If you love the nutty flavour and creamy texture of Japanese sesame dressing (goma dare), this Easy Goma Dressing recipe is about to become your go-to sauce!
This is the same style of sesame salad dressing you'll find in Japanese restaurants - smooth, slightly tangy, and rich in roasted sesame flavour. It's absolutely delicious drizzled over salads, cold noodles, grilled meats, or even as a dipping sauce for shabu shabu.
This Japanese goma dressing recipe uses simple ingredients like dark roasted tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and Japanese mayonnaise to create a luscious, creamy flavour that instantly elevates everyday meals.
And the best part? There's no need for a food processor or grinder - I just toast the sesame seeds lightly to release their aroma, keeping this version super easy and approachable for home cooks.
Whether you're dressing a crunchy salad, tossing soba noodles, or serving it as a goma sauce for dipping, this Japanese sesame sauce never disappoints. It's one of those dressings you'll make once - and crave for a long time!
Jump to:
โ๏ธ Why You'll Love This Recipe
Here's why this Japanese goma dare deserves a spot in your fridge:
- It's creamy and delicious!
- Made from simple ingredients in under 5 minutes
- No need for grinding or blending - just toast the sesame seeds!
- Bursting with nutty flavour and has a balanced, tangy flavour
- Works as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or drizzle for cold noodles
๐ Ingredient Notes
Please see the printable recipe card with exact ingredient quantities and preparation instructions at the bottom of this post.
Dark roasted tahini - this is the primary ingredient that brings deep sesame flavours similar to Japanese sesame paste (neri goma). I buy this organic tahini from BWFO (affiliate link)
Sesame seeds - I use these natural whole sesame seeds and toast them gently in a frying pan until fragrant for maximum flavour - no grinding needed, but you can if you wish!
Soy sauce - adds umami and depth. Regular soy sauce works perfectly here, or you can use tamari for gluten-free, but I recommend adding a little salt
Rice vinegar - adds a tangy flavour and balances the creamy elements of the sauce. You can also substitute rice wine vinegar or a mix of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice if you prefer
Sesame oil - for that signature nutty flavour and rich aroma found in Japanese sesame dressing
Japanese mayonnaise - gives a silky, creamy texture with just the right hint of sweetness. I use Kewpie which is the gold standard, but a a very good quality regular mayo works too
Mirin - a touch of Japanese sweetness that rounds out the salty and tangy notes
Brown sugar - helps balance the acidity and enhances the sauce's rich flavour - or you can swap for 1 teaspoon of runny honey
๐ Instructions
1. Toast the sesame seeds:
Add the sesame seeds to a hot, dry frying pan and toast on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Stir frequently to avoid burning, then set aside to cool.
2. Combine the thicker ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dark roasted tahini, Japanese mayonnaise, sesame oil and honey or brown sugar until glossy and smooth to avoid lumps.
3. Add the remaining ingredients:
Now stir in the rice vinegar, mirin, and soy sauce until smooth and creamy.
If you'd like a thinner dressing, whisk in a small splash of warm water or neutral oil until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.
4. Add the sesame seeds:
Now stir in the toasted sesame seeds and drizzle over cold noodles, or toss with crisp greens for an authentic Japanese sesame salad dressing experience.
Tip: If you prefer, you can swap the tahini for 3 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, but I recommend still heating them up in a frying pan to release their flavours.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Substitutions
Depending on your dietary needs, here are a few simple swaps you can make:
- Japanese mayonnaise - swap for vegan mayo if you prefer a plant-based option
- Rice vinegar - apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice works in a pinch
- Tahini - swap for 3 tablespoon of sesame seeds and toast in a frying pan, then grind them in a pestle and mortar (suribachi)
- Runny honey - maple syrup or brown sugar work well too, but adds a slightly different sweetness
- Mirin - use water instead
โ๏ธ Variations
Here are some different ways you can enhance and truly personalise this recipe:
- Add a spoonful of grated ginger for a refreshing zing
- Blend in some chilli flakes or oil for a spicy sesame dressing
- Add lots of freshly ground black pepper
- Stir in minced garlic or a dash of ponzu for more Japanese cuisine flair
You might also like this tahini sour cream dressing.
๐ช Equipment
Please note that as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork
- Frying pan (for toasting sesame seeds)
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container for storage
โ๏ธ Storage
Storing - Keep your homemade organic dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Freezing - This is not recommended, as the creamy texture may separate. However, if so, give it a good stir. Note manufacturers add xantham gum to avoid this
Reheating - Not needed - just stir before using if it's been chilled for a long period of time
๐กPro Tips
- Toasting sesame seeds gently brings out the most flavour without bitterness
- For extra creaminess, whisk longer to emulsify the oils and tahini fully
- If you prefer ground sesame seeds, pulse lightly in a food processor before mixing
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste by tweaking the brown sugar or rice vinegar
๐ฝ๏ธ Serving Suggestions
This Japanese sesame dressing is incredibly versatile! Try it:
- As a dipping sauce for shabu shabu or dumplings
- Tossed through cold noodles with cucumber and shredded chicken
- Drizzled over roasted vegetables or tofu
- As a salad dressing for mixed greens, bok choy or coleslaw
โ FAQ
"Goma" (ใใพ) is the Japanese word for sesame, and "dare" means sauce - so goma dare literally means sesame sauce!
Yes, you can use regular mayo or vegan mayo, but I recommend using the best quality you can find, as Japanese mayonnaise gives the richest and creamiest texture.
Yes, you can use raw sesame seeds! Just make sure to toast them for a few minutes to release their nutty aroma.
Add more tahini for a thicker goma dressing, or a splash of water or rice vinegar for a lighter version. Or, try adding a very tiny pinch of xanthan gum, which is a thickening agent.
โ Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
๐ฝ๏ธPairing
Why not pair it with one of our favourite salad recipes below?
Why not subscribe to my newsletter to hear about the latest recipes and exclusive news from Tastefully Vikkie? You can also connect with me on social media at Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram!
๐ Recipe
Easy Goma Dressing {Japanese Roasted Sesame Sauce}
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon Dark roasted tahini
- 2.5 tablespoon Japanese mayonnaise Kewpie brand or a very good quality mayonnause
- 1 teaspoon Runny honey or 1 & โ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 3.5 teaspoon Soy sauce Or Tamari for gluten free
- 2 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- ยฝ teaspoon Mirin or warm water
Instructions
- Add the sesame seeds to a hot, dry frying pan and toast on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.Stir frequently to avoid burning, then set aside to cool.1 tablespoon Sesame seeds
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dark roasted tahini, Japanese mayonnaise, sesame oil and honey or brown sugar until glossy and smooth to avoid lumps.2 tablespoon Dark roasted tahini, 1 teaspoon Runny honey, 1.5 teaspoon Sesame oil, 2.5 tablespoon Japanese mayonnaise
- Now stir in the rice vinegar, mirin, and soy sauce until smooth and creamy.If you'd like a thinner dressing, whisk in a small splash of warm water or neutral oil until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.3.5 teaspoon Soy sauce, 2 tablespoon Rice vinegar, ยฝ teaspoon Mirin
- Now stir in the toasted sesame seeds and drizzle over cold noodles, or toss with crisp greens for an authentic Japanese sesame salad dressing experience.
Disclaimer
*This is an unofficial page and has no affiliation or endorsement from Slimming World. Slimming World's website can be found at https://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/. Any syn values are personal estimates and not verified by Slimming World.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can swap the tahini for 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds, but I recommend still heating them in a frying pan to release their flavours
- When toasting sesame seeds, I like to toast more than needed and use the surplus as an extra garnish on salads
- If preferred, ground the sesame seeds in a pestle and mortar or pulse lightly in a food processor before mixing in
- If you can't find dark roasted tahini, toast and grind 3 tablespoon of sesame seeds instead
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste by tweaking the brown sugar or rice vinegar
- If you prefer a thinner dressing, stir in a splash of warm water to loosen it up
Comments
No Comments