Asian Sesame Dressing (Easy 5-Minute Homemade Recipe + Video)

All of these tasty accolades aside, I'm not sure why it's often referred to as 'Asian Sesame Dressing' which seems a little too broad to say the least. After all, this isn't a sesame salad dressing you'll likely ever find in say, China, as it's a little more aligned with a Japanese-style sesame dressing.

In fact, during my 4+ years of living in Chengdu, I never once saw anything resembling an "Asian sesame dressing" like this on any menu or served at any Chinese restaurant or food stall.

But from the local grocery stores, I could buy Kewpie's Japanese Style Dressing (first dressing on the left below) which is really similar to this recipe but with a slightly fruitier flavor and ginger kick to it (also full of ingredients I'd rather not be eating).

This dressing was actually made specifically for the Chinese market. Which to me suggests that everyone kind of loves a good sesame dressing - no matter where you live, who invented it, or where it actually originates from!

All of this is to say that if you love sesame dressings (bottled or homemade), like your favorite versions served at your local sushi or hibachi restaurants, or those delicious Angelo Pietro dressings (Shoyu, Ginger, or Sesame Miso dressing), or even Californa Pizza Kitchen's Thai Dressing, you'll likely love this one too - at a fraction of the cost!

The best part - this dressing is totally customizable and much healthier than many store-bought sesame dressing (no weird added dyes, high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, or msg in this recipe).

If you love this easy vinaigrette recipe, you might also enjoy my Lemon-Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing) or this easy Red Wine Vinaigrette (Greek Dressing).

What is Sesame Dressing Made Of?

At its core, Asian sesame dressing combines toasted sesame oil often with another vegetable oil, soy sauce, and an acid (like vinegar, or fresh lemon or lime juice) and a sweetener to balance the savory and tangy flavors. This combination creates the perfect balance of nutty, salty, acidic, and slightly sweet flavors.

Various versions add freshly toasted sesame seeds, as well as chives, garlic, ginger, or chili for different flavor profiles.

The magic of this easy sesame dressing is in its balanced flavor and ease of customization to suit your family's flavor preferences.

This recipe creates a rich, just-sweet-enough, aromatic, deep roasted sesame dressing that works great with both Asian and Western dishes - and not just for salads.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy homemade sesame dressing - ready in just 5 minutes with minimal effort
• Versatile Asian vinaigrette - perfect for salads, marinades, cold noodles, meat dishes, dumplings, sesame dipping sauce (for Teochew shrimp balls, etc.), and more
• Healthy sesame dressing - no preservatives, food coloring, msg, or other hidden highly processed ingredients
• Restaurant-quality toasted sesame dressing - authentic flavor for a fraction of the cost
• Customizable soy sesame dressing - customize the sweet, salty, tangy, and aromatic notes to your preference
• Long shelf-life sesame salad dressing - omit chives and this becomes a sesame dressing you can keep in the fridge for 2 weeks (adding the chives directly to the salad when you eat it)
• Pantry-friendly - made with staples you likely already have
• Budget-friendly - make this homemade sesame dressing for a fraction of the cost of store-bought which can get crazy expensive

Asiang Sesame Salad Dressing Ingredients

There is nothing fancy about this sesame dressing other than its super awesome flavor! It uses basic pantry staples you can find in just about anyone's kitchen these days and if you don't have one or two of these ingredients, I've provided a comprehensive list of substitutions down below and delicious ideas to customize it!

• Soy sauce - Regular soy sauce provides the salty umami foundation for this sesame dressing.
• White vinegar - This vinegar is the most versatile and what most people probably already have on hand. It adds brightness and acidity without overpowering the sesame flavor.
• Toasted sesame oil - I use a toasted sesame oil straight from Chengdu for its distinctive ultra-nutty flavor, but any quality toasted sesame oil works great.
• Sugar -Granulated or pure cane sugar balance the salty and tangy elements, but I provide less refined substitutions below.
• Extra virgin olive oil - I use EVOO because it's healthier, we always have it on hand, and lends a delicious flavor to this dressing, but you can use regular olive oil (less fragrant) or any other substitute below.
• Toasted sesame seeds - I toast raw sesame seeds in a skillet for just a few minutes which adds better texture, intensifies the sesame flavor, and adds a rich aroma that pre-roasted sesame seeds don't have (especially if they're old) but for convenience, use pre-roasted (it's still delicious)! *see note directly below
• Chives - Fresh, finely minced chives add a mild onion flavor and fresh color that brighten up the dressing and add even more deep flavor.

Note: I've used Recipe Tin Eats Asian sesame dressing (They're amazing over there...check out their site if you haven't already) as the starting point and have adjusted it to add even more flavor that our family loves (and also to mimic my favorite bottled sesame dressing).

See recipe card for quantities.

Do I Need to Toast the Sesame Seeds?

Before you get started, let's talk for just a minute about whether or not you should toast raw sesame seeds yourself or buy them pre-roasted.

While you can use pre-roasted sesame seeds, taking the extra couple of minutes to toast them in a skillet makes a world of difference in the final flavor. Toasting releases the natural oils in the seeds (which equals intense nutty flavor) and makes them even easier to partially grind (which we're doing in this recipe).

The net-net, toasting raw sesame seeds and then partially grinding them releases even more flavor into this soy sesame dressing while maintaininga little texture.

But you can absolutely use store-bought pre-roasted sesame seeds for convenience. If you do, be sure to look at the expiration date to buy the freshest available.

I also recommend warming them up with a quick toast in a skillet before grinding them, which will still help bring out a little extra roasted sesame flavor.

How to make Asian Sesame Dressing at Home (Step-by-Step Instructions)

This Asian sesame dressing comes together in just minutes (even if you're toasting your own sesame seeds which I highly recommend for the best flavor)!

Step 1. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant (about 4 minutes). Shake the pan often to ensure even browning. Watch them carefully as they can burn quickly.

Step 2. Partially grind the toasted seeds using a mortar and pestle (or spice grinder, or the back of a spoon). Don't pulverize them completely - a coarse grind creates nice texture.

Step 3. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl (or a small jar with a lid) and whisk or shake until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For a sweeter dressing, add more sugar or honey. For more acidity, add more vinegar, Enjoy!

Hint

For the best flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 15 minutes before using. This allows the sesame flavor to infuse and permeate the dressing. If you're in a hurry, it's still delicious right away, but the flavor develops beautifully with a little time.

Find detailed instructions in recipe card.

Equipment

• Small skillet for toasting sesame seeds
• Large spoon, Mortar and pestle, or spice grinder (optional, for coarsely grinding the sesame seeds)
• Mason jar or small bowl with whisk
• Measuring spoons or scale for accurate portioning

How to Store Sesame Salad Dressing

Storing homemade sesame dressing in a glass canning jar or other airtight container allows it to keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

For this long-shelf life option, you'll need to leave the chives out and simply add them at the time of dressing your salad. This is because all of the ingredients except the chives are shelf stable, and they'll deteriorate after about 1 week in the dressing.

FYI, the flavors of this dressing actually improve after a day or two in the refrigerator as they meld together. Making this a perfect make-ahead salad dressing. Just be sure to shake well before using, as the oil may separate when stored.

If the dressing thickens in the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes and shake or whisk vigorously before using.

Best Sesame Dressing Substitutions (For Dietary Restrictions, etc.)

Although I recommend making the recipe just as it is, you may need to make a few substitutions depending on dietary restrictions or what's in your pantry and fridge. Here are my best substitution recommendations:

• White vinegar: Replace white vinegar with rice vinegar (unseasoned rice wine vinegar), or apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note. You can even substitute white wine vinegar in a pinch.
• Sugar: For every 1 teaspoon of sugar called for, substitute with 1 ½ teaspoons of honey or maple syrup. To substitute with agave syrup use ¾ teaspoon syrup for every 1 teaspoon of sugar called for.
• Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free sesame dressing option or coconut aminos for a soy-free low-sodium sesame dressing alternative. You may also use reduced sodium soy sauce, but you may need to add a little salt to taste (unless you're goal is to make a low-sodium dressing).
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use regular olive oil or any neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or grapeseed oil to replace the EVOO.
• Chives: Substitute with green onions (scallions), or even grated white or yellow onion. You can also simply omit them if unavailable or you don't like onions. I've even substituted the chives with finely minced cilantro when I was out of chives - delicious!

Sesame Salad Dressing Variations

There are so many delicious ways to customize homemade sesame salad dressing! The below ingredients and additions are in the amounts needed to customize the small batch list of ingredients in the recipe card. Scale them up if make the medium or large batch sesame dressing recipe instead.

• Cilantro-Sesame Dressing: Add up to 1 tablespoon of finely minced cilantro for an herbacious and addition.
• Ginger Sesame Dressing: Add up to 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for a zingy kick. (*see note below)
• Spicy Sesame Dressing: Include ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha.
• Garlic Sesame Dressing: Add one minced garlic clove or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (*see note below)
• Creamy Sesame Dressing: Whisk in 1 tablespoon of tahini or Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise.
• Tahini Sesame Dressing: Whisk in 1 tablespoon of tahini
• Citrus Sesame Dressing: Replace half of the vinegar with freshly squeezed lime juice or lemon juice.
• Miso Sesame Dressing: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of white miso paste into the dressing for even more umami rich flavor.
• Maple Syrup Sesame Dressing: Omit the sugar and add 1 ½ teaspoons of Maple syrup to this recipe.
• Honey Sesame Salad Dressing Recipe: Omit the sugar and add 1 ½ teaspoons of honey to this recipe.
• Rice vinegar sesame dressing: Replace white vinegar called for with rice vinegar (unseasoned rice wine vinegar).
• Gluten-free Sesame Dressing: Substitute the soy sauce in this recipe with equal parts tamari.
• Soy-Free Sesame Dressing: Substitute the soy sauce with coconut aminos which is also a lower sodium sesame dressing option.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly Sesame Dressing: For a keto/low-carb version, replace sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce, and omit honey/maple syrup alternatives completely or use liquid stevia to taste.

Note: If you add any fresh (non-shelf stable) ingredients to the salad dressing, you'll have to consume it within a few days or up to a week since these ingredients (like raw onion and fresh garlic will go bad). You can always substitute with powdered garlic and powdered ginger for a longer shelf-life but the dressing will not taste as good.

How to Make the Dressing Creamy

If you prefer a creamier textured Japanese-style sesame dressing, try these simple additions, some of which are mentioned above:

• Tahini method: Add 1-2 tablespoons of tahini (sesame paste) to the dressing and whisk thoroughly.
• Mayonnaise method: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of Japanese mayonnaise (like Kewpie) or Duke's Mayo for extra richness.
• Greek yogurt method: Stir in 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, tangy, creamy version.
• Avocado method: Blend the dressing with ¼ of a ripe avocado for natural creaminess without adding unnecessary unsaturated fats, or empty calories.

When adding creamy elements, you may need to adjust the other ingredients slightly to maintain the balance of flavors. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired consistency.

What to Serve With Sesame Dressing

If you're wondering what do I serve with sesame dressing and need a little inspiration, you'll be happy to know this roasted sesame seeds dressing is perfect served with lots of delicious things - not just salad and vegetables!

Salads↑: For salads, try it with greens like romaine, iceberg, kale, white or purple cabbage. Add crunchy vegetables like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli florets, romanesco, edamame, and water chestnuts. Add crispy toppings like wonton strips, fried shallots, toasted sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, or peanuts for texture.

Ways to Use Asian Sesame Dressing Beyond Salad↓

This versatile dressing goes far beyond just salads! Below are some creative ways to incorporate it into your meals:

Noodles↑: Use as a sauce for cold soba, rice, or udon noodles.

Proteins↑: For protein, drizzle over grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or tofu are excellent choices. You can also mix this sesame dressing with sashimi (delicious).

Grain Bowls↑: Perfect for rice, farro, or quinoa bowls with vegetables and nuts. And it's a perfect sesame dressing for poke bowls! I like to add a little avocado for natural creaminess that contrasts wonderfully with the tangy dressing.

Steamed Vegetables↑: Drizzle it over steamed bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, romanesco, carrots, or other traditional Chinese or Japanese greens. You can even toss steamed edamame in the dressing and drizzle with a little chili crisp oil for a spicy, tangy kick.

Sesame Dipping sauce↑: Serve alongside dumplings, potstickers, fresh vegetables, or crispy spring rolls.

Marinade↑: Use to marinate proteins before cooking.

Sesame Dressing Top Tips

• Toast sesame seeds properly - cook until golden but watch carefully to prevent burning
• Use toasted sesame oil (dark color), not regular sesame oil (light color) for maximum flavor
• Let the dressing rest for 15-30 minutes before serving (or overnight for the best flavor development)
• Shake well before each use as separation is natural with homemade dressings
• Adjust sweetness and acidity to your taste preference - the recipe is forgiving
• To fix a broken dressing simply whisk the ingredients together until combined or shake them vigorously in a sealed jar until re-emulsified