I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a perfect harmony of savory and nutty flavors that brings an authentic taste of Japan to my kitchen, making it feel like a delightful culinary adventure. Plus, it’s super versatile and elevates any dish I pair it with, whether it’s a simple salad or a grilled chicken, giving me endless possibilities to experiment and impress my friends!
Unearth the wonderful, nutty flavors of sesame sauce, or goma dare, a homemade, versatile condiment that is perfect for dressing salads and dipping. With smooth, sesame paste, delicious soy sauce, zingy rice vinegar, and a whisper of sweetness from mirin and sugar, this sauce is the kind of elixir I adore.
It’s a simple yet fabulous blend with an abundance of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients
Sesame Paste or Tahini:
High in unsaturated fats, imparts a smooth, creamy texture and a nutty taste.
Soy Sauce:
Delivers depth of umami, balanced saltiness, and a touch of sweetness.
Rice Vinegar:
Provides a gentle acidic bite, amplifying the notes that are sour and tangy.
Mirin:
Japanese sweet rice wine adds a delicate sweetness and depth.
Sugar:
Corrects acidity, augments sweetness for a harmonious blend.
Sesame Oil:
Infuses the sauce with a toasty sesame flavor; aromatic and rich.
Ginger:
Warmth, spicy and complementing sesame, blends with aromatic zest.
Garlic:
Provides a sharp kick that takes the sauce to new heights with an earthy depth.
Ingredient Quantities
- 3 tablespoons sesame paste or tahini
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon dashi (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon water (or more for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. A mixing bowl of medium size is a suitable place to combine the sesame paste or tahini with the water. A small whisk is useful for this because it gives you nice control of the mixing. Stir until smooth. If you want a sauce that is not as thick, add more water and whisk it together.
2. The mixture is then added to the soy sauce, and stirring is continued until all is well blended.
3. Mix in the rice vinegar, ensuring the acidity is evenly spread throughout.
4. Add the mirin, which provides a slight sweetness to the sauce, and mix until well incorporated.
5. Add the sugar and stir until it is totally dissolved into the mixture.
6. To enhance the nutty flavor of the sauce, thoroughly mix in the sesame oil.
7. Add in the optional dashi for an additional layer of umami depth, if using, and stir until fully combined.
8. Combine the aromatic spice notes of ginger and garlic to create a warming mixture.
9. After all components are assembled, evaluate the consistency and the taste; if necessary, modify with more water or additional seasoning to achieve the desired flavor.
10. If you wish to enhance the appearance of the goma dare before serving, you can transfer it to a different serving dish, as I did, and garnish it with toasted sesame seeds.
Equipment Needed
1. Medium mixing bowl
2. Small whisk
3. Measuring spoons
4. Grater (for ginger)
5. Knife (for mincing garlic)
6. Cutting board (for garlic)
7. Spoon for stirring
8. Small serving dish (for transferring and garnishing)
FAQ
- Can I use peanut butter instead of sesame paste?You can indeed use peanut butter in place of sesame paste, but the taste will be a little different. For a flavor that more closely resembles sesame paste, look for unsweetened peanut butter.
- Is dashi necessary for this recipe?Umami flavor comes from dashi, but it’s optional. If you don’t have dashi, feel free to leave it out. The taste of the dish will not be greatly altered if you do.
- How long can I store sesame sauce?An airtight container is essential for storing the sauce, but instructions for refrigerating the sauce are less specific. However, refrigeration is almost a given for any perishable. So why would the authors tell you to use an an airtight container, if you’re just going to have to use one anyway, if you’re going to not only stretch it for up to a week, but also probably actually consume it within that time frame?
- Can I make this sauce gluten-free?To prepare the sauce so that it is free from gluten, utilize a soy sauce or tamari that does not contain gluten.
- What dishes pair well with sesame sauce?Sesame sauce is adaptable and goes well with grilled meats, salads, noodles, and as a dip for vegetables or dumplings; it is a good sauce to have in your repertoire.
- How can I adjust the sauce’s consistency?Should you want a sauce with less body, add water a little at a time until you achieve your preferred consistency.
- Is there a substitute for mirin?In the absence of mirin, you can substitute it with a combination of rice vinegar and a small amount of sugar or honey.
Substitutions and Variations
For tahini or sesame paste: Use peanut butter or almond butter for an alternative nutty flavor.
To use in place of soy sauce:
Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
To substitute rice vinegar, use either apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
To make mirin, use a mixture of 1 tablespoon sake and 1 teaspoon sugar.
To make dashi: If you want, you can use vegetable broth. Or, if you prefer, you can simply leave it out.
Pro Tips
1. Adjusting Flavors: Before finalizing the sauce, taste it and adjust the balance of flavors. If it’s too salty, add a bit more rice vinegar or a dash of water. If it’s not sweet enough for your taste, you can add a touch more mirin or sugar.
2. Storage Tip: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It might thicken as it sits, so just whisk in a little water to bring it back to the desired consistency before serving.
3. Enhancing Aroma: To deepen the flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before using them as a garnish. This enhances their aroma and adds a pleasant crunch to the finished dish.
4. Consistent Texture: When combining the sesame paste or tahini with water, add the water gradually while whisking to prevent clumping and to achieve a silky smooth texture.
5. Garlic Intensity: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can substitute the raw minced garlic with roasted or black garlic, which will give a richer, subtle taste to the sauce.
How To Make Sesame Sauce Goma Dare Recipe
My favorite How To Make Sesame Sauce Goma Dare Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Medium mixing bowl
2. Small whisk
3. Measuring spoons
4. Grater (for ginger)
5. Knife (for mincing garlic)
6. Cutting board (for garlic)
7. Spoon for stirring
8. Small serving dish (for transferring and garnishing)
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons sesame paste or tahini
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon dashi (optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon water (or more for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. A mixing bowl of medium size is a suitable place to combine the sesame paste or tahini with the water. A small whisk is useful for this because it gives you nice control of the mixing. Stir until smooth. If you want a sauce that is not as thick, add more water and whisk it together.
2. The mixture is then added to the soy sauce, and stirring is continued until all is well blended.
3. Mix in the rice vinegar, ensuring the acidity is evenly spread throughout.
4. Add the mirin, which provides a slight sweetness to the sauce, and mix until well incorporated.
5. Add the sugar and stir until it is totally dissolved into the mixture.
6. To enhance the nutty flavor of the sauce, thoroughly mix in the sesame oil.
7. Add in the optional dashi for an additional layer of umami depth, if using, and stir until fully combined.
8. Combine the aromatic spice notes of ginger and garlic to create a warming mixture.
9. After all components are assembled, evaluate the consistency and the taste; if necessary, modify with more water or additional seasoning to achieve the desired flavor.
10. If you wish to enhance the appearance of the goma dare before serving, you can transfer it to a different serving dish, as I did, and garnish it with toasted sesame seeds.
