Japanese Sesame Dressing

Sesame dressing salad with carrots and lettuce on a plate.

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Japanese

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 2

Total Time: 7

Servings: servings

Calories: 64kcal

Author: Quynh Nguyen

This homemade Japanese sesame dressing is creamy, nutty, and packed with umami flavor—way better than anything store-bought. Made with toasted sesame seeds, Kewpie mayo, rice vinegar, soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sugar, it’s perfect for drizzling over salads, grain bowls, cold noodles, or grilled veggies. Quick, easy, and done in under 10 minutes!

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Ingredients

3 tablespoons white sesame seeds toasted
2 tablespoons Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1½ tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon mirin
½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions

Toast the sesame seeds: Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly.
Blend the dressing: Add the toasted sesame seeds, Kewpie mayo, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sesame oil to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth (or leave slightly textured, if preferred).
Taste and adjust: Add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or sesame oil for deeper flavor if needed.
Serve or store: Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake or stir before each use.

Nutrition