Toasted Sesame Salad Dressing with Fried Garlic (Vinaigrette)

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Asian

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: dressing, garlic, salad dressing, sesame, vinaigrette

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings: cup

Calories: 1262kcal

A tasty mix of nutty sesame and aromatic fried garlic blended with zesty rice vinegar and seasoning. It creates a hint of 'creamy' flavour without the richness of mayo, which adds brightness to any salad and will have you craving for more every time!

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Equipment

Ingredients

For the herbs

4 Tablespoons white sesame seeds
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil
3 teaspoons garlic (3 cloves) peeled and minced

For the dressing

6 Tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar or unseasoned rice vinegar
2 Tablespoons mirin
1 Tablespoon honey alternatively use white or brown sugar, maple syrup or corn syrup
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
5 Tablespoons vegetable oil or avocado oil
2 teaspoons pure sesame oil

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Instructions

Toast white sesame seeds in a non-stick pan on medium heat for 4 minutes while constantly stirring with a spatula. Do not walk away, as seeds can burn easily! Set toasted seeds aside in a heat-proof bowl to cool. If you are whisking the dressing by hand, lightly crush the seeds with a mortar and pestle to release the toasted aroma. Alternatively, place seeds into a plastic zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Add 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil to the same non-stick pan and fry minced garlic on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until garlic is light brown. Strain fried garlic through a mesh strainer while allowing it to cool in the strainer. Make sure to place a bowl underneath the strainer to catch the oil. This flavoured oil is great for dipping bread or is best used in other recipes.
In a blending jar (or bowl), add seasoned rice vinegar, mirin, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and sesame oil. Whiz everything together with a handheld blender for 30 seconds.
Add toasted sesame seeds and fried garlic to the dressing and whiz everything with your handheld blender for another 30 seconds. Store your dressing in a glass jar and refrigerate it for up to 4 days.

Video

Notes

Can I use pre-toasted sesame seeds?

You can, but I highly recommend you toast white sesame seeds from scratch for ultimate nutty flavour from the seeds!

How long will this dressing last in the fridge?

Fresh dressing stored in an air-tight container or jar will last up to 4 days.

Is the sesame salad dressing gluten-free?

All of the ingredients except for soy sauce are gluten-free. You can substitute regular soy sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dressing

What's the difference between seasoned and unseasoned rice vinegar?

When you read the ingredients list, seasoned rice vinegar is made with sugar and salt whereas unseasoned does not contain them. If you are using unseasoned rice vinegar, adjust the level of sweetness in your dressing by adding more honey (or sugar).

What other variation do you recommend in place of fried garlic?

If you like a stronger garlic flavour, instead of frying, you can add one fresh garlic clove before you mince the dressing. Fresh ginger is a great alternative as well!

Nutrition