Asian Sesame Dressing

Name: Asian Sesame Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter, unsweetened; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds or black sesame seeds; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 clove fresh garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce; 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for a tangy twist)

Published: Aug 11, 2024 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 1 review

Elevate your salads, tofu, and grain bowls with this rich, nutty, delicious, and slightly spicy Asian Sesame Dressing, that brings flavor to every bite! Use it as a dip, marinade, or dressing.

This Asian Sesame Dressing is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and packed with bold, nutty flavors that add a delicious flavor to any dish. Plus, it’s not just for salads—use it as a dip or marinade, too!

For other vegan Asian dishes, try Saucy Gochujang Noodles, Orange Miso Glazed Brussels Sprouts, and 20 Minute Easy Vegan Miso Soup.

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Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
How To Make Asian Sesame Dressing
Serving Suggestions
Storage
Additions and Variations
Frequently Asked Questions
More Sauces, Dips, and Dressings
Recipe
Craving More Nuts & Twigs?
Reviews

Recipe Ingredients

To create this amazing Asian salad dressing or sauce, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Consider these a foundation you can easily customize to suit your taste. Check the recipe card for the suggested quantities.

Ingredient Notes

Peanut Butter - Substitute the peanut butter with any nut or seed butter, including Tahini. This will change the flavor profile but still be delicious.
Garlic and Ginger - Fresh is best, but if you’re short on time, try Trader Joe’s frozen garlic and ginger cubes. They’re convenient, packed with flavor, dissolve smoothly into your sauce by whisking for a few minutes, and save you prep time without sacrificing taste.
Lime Juice - Fresh is always best. The flavor difference of fresh ingredients in sauces that are not cooked is huge. Lime juice is optional. While it adds a bright, tangy flavor that can enhance the overall taste, it’s not essential to achieve the core sesame flavor profile. Some prefer a more traditional, nutty sesame dressing without the citrusy zing.
Maple Syrup - If you’re out of maple syrup, you can easily substitute it with agave, which offers a similar sweetness and texture. Other options include brown rice syrup and coconut nectar. For a richer flavor, try date syrup, or dissolve brown sugar in warm water for a quick fix. Each substitute adds its own unique taste to the dressing.

How To Make Asian Sesame Dressing

This is an easy one to make - ready in less than 5 minutes. Just dump and stir. See the recipe card for details.

lime juice being poured into a bowl with Vegan Asian Sesame Dressing ingredients.

Step 1: Toss sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, peanut butter, toasted sesame seeds, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sriracha, and optional lime juice into a small bowl.

Step 2: Mix until combined. This dressing will be thin. If you want it a little thicker, add in a little more peanut butter.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle over Salads: This dressing is perfect for Asian-inspired salads with mixed greens, cabbage, carrots, and crunchy toppings like toasted almonds or crispy wonton strips.
Grain Bowls: Pour over a bowl of quinoa, brown rice, or farro, topped with roasted veggies, tofu, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Stir-Fry Sauce: Toss it with stir-fried veggies, tofu, or tempeh for a quick and flavorful meal.
Dip Summer Rolls: It is a great dipping sauce for fresh vegan summer rolls, spring rolls, or veggie sushi.
Marinade: Marinate tofu, tempeh, or veggies before grilling or roasting for an extra punch of flavor.
Noodle Dishes: Mix it into cold soba or rice noodles with fresh veggies for refreshing noodle salads.
Wraps and Sandwiches: Dip wraps or sandwiches to add a rich, nutty layer of flavor.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store this Asian dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to a week.
Separation: The ingredients may separate over time, which is normal since we know that oil and watery ingredients don't mix. Just shake the dressing or stir before using it again.

Additions and Variations

Add a handful of chopped cilantro, Thai basil, or mint for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Drizzle in chili oil for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
Use other nuts or seed butter for a slightly different flavor profile.
Increase the fresh ginger for a more pronounced flavor, perfect for those who love a spicy, warming kick.
Amp the garlic with an extra clove or two for a bolder, more robust dressing.
Increase the sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery version that packs a punch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Asian dressing recipe gluten-free?

To make the dressing gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

More Sauces, Dips, and Dressings

What did you think?

Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Asian Sesame Dressing recipe. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.