Black Sesame Salad Dressing Recipe

Ever taken a culinary adventure that dances between nutty richness and tangy zest all thanks to black sesame seeds playing the starring role? Time to dive into a vibrant dressing that’ll have your salads singing!

Creating lively flavors in my recipes brings me so much joy, and this Black Sesame Salad Dressing is a prime example of nutty richness and explosion of flavor in unexpected tangy notes. Black sesame seeds, tahini, and soy sauce form the backbone of the dressing, while the zing from rice vinegar and fresh ginger really knock it out of the park.

Quite frankly, I could drink this dressing. It’s packed with nutrients, so that makes it even more wonderful.

Ingredients

• Black Sesame Seeds: Rich in calcium, fiber, and antioxidants, black sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and crunch.
• Tahini: A creamy paste of ground sesame seeds, tahini provides healthy fats and protein.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and a savory depth, bringing saltiness to balance sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Offers a mild acidity, contributing to a tangy twist.
• Mirin: A sweet rice wine, mirin imparts mild sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Ginger: Grated ginger boosts the dressing with a warm, peppery zest and digestive benefits.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

How to Make this

1. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the black sesame seeds. Stir them frequently until they become fragrant, which should take about 3–5 minutes. Afterward, take the skillet off of the heat and set it aside to cool.

2. Put the toasted sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle or food processor, and grind them until they are a coarse powder.

3. In a mixing bowl, blend together the ground sesame seeds, tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, and water.

4. Stir the sugar into the mixture until it is completely dissolved.

5. Grate the ginger and mince the garlic. Then mix them thoroughly into the dressing to distribute them evenly.

6. Slowly incorporate the sesame oil to the dressing, mixing it in to achieve a smooth, creamy, and emulsified dressing.

7. Sample the dressing and tweak any components to your liking, adding extra soy sauce for saltiness or more sugar if you want it sweet.

8. Move the dressing to a storage jar that can be air-tight for most secure storage.

9. For at least 30 minutes, the dressing should be refrigerated so that the flavors can meld together. They may need more time than that, to become one solid flavor, than all five flavors will show their unique personality when your salad’s eating experience happens.

10. Before serving, either shake or stir the dressing. Then, drizzle it over salads or use it as a dip for fresh vegetables. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Small skillet
2. Mortar and pestle or food processor
3. Mixing bowl
4. Spoon or spatula
5. Grater
6. Knife
7. Airtight storage jar

FAQ

• What can I use if I don’t have black sesame seeds?Substituting with white sesame seeds is an option, but it will change slightly the flavor and color of the dressing.
• Can I make this dressing in advance?Indeed, this dressing can be made as much as a week in advance. Just keep it in a sealed container in the fridge, and be sure to give it a good shake before you use it.
• Is there a substitute for mirin?If you don’t have mirin, you can combine rice vinegar and a small amount of sugar to imitate its sweet taste.
• Can I use light soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce?Indeed, if you use light soy sauce, your dressing will be slightly less salty, which could be a good option for you if you’re monitoring your sodium intake.
• Can I make this dressing nut-free?Replace the tahini with sunbutter or another seed butter to make it nut-free. Be sure to check ingredient labels to avoid cross-contamination.
• What type of ginger should I use?It is recommended to use freshly grated ginger for the best flavor. If that isn’t available, ground ginger can be used, but use only about 1/4 teaspoon because it is much more concentrated.

Black Sesame Salad Dressing Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Soy sauce: Replace with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
Rice vinegar—apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes.
Mirin: Substitue with a mixture of For 1 cup of mirin, use 1/3 cup of the mixture (3-2-1). This is what I use for most subs, unless a recipe specifies otherwise.
Sweeteners: Honey and maple syrup are both natural alternatives to sugar. Use them instead of white or brown sugar.
Tahini: Substitute with peanut butter or almond butter for a varied, nutty taste.

Pro Tips

1. Optimize the Toaster for Sesame Seeds Make sure to toast the sesame seeds to just the right point by watching their color change from black to a slightly deeper hue and starting to emit a nutty aroma. This step enhances the flavor of the dressing significantly.

2. Enhance Emulsification When incorporating the sesame oil, add it slowly while whisking vigorously or blending continuously. This will help achieve a well-emulsified dressing that doesn’t separate easily.

3. Balance the Flavor After combining all ingredients, adjust the seasoning by tasting the dressing. A little extra rice vinegar can add more tang, while a pinch of salt might enhance overall flavor balance if needed.

4. Storage Suggestion Use a dark, airtight glass container for storing the dressing in the fridge. This helps maintain its freshness and protects it from light, preserving the sesame oil and other ingredients better.

5. Custom Garnishing When serving, consider garnishing your salad with a sprinkle of whole toasted sesame seeds or a bit of chopped green onion to add extra texture and visual appeal.