Right then - this creamy, nutty Japanese sesame dressing is an absolute gem. It's the sort of thing you whip up in no time, yet it transforms a humble salad into something proper tasty. Packed with toasted sesame goodness, a hint of umami, and that dreamy creamy texture, it's a brilliant dressing to drizzle, dip, or dollop.
Your Go-To Japanese Salad Dressing
This sesame dressing is a staple in Japanese home cooking - creamy, nutty, and packed with umami. It's especially popular in the summer, when it's drizzled over crisp salads or cold noodle dishes. Whether you're just getting into Japanese flavors or looking to elevate your everyday meals, this dressing adds richness and depth without being heavy.
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What You'll Need
This makes around 100ml of dressing (enough for 3-4 medium salads)
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 3 mins
- 4 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon vegan Kewpie mayo (or your fave plant-based mayo)
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Pinch of sea salt
How to Make It
- Pop the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat. Give them a shake every now and then until they're golden and smell incredible - should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Tip the toasted seeds into a pestle and mortar. Give them a good bash until they turn into a crumbly paste - this brings out all their lovely oils and flavor.
- Spoon the crushed sesame into a bowl, then add the mayo, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, sesame oil, and salt. Stir until smooth. Give it a taste - adjust the sweetness or salt if needed.
- Ready to roll! Use it straight away or pour into a clean jar, pop the lid on, and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a shake before using.
Hint: For that silky-smooth, ultra-creamy texture, go for a high-quality mayo or use my vegan Kewpie mayo recipe to make yours top-notch. It brings everything together like a dream.
Easy Swaps
No rice vinegar?
No worries - white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar can step in. Just go a touch lighter to start, as they've got a bit more bite. Taste and adjust as you go.
Out of vegan Kewpie mayo?
Any good vegan mayo will work just fine. Kewpie adds that signature richness and slight tang, but don't stress - Hellmann's Vegan, Just Mayo, or homemade mayo will still make a dreamy dressing.
No mirin in the cupboard?
Try a splash of maple syrup or a bit more sugar to bring that gentle sweetness. You could also mix a tiny dash of sake with sugar if you want to stay close to traditional flavors.
Low on sesame seeds?
You can use tahini in a pinch - about 2 tablespoons in place of the toasted seeds. It won't have the same toasty depth, but it'll still give you that creamy sesame vibe.
Avoiding soy?
Swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos or tamari if you're gluten-free. Both bring that umami magic without the wheat or soy overload.
No mortar and pestle?
Use a spice grinder, blender, or even a rolling pin and zip-top bag to crush the sesame seeds. Whatever gets the job done!
What You'll Need (equipment)
- Small frying pan - for toasting those lovely sesame seeds
- Mortar and pestle - to crush the seeds and release all that nutty goodness (or a spice grinder/blender if you don't have one)
- Mixing bowl - to bring all the ingredients together
- Whisk or fork - for mixing everything until smooth and creamy
- Measuring spoons - so you get the balance just right
- Jar or airtight container - for storing any leftovers in the fridge
- Spatula or spoon - for scraping out every last drop (it's too good to waste)
Fun Twists
- Add a bit of lemon zest for a zingy lift.
- Throw in some chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Try black sesame seeds for a bolder, deeper flavor and a darker dressing.
Storage Notes
Keeps nicely in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed jar. Shake before using to bring it all back together.
Tips for best results
Tweak it: Love it sweeter? Add a dash more mirin. Prefer it tangy? Up the vinegar.
Toast those seeds: Don't skip this - it's where the magic happens.
Crush properly: You want a paste, not whole seeds. It's all about flavor and texture.
FAQ
Absolutely. They'll give it a more intense flavor and a darker color - very cool.
Yes, and you should! It only gets better after a day or two in the fridge.
Honestly, anything! It's lush over greens, roasted veg, grain bowls, even as a dipping sauce for crispy tofu.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
Dishes to serve with Japanese sesame dressing:
📖 Recipe
Japanese Sesame Dressing
Equipment
- Small frying pan (or spice grinder/blender)
- Mortar and pestle
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
- Spoon or spatula (for mixing and serving)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon vegan Kewpie mayo or your fave plant-based mayo
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Toast Your Sesame Seeds
- Pop the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat. Give them a shake every now and then until they're golden and smell incredible-should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Don't walk away-they catch quickly!
Crush 'Em
- Tip the toasted seeds into a mortar and pestle. Give them a good bash until they turn into a crumbly paste-this brings out all their lovely oils and flavor.
Mix It All Together
- Spoon the crushed sesame into a bowl, then add the mayo, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, sesame oil, and salt. Whisk it all up until smooth and creamy. Give it a taste-adjust the sweetness or salt if needed.
Use or Store
- Ready to roll! Use it straight away or pour into a clean jar, pop the lid on, and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a shake before using.
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