Goma Dare - Japanese Sesame Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup (150g) white sesame seeds 1 cup (150g) white sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool.
2. 2.
   Grind the toasted sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle or a food processor until they form a coarse paste.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, sesame oil, and water. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. 4.
   Adjust the consistency by adding more water if desired.
5. 5.
   Let the Goma Dare sauce sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Goma Dare sauce as a dipping sauce for cold noodles, drizzle it over grilled meats or vegetables, or use it as a dressing for salads.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sesame seeds — Toasting the sesame seeds brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Be careful not to burn them during toasting.
• Soy sauce — Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
• Mirin — Mirin adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce. If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a combination of rice vinegar and a small amount of sugar.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother sauce, you can use a blender or food processor instead of a mortar and pestle.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
• If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an extra clove of minced garlic.
• Store any leftover Goma Dare sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Experiment with adding a dash of chili oil or grated ginger for additional flavor variations.

Serving advice

Serve the Goma Dare sauce alongside a plate of chilled soba noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or tofu, drizzled over a bed of steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

When serving Goma Dare, present it in a small dipping bowl or a sauce dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few drops of sesame oil for an elegant touch. Place it alongside the main dish or in the center of a platter for easy access.