Get ready for your new favorite dressing that's great on just about anything. Japanese Goma Dressing is bursting with a nutty, umami-rich, tangy flavor that makes it irresistible, while being a super easy recipe that packs in the most flavor using one simple ingredient to cut down time in the kitchen! Make it in just 5 minutes!
WHAT IS GOMA DRESSING?
Goma dare directly translates to sesame dressing in Japan. It's a very popular Japanese sauce that's creamy, nutty and packs in the best Asian flavors to add to your salads, vegetables, to use as a dip, toss with cooked noodles, or to use as a sauce for meat and seafood.
I love it as a marinade on white or rock fish! Plus, save some to drizzle on your sides! Or look into more inspiration from this all-time favorite Japanese cookbook.
The flavors come alive from toasted sesame paste, miso, and soy sauce. With a kick of tang from the rice vinegar that takes it over the top!
Unlike tahini that's made using raw sesame seeds, goma is made using crushed toasted sesame seeds. And, it sure packs a punch of flavor that give it it's signature taste.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
After testing several variations, you will be rest assured that this is a tried and tested recipe that's ready for your meal plans! Here are the reasons why you'll love it:
- Versatile. Toss the dressing on any salad or green mix, top to steamed rice, roasted veggies, or use as a dip for a vegetable tray! I love using it as dipping for carrots instead of ranch.
- Easy to make! This recipe is much easier than most in skipping the toasting and crushing step by using sesame paste. Make it in just 5 minutes!
- Unique marinade. Holy wow is this dressing a good marinade! Use half to marinade white fish, and save the rest for drizzling on top to serve.
- Creamy. This sauce is traditionally a creamy sauce and by using both sesame paste and mayo makes it perfectly creamy and more palatable.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
- Toasted sesame paste.
This is a paste very similar to tahini, except it's made using toasted seeds. Using this recipe cuts down on time toasting and crushing your own seeds until they're finely ground to use in the dressing. Look at alternatives for toasted sesame paste below. - Sesame seeds.
If you have pre-toasted seeds that's perfect, otherwise, you can easily use regular white seeds. I like using sesame seeds to add texture to the sauce. - Mayonnaise.
Your regular mayo will do, though, kewpie Japanese mayo is the most authentic to use. - Soy sauce.
I'm using a regular soy sauce, but if you prefer, feel free to use a low-sodium or gluten-free option. - Seasoned rice vinegar.
The seasoned vinegar is much more flavorful than the regular option. It's great for adding flavor, easily. - Sesame oil.
A little bit goes a long way in adding a strong warm flavor to this Japanese sesame dressing. - Miso paste.
I used the low-sodium miso, to balance out the salt from the soy sauce. Miso provides the most amazing burst of flavor and spice that's much needed in this dressing! - Honey.
To balance out all the other flavors, the sauce needs a touch of sweetness!
HOW TO MAKE GOMA DRESSING
This is a super easy recipe that anyone can make in under 5 minutes!
- First, gather all your ingredients. This sauce needs quite a bit of ingredients, but comes together so fast once they're all lined up and ready to go!
- Mix it up: In a small mixing bowl or a food blender, add all your ingredients and mix or blend until completely incorporated.
- Test it: Try a little sample to check for salt and sweetness. Add more soy sauce or honey to your taste.
- Melding time: Cover and allow the sauce to meld for at least 30 minutes. I like to make it and let it sit in the fridge overnight for the flavors to come together.
VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Add other flavorful ingredients: While sesame seeds are the star of the show, adding other ingredients like garlic or ginger can help to balance the flavors and make the dressing more complex.
- Add water. If you're looking for a runnier dressing, add water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Substitute sesame paste for crushed toasted sesame seeds. Toast the seeds in a pan, then once cooled blend them until they make a paste. Use that instead of store-bought paste in the sauce.
FAQ
Use it to jazz up a variety of dishes! It's fantastic with salads, whether simple green salads or more elaborate creations. It also pairs well with steamed or grilled vegetables, as well as tossed in a cold noodle salad. Even as a sauce for grilled chicken or tofu.
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check your soy sauce label for gluten content or opt for a certified gluten-free version.
Side dishes like steamed or fried rice, grilled chicken, or steamed vegetables are great options for serving alongside a dish that has this dressing.
Absolutely! One of the beauties of making your own sauce is being able to customize the flavors. If you like it tangier, add a bit more vinegar; if you prefer it sweeter, increase the mirin or sugar. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
EXPERT TIPS
By following these expert tips, you'll be able to create this delicious and flavorful Japanese dressing that will elevate any salad or veggie dish.
- Use high-quality sesame seeds: The flavor of this dressing comes primarily from seeds themselves, so it's important to use fresh, high-quality sesame seeds.
- Use a blender or food processor: To get a smooth and creamy consistency, it's best to use a blender or food processor to make the sauce. All you'll need to do is blend all of your ingredients together until smooth.
- Use seasoned rice vinegar. There are several types of rice vinegar, and going with the seasoned option provides the best flavor for the sauce.
STORAGE TIPS
Store in the refrigerator: This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick shake or stir before using to make sure the ingredients are well combined.
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Japanese Goma Dressing
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoon sesame paste
- 1½ tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, full sodium or substitute for tamari, low-sodium, gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon miso paste, low-sodium
- 1½ teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients.
- Using a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the white sesame seeds. Just a bit, they don't need to be finely crushed.
- To a small mixing bowl, transfer the sesame seeds and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated. You can also use a blender to make it even easier.
- Time to sample! Taste for salt and sweetness and adjust with soy sauce or more honey per your taste.
- Use it right away, or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge until ready to use.
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