Description
This Asian Salad Dressing is a versatile and flavorful blend that enhances salads, serves as a marinade, or works perfectly as a dipping sauce. Made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and garlic, it provides a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors with a subtle kick of chili flakes. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare, making it an easy and delicious addition to your meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (can substitute with apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (toasted sesame oil preferred for enhanced flavor)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish and texture)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced (adds freshness and color)
Instructions
- Combine base liquids: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well blended.
- Add sweetness: Incorporate the honey or maple syrup into the mixture and stir well until it is fully dissolved, creating a smooth, balanced flavor.
- Add aromatics: Mix in the minced fresh ginger and garlic evenly throughout the dressing to infuse it with fresh, pungent notes.
- Add heat (optional): If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in the chili flakes and stir to distribute the heat evenly.
- Add texture and color: Stir in the sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, which will add a satisfying crunch and a pop of color.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or the saltiness by adding more soy sauce until your desired balance is reached.
- Store: Transfer the finished dressing to a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid for easy storage and use.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option and to control salt content.
- Substitute rice vinegar with apple cider or champagne vinegar if unavailable.
- Fresh ginger and garlic provide the best flavor compared to powdered alternatives.
- Toasted sesame oil greatly enhances the depth of flavor.
- Adjust honey or maple syrup for sweetness based on personal preference.
- This dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Shake or stir before using as ingredients may separate when stored.
- Great as a marinade for meats or tofu besides dressing salads.
