker alternative to boiling sake, you can simply Microwave for 30-45 Seconds.
Step 2 Combine Japanese sake, loosely chopped onions, ponzu, sweetener, oil, and toasted sesame seeds in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
🌀 Blending Pro Tip
To avoid any mess, especially if your food processor is shallow, Cover the Top with a Towel while blending the dressing.
Step 3 Serve on top of your favorite green vegetable salad, iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, tomato, carrot, and corn.
🥗 Serving Pro Tip
For best flavors, allow the dressing to chill in the Refrigerator For 30 Minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this Wafu Dressing with a Japanese-style meal. Pour it over green salad, serve with Tofu Miso Soup and rice. For the main course, use it on chicken to make Japanese Pan Fried Chicken with Wafu Sauce or pair with Beef Tataki Steak or Garlic Butter Steak Cubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of salad goes best with this Japanese dressing?
The Japanese dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, including spring mix, green salad, iceberg lettuce, and cucumbers.
Can I use wafu dressing as a marinade for meat?
Yes, while you could use as a marinade for meat, we recommend using it primarily as a sauce for the best results. The unique flavors of this dressing are better showcased when used as a finishing touch or drizzled over cooked meat rather than being absorbed during the marinating process.
Is it necessary to refrigerate Wafu Dressing before serving?
Refrigerating before serving is not necessary, but it can enhance the flavor. While you can enjoy it immediately, allowing the dressing to chill in the refrigerator for a while before serving allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious flavors.
Storage Tips
To store the leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. With proper storage, they should remain fresh for about 10 to 14 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Japanese Bacon Spinach Salad
- Japanese Sesame Dipping Sauce
- Japanese Spinach Salad
- Japanese Cucumber Salad Sunomono
Watch How To Make It
Japanese Wafu Salad Dressing
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Ponzu
- 1 tbsp Japanese Sake can substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine
- 1 tbsp Onion chopped
- 2 tsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 1/4 tsp Cooking Oil neutral, no flavor or taste
- 1/2 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Loosely chop an onion and set aside.
- In a stovetop pot or frying pan, add Japanese sake, bring to a boil for 15 seconds and remove from heat.
- In a food processor, add all the ingredients and pulse until evenly blended.
- Serve on top of your favorite salad greens.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
