Creamy Sesame Dressing (Goma Dressing 胡麻ドレッシング)

Creamy, nutty and tangy – all the lip-smacking flavours you would want in a homemade Japanese sesame dressing recipe! Our easy-to-make creamy goma dressing is perfect for salads and grilled vegetables or as a delicious alternative to store-bought versions.

Why You’ll Love Our Creamy Sesame Dressing [Goma Dressing]

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and versatile dressing, our creamy sesame dressing recipe is a game changer!

Made with freshly ground toasted sesame seeds, this Japanese-style recipe is bursting with umami that brings a delightful twist to your salads, grilled meats, and vegetables. As a fan of Kewpie roasted sesame dressing, I find this homemade version mimics the signature creamy and nutty flavour.

The secret lies in toasted sesame seeds and using Japanese mayonnaise, which has a richer and more umami-forward taste compared to regular mayo. Plus, the rice vinegar just gives it the right amount of tang! 

I love making this creamy sesame dressing in my Japanese mortar and pestle. The distinct grooves in the suribachi bowl efficiently grind the toasted sesame seeds. It is great to use for other herbs and spices as well. 

This recipe is a great alternative to your classic coleslaw dressing and will add so much flavour to a simple bowl of shredded cabbage.

Ingredients

These are the ingredients you need for Japanese sesame dressing:

Toasted sesame seeds: These create the base, making the dressing aromatic and textured. You can buy pre-toasted seeds or toast them yourself.

Japanese mayonnaise: Creamier and richer than regular mayo, Kewpie mayonnaise is the best choice for this sesame sauce.

Sesame oil: Nutty and aromatic, sesame oil enhances the toasted sesame flavour, adding depth and warmth to the dish.

Rice vinegar/Soy sauce/Sugar: Quintessential trio in balancing Japanese style dressings. 

Variations and Substitutions

Mayonnaise variation: As this sauce relies on the mayonnaise for its creaminess and flavour, it is important to use a good quality mayonnaise. Kewpie mayonnaise is our go-to Japanese mayonnaise to use. You can substitute it with regular mayonnaise, but the flavour will differ slightly. 

Soy sauce: For a gluten free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Rice vinegar substitute: Use apple cider vinegar as a substitute. 

Instructions

Step by step instructions for how to make Japanese sesame dressing:

Toast the sesame seeds in a frying pan over low heat.

Shake the pan constantly to prevent sesame seeds from burning. 

Remove as soon as sesame seeds are slightly golden brown and fragrant.

Grind the seeds with a mortar and pestle or use a food processor for a finer texture.

In a small bowl, mix the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mayonnaise, and sugar.

Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until combined.

How to Store

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 5-7 days. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.

What to Serve with Japanese Creamy Sesame Dressing

The simplest way to enjoy this creamy sesame dressing is with shredded cabbage, a popular side for dishes like tonkatsu, katsu curry or Japanese hamburg steak. 

This is also the same dressing recipe we use with our Burdock root salad.

You can also drizzle it over leafy salads, coleslaw, soba noodle salads, or grilled vegetables. Try it as an alternative dressing for these salads Lotus Roots Rice Salad, Pearl Mushroom Noodle Salad and Broccoli Slaw.

Frequently Asked Questions