Drizzle this dazzling Sesame-Ginger Dressing over your next salad or stir-fry.
Sesame and ginger are a perfectly matched duo, as the rich flavors complement each other so well. Traditionally used in Asian cuisine, you’ve probably encountered this dressing or sauce in many dishes without even knowing. It’s often developed as part of a marinade for meats, salads, and noodle dishes. Luckily, a few tweaks make these two ingredients work even better as part of a dressing recipe. With the addition of rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and garlic, a masterpiece is created!
Sesame-ginger dressing is delicious on salads, but it works as a marinade for meats and a topping for rice bowls, stir-fry noodles, and more. The next time you make a batch of udon noodles or even a roasted veggie platter, think about how sesame-ginger dressing can take the flavor to the next level. This versatile dressing can go on just about anything! Sesame-ginger dressing is sure to be a healthy dressing that you whip up any time you’re craving a mouthwatering medley of sweet nuttiness and umami.
Is This Sesame-Ginger Dressing Healthy?
Sesame-ginger dressing is a combination of six simple ingredients. Rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic, all contain antioxidants. Sesame oil contains heart-healthy fats but is best used in moderation due to its high caloric count. Honey acts as a natural sweetener, eliminating the need for added sugar. If you are concerned about the salt levels in soy sauce, consider a low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Mix Up Your Flavor Profile
Since the flavors in this dressing are relatively mild, why not add some different spices and seasonings? If you like a little more heat in your dressing, you can kick it up a notch by adding one teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Chinese five-spice powder is also an easy way to add in some spice without having to measure out different ingredients. I also like to add a dash of my favorite sriracha hot sauce for some more spicy flavor. For a more herbaceous blend, I like to incorporate lemongrass. Cilantro also adds a bright contrast, while parsley brings a milder, fresher note. There’s really no limit to how many different seasonings you can play with, so have fun and get creative. In my opinion, the more flavors, the better, but keeping it simple at first is a smart way to understand the recipe before you start customizing.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
The beauty of this dressing is that you can make it at the beginning of the week to use throughout for any lunch, dinner, or even snack. Simply store it in an airtight jar for up to 1 week. Just remember to shake it well before each use, as the ingredients may naturally separate.
Serving Suggestions
Since this dressing is traditionally used in Asian cuisine, I’d recommend starting there! I love to pour it on a Vietnamese Noodle Bowl to combine these delicious Asian flavors. It’s also a great option to drizzle Mongolian Beef Noodles, as the beef will soak up the sauce.
But let’s not forget about salads! This is a great dressing to use on Asian Cabbage Salad or Chinese Chicken Salad. Served plain in a small bowl, sesame-ginger dressing can also be a great dip for raw carrots, celery, broccoli, and crunchy wonton noodles. Now that’s a simple and satisfying snack!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are combined and the dressing is smooth.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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