Sesame Dressing Recipe: 3 Tips for Making Sesame Dressing

Sesame dressing is a popular Japanese condiment, known as goma, that is both dairy and gluten-free. You can use the condiment as a traditional vinaigrette-style salad dressing over mixed greens, coleslaw, and cold noodle salads, or toss it with steamed or roasted vegetables. The dressing also makes a great marinade for grilled meats or dipping sauce for appetizers like gyoza dumplings or spring rolls.

Sesame dressing, like most vinaigrettes, is all about tweaking a simple formula to best suit your needs. Here are a few tips to consider when building a sesame dressing:

1. 1. Toast and grind your seeds. For the freshest expression of sesame flavor, toast and grind your own sesame seeds to make the sesame powder. Alternatively, you can also find pre-ground sesame at most Asian grocery stores—or swap in a tablespoon of tahini for the same sesame flavor with an even smoother consistency.
2. 2. Use mayonnaise. Some recipes for sesame dressing call for Japanese mayo, an egg yolk-based mayonnaise that brings an extra velvety texture to the dressing. If you prefer to skip it, you can use olive oil to a similar effect.
3. 3. Add aromatics. Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or garlic (or both) to amplify the flavor, which works especially well when using the dressing as a marinade. Whisk well to combine.