Japanese Sesame Dressing

If you’ve ever poured that creamy, nutty dressing from your favourite Japanese restaurant on a salad, you know how amazing it is—Japanese sesame dressing makes a difference!

This tasty mix of toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and a bit of sweetness gives a burst of flavour that can make any dish special. You can use it on fresh salads, to marinate grilled vegetables, or even as a dip for sushi. This dressing is both flexible and yummy.

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds (or black sesame seeds)

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1½ tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sugar (or honey/maple syrup)

• 1 tbsp mirin (optional, for sweetness)

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

• 1-2 tbsp water (adjust for desired consistency)

• ½ tsp grated garlic (optional, for extra flavour)

• ½ tsp grated ginger (optional)

Instructions

1. Toast the sesame seeds (if not pre-toasted) in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant (~2-3 mins). Let cool slightly.

2. Grind the sesame seeds using a mortar & pestle or spice grinder until coarse (or leave some whole for texture).

3. Mix all ingredients in a bowl or blender until smooth. Adjust the water for thickness.

4. Taste & adjust—add more soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or vinegar for tang.

What To Serve With Sesame Dressing?

• Drizzle over green salads, cabbage, or cucumber.

• Use as a dip for shabu-shabu, gyoza, or chilled tofu.

• Mix with noodles for a sesame noodle salad.

Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

 What is Japanese sesame dressing made of?

The base typically includes toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. In some versions, add mirin, garlic, ginger, or mayonnaise for creaminess.

 Can I use store-bought tahini instead of grinding sesame seeds?

Yes! Substitute 1-2 tbsp tahini for ground sesame seeds, but adjust water for consistency. The flavour will be slightly different but still delicious.

 How long does homemade sesame dressing last?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The sesame oil may solidify when cold—just stir or warm slightly before using.

 What’s a good substitute for mirin?

Use 1 tsp sugar + 1 tbsp water or a splash of white wine/sherry vinegar for balance.

Why is my dressing bitter?

• Over-toasted sesame seeds can turn bitter.

• Using too much sesame oil (stick to 1 tbsp).

Also, Read

• Slow Cooker Chinese Spare Ribs
• Bang Bang Chicken Bites

Japanese Sesame Dressing

Try our simple Japanese Sesame Dressing recipe! With its rich, nutty flavour, it's a delightful way to enhance salads and veggies in no time.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Course: Saurce

Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 3 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds (or black sesame seeds)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1½ tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
• 1 tbsp mirin (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1-2 tbsp water (adjust for desired consistency)
• ½ tsp grated garlic (optional, for extra flavour)
• ½ tsp grated ginger (optional)

Method

 

1. Toast the sesame seeds (if not pre-toasted) in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant (~2-3 mins). Let cool slightly.
2. Grind the sesame seeds using a mortar & pestle or spice grinder until coarse (or leave some whole for texture).
3. Mix all ingredients in a bowl or blender until smooth. Adjust the water for thickness.
4. Taste & adjust—add more soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or vinegar for tang.