Start with toasted sesame seeds, or quickly toast up some raw ones, to make this richly roasted sesame dressing that’s sweet, creamy, and oh-so easy!

But, before we get started, you just need to accept the following fact:

This sesame dressing will knock your socks off.

OK, now that that’s out of the way, take a look at the ridiculously easy ingredient list:

roasted sesame dressing ingredients

For a creamier sesame dressing like Kewpie’s eternal crowdpleaser, opt for Japanese mayo instead of oil. You won’t regret it!

You can certainly buy toasted sesame seeds at the grocery store (and toasted sesame oil, in fact), but if a fresher feel is what you seek, read on for a quick rundown on how to toast raw sesame seeds. Because you’re a grown-ass adult, so why not?!

raw to toasted sesame seeds

How to go from hopelessly pale (left) to splendidly sun-kissed (right)?

Slap a medium-large pan over medium heat and get it evenly hot. No awkward cold spots!

With a flourish, pour your seeds in to make a single layer, let ’em sizzle–er, heat up–before going in for an occasional stir, until everything’s nice and evenly golden brown. It should take 3-4 minutes on average, and BAM!: You’re most of the way towards a sensational sesame dressing!

toasting sesame seeds for dressing

Got extra sesame seeds in the pan? Let them cool before storing in an airtight container or a spice bottle, and pat yourself on the back. You can sleep well tonight, because the future looks bright now that you have a bottle of toasted sesame in the pantry, ready to go.

sesame dressing example

Ideas we think y’all roasted sesame dressing fans might like…

Basically, anything you’re tempted to throw some Kewpie or Kraft sesame dressing on is fair game.

If you’re a fan of this easy, healthier homemade version, leave your thoughts in the comments!

roasted sesame dressing recipe title

Roasted Sesame Dressing

Makes 1 cup. Skip the first step if you’re using pre-toasted sesame seeds.
Course condiment
Cuisine Asian
Servings 16
Calories 84 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup neutral oil or Japanese mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions
 

  • Heat a dry 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Pour sesame seeds in an even layer (about 2 tablespoons). Toast until evenly golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and toast remaining seeds, if working in batches.
  • Place all the toasted sesame seeds in food processor; blitz for a few seconds. Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Add additional water, if needed.

Notes

Nutrition facts assume 1 tablespoon per serving.
Keep, refrigerated, in an airtight container. Use within 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 275mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gCalcium: 62mgIron: 1mg
Keyword asian salad dressing
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