Japanese & Asian Dressings

The four pillars: soy (umami), rice vinegar (mild acid), sesame (fat + nuttiness), dashi (depth). Korean and Thai traditions add their own brilliant logic — gochujang heat and fish sauce brightness respectively. Always burn off mirin’s alcohol before using in cold applications.

Recipes

RecipeKey flavourBest with
Japanese-Sesame-Goma-DressingRich, nutty, umamiIceberg, cabbage, spinach, tofu
Wafu-DressingLight, clean, soy-gingerMixed greens, daikon, grilled veg
PonzuCitrusy, umami, brightSashimi, tataki, hot pot
Miso-DressingEarthy, sweet (white) or bold (red)Tofu, kale, grain bowls
Carrot-Ginger-DressingSweet, vegetal, tangyIceberg wedge, crudités
Nobu-Style-Ginger-DressingGinger-forward, soy, lime-brightSashimi, cold soba
Momofuku-Ginger-Scallion-SauceHot-oil-scorched, aromaticNoodles, cold poached chicken
Thai-Lime-Fish-Sauce-DressingBright, punchy, sweet-sour-hotGreen papaya, glass noodles, grilled beef
Korean-Namul-Sesame-DressingSesame-forward, garlickyBlanched greens, bean sprouts
Noma-Dashi-VinaigretteDelicate, umami, yuzu-brightMicrogreens, raw veg, sashimi-grade fish
Morimoto-Miso-VinaigretteCitrus-lifted, wasabi-brightTuna salad, avocado, cold soba

Salad-Dressings · French-European · Mexican-Latin · Modern-Contemporary