What is Wafu Dressing?
Wafu dressing (和風ドレッシング) is a salad dressing that’s typically made with a soy sauce-based vinaigrette. Along with soy sauce, it contains vinegar and some kind of oil.
However, the term “wafu dressing” can also be used in a broader sense to refer to any Japanese-style dressing, such as sesame (goma) dressing. This recipe presents the most common type of soy sauce-based salad dressing.
How I Developed This Recipe
When I was putting this recipe together, I focused first on the classic trio that forms the backbone: soy sauce, vinegar, and oil.
I wanted this dressing to have a Japanese flavor profile, so I added ground sesame to enhance the nuttiness, dashi for a subtle umami depth, and yuzu for a bright, citrusy accent. All of these ingredients come together to create a distinctly Japanese dressing that’s full of flavor.
It’s really simple to make, and I’d love for you to try it!
Ingredients & Substitution Ideas
- Soy Sauce: For brand recommendations, check out my comprehensive soy sauce guide.
- Sesame Oil: This is crucial for a subtle yet distinct flavor to the dressing.
- Rice Vinegar: It’s the go-to for its mild and slightly sweet flavor, but white vinegar or apple vinegar can work in a pinch.
- Sesame Seeds: Combining ground and whole sesame seeds adds a nuanced texture to dishes.
- Sugar: You’ll want to use a type of sugar that dissolves easily, like caster or granulated, because it won’t be heated in this recipe.
- Dashi Broth (Optional): Choose between simple awase dashi or vegan dashi. Instant dashi granules or packets are convenient alternatives, or simply use water if you prefer to omit it.
- Yuzu: Incorporate both the zest and juice for a bright, aromatic touch. Be cautious to avoid any seeds when squeezing the juice. If you can’t get yuzu, other citrus fruits like lemon or orange (or a mixture of both!) or store-bought yuzu juice can be substituted to maintain the recipe’s fresh, tangy profile.
How to Store
To store the homemade Wafu Dressing, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Remember to store it in an airtight container to prevent air or moisture from getting in.
It’s important to note that this dressing cannot be stored at room temperature or frozen.
Storage summary
Room temperature – Not recommended.
Refrigerated – 2 weeks.
Frozen – Not recommended.
I hope you enjoy this Homemade Wafu Dressing recipe! If you try it out, I’d really appreciate it if you could spare a moment to let me know what you thought by giving a review and star rating in the comments below. It’s also helpful to share any adjustments you made to the recipe with our other readers. Thank you!
More Japanese Dressing Recipes
Wafu Dressing (Japanese Soy Based Salad Dressing)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Japanese soy sauce (koikuchi shoyu)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted white sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp ground sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp dashi stock (liquid, not powder) or water, use plant-based dashi to make it vegetarian/vegan
- 1 yuzu (or lemon/orange) zest and juice
Instructions
- Add 2 tbsp Japanese soy sauce (koikuchi shoyu), 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp toasted white sesame seeds, 1 tbsp ground sesame seeds, 1 tsp sugar and 1 tbsp dashi stock to a bowl.
- Grate the zest and squeeze the juice of 1 yuzu into the bowl and mix vigorously with a mini whisk or fork until combined.
- Transfer to a pourable container and enjoy with a variety of salads!
Leave a rating and a comment