Ginger-Sesame Dressing
Ginger-Sesame Dressing Recipe from Japan - Ingredients include lemon, soy sauce, and sesame oil
Introduction
Ginger-Sesame Dressing is a flavorful and versatile dressing that can be used on salads, as a marinade for meats, or as a dipping sauce for vegetables. The combination of zesty lemon, spicy ginger, and nutty sesame oil creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that will elevate any dish.
History
Ginger-Sesame Dressing has its origins in Asian cuisine, where the combination of ginger and sesame is a common flavor pairing. This dressing has been adapted and modified over the years to suit different tastes and preferences, but the basic ingredients remain the same.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon, zest
- 1.5 oz (43 g) ginger, thinly sliced and cleaned
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 0.75 tsp cayenne
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 0.33 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tbsp pure sesame oil
How to prepare
- In a food processor (or with mortar and pestle), combine lemon zest, ginger, sugar, cayenne, and salt. Process until a smooth puree forms.
- Add lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Blend well.
- Slowly pour in canola oil and sesame oil while continuing to blend until well combined.
Variations
- Add a tablespoon of honey for a sweeter dressing.
- Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of miso paste for a savory umami kick.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to thinly slice and clean the ginger before adding it to the food processor to ensure a smooth puree.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your spice preference.
- For a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of oil used.
- Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ginger-Sesame Dressing over a mixed green salad with grilled chicken or tofu for a healthy and delicious meal. It can also be used as a marinade for salmon or shrimp.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making a smooth and creamy Ginger-Sesame Dressing is to blend the ingredients well in a food processor or blender. Make sure to slowly pour in the oils while blending to emulsify the dressing.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have canola oil, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil as a substitute. If you don't have sesame oil, you can use tahini or peanut oil for a similar nutty flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Ginger-Sesame Dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or stir before using to recombine the ingredients.
Presentation Ideas
Drizzle Ginger-Sesame Dressing over a colorful salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado for a visually appealing dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Ginger-Sesame Dressing pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes such as stir-fries, noodle salads, and grilled meats. It also complements seafood dishes like sushi and sashimi.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Ginger-Sesame Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before using, or give it a good shake or stir to recombine the ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
120
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 3.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
- Sugars: 2.1g
Fats
- Total Fat: 11.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 1.1g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C: 2.6mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
- Calcium: 12.3mg
Alergens
Contains soy
Summary
Ginger-Sesame Dressing is a low-carb and high-fat dressing that is rich in flavor and nutrients. It is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.
Summary
Ginger-Sesame Dressing is a versatile and flavorful dressing that can be used in a variety of dishes. With its zesty lemon, spicy ginger, and nutty sesame flavors, it adds a unique and delicious twist to any meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold dear in my heart. It all started many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook who knew how to make the most delicious dishes using simple ingredients. One day, she decided to teach me how to make a special dressing that would elevate any salad to a whole new level.
We gathered the ingredients together in the kitchen - soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic. The combination of these flavors was like nothing I had ever tasted before. As my grandmother showed me how to mix everything together, she explained that this dressing was not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. The ginger and sesame oil were known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while the honey added a touch of sweetness that balanced out the savory flavors.
As we sat down to enjoy our salad with the ginger-sesame dressing, I was amazed at how something so simple could make such a big difference in the taste of a dish. From that moment on, I was hooked. I made sure to write down the recipe in my notebook so that I could recreate it on my own.
Over the years, I have made this ginger-sesame dressing countless times, each time adding my own twist to it. Sometimes I would add a little bit of lime juice for a citrusy kick, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. No matter how I decided to customize it, the core flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger always shone through, reminding me of that special day in the kitchen with my grandmother.
As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed down the recipe for ginger-sesame dressing to my children. They loved helping me in the kitchen, just like I had loved helping my grandmother. It became a family tradition to make this dressing together whenever we had a big family dinner or a special occasion to celebrate.
One particular memory stands out in my mind - the first time my youngest daughter made the ginger-sesame dressing all on her own. She had watched me make it so many times that she knew the recipe by heart. As I watched her mix the ingredients together with confidence, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. It was a beautiful moment that I will cherish forever.
As the years went by, I continued to make the ginger-sesame dressing for my family and friends, always receiving rave reviews. It became my signature dish, the one that everyone requested whenever we had a potluck or a gathering. I even started to experiment with using it as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu, and the results were always amazing.
Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of ginger and sesame oil, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and experiences that led me to this recipe. It has become more than just a dressing - it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of cooking. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that special day with my grandmother, where it all began.
Categories
| Ginger Recipes | Japanese Recipes | Lemon Juice Recipes | Lemon Peel Recipes | Rice Vinegar Recipes | Salad Dressing Recipes | Sesame Oil Recipes |