by Devon Sponheimer
Today we're starting a new food series with quick and easy Japanese recipes to make at home! Devon is starting us off with one of her favourite accompaniments to so many Japanese dishes and can be used as a condiment with any food: Sesame dressing! Take a read below to find out what classic Japanese meals are accompanied by this delicious dressing, and how to make it yourself.
One of the more frustrating things about not being in Japan is not being able to find all the foods I like! Right now, I’m a bit obsessed with the shredded cabbage that comes with Katsu. Admittedly, maybe I’m just a little obsessed with the creamy sesame sauce that comes on the top. Maybe so much so that I’d probably drink it if given the opportunity (or just dip everything in it that I could get my hands on), but it’s so hard to find here in the US or in Australia. So I decided to come up with my own!
Photo Credit - Gustty
It's a classic Japanese condiment that you will find familiar. If you have ever been to a Teppanyaki restaurant it is always one of the 'sauces' they give you to dip in. In Japan you will find it almost always with a Katsu dish. It's presence is always there as a dressing when going to a classic Shabu Shabu restaurant, and is always the most popular, as well at a Japanese Stone Grill restaurant, you will get 4 or 5 different dressings and sauces to use, ignore the rest, Goma-dare, or Sesame Dressing is where it is at.
It's such a perfect accompaniment sauce McDonalds In Japan have it as a go to sauce, move along Sweet and Sour!
Photo Credit - Maynard
It can be really hard to find this gem back home. We have searched countless Asian groceries and have yet to find it, however that has never stopped me from trying! So I give you my recipe for the classic Japanese dressing, goma-dare!
All this talking about it has made me hungry, lets get to the important part, the Recipe!
Photo Credit - Bookchen
Makes 2 servings.
- 2 TBS Kewpie Mayo. (You CAN use regular mayonnaise, but it has a lower vinegar content and you may have to add a bit of rice wine vinegar to balance out the taste)
- 1TBS Soy Sauce (you can substitute gluten free soy if you need to!)
- A few drops of Sesame Oil (it’s pretty potent!)
- *1 Tsp mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 Teaspoon crushed, toasted sesame seeds
*some people use rice vinegar and a tsp of sugar — I prefer mirin because I don’t have to add sugar, and the Kewpie already has quite a bit of vinegar. If you’re using regular mayo, I’d suggest using the rice vinegar and tsp of sugar in lieu of the mirin.
- Combine all of the ingredients and taste.
- Not sesame-y enough? Add a few more drops of oil.
- Drizzle on cabbage, salad, or use as a dip and enjoy!
Keeps for a week in the refrigerator.