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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
In crafting this recipe for Wafu dressing, my initial focus was on the classic trio that forms the backbone: soy sauce, vinegar, and oil. True to the spirit of Japanese cuisine, I selected rice vinegar for its mild and slightly sweet profile, and sesame oil for its rich, nutty essence.
But I didn’t stop there. I wanted this dressing to sing with other Japanese flavors, so I introduced ground sesame to enhance the nuttiness, dashi for a subtle umami depth, and yuzu for a bright, citrusy accent. These ingredients come together to create a dressing that’s distinctly Japanese and brimming with flavor.
It’s incredibly easy to make, and I encourage you to try it. It’s sure to add a unique and delicious twist to your salads, making them all the more enjoyable!
Ingredients & Substitution Ideas
- Soy Sauce: Kikkoman soy sauce is an excellent and affordable global option for those seeking quality soy sauce. For a deeper understanding and more options, refer to my comprehensive soy sauce guide.
- Sesame Oil: Kadoya’s sesame oil is recommended for its ability to impart a subtle yet distinct flavor to marinades.
- Rice Vinegar: The preferred choice for its mild and slightly sweet flavor, though white vinegar or apple vinegar can serve as substitutes. For top brand recommendations, consult my guide on essential Japanese condiments and seasonings.
- Sesame Seeds: Combining ground and whole sesame seeds adds a nuanced texture to dishes.
- Sugar: Opt for a type that dissolves easily such as caster or granulated sugar, as 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!) can be substituted to maintain the recipe’s fresh, tangy profile.
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Jump to Full Recipe MeasurementsHow 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.
FAQ
Wafu dressings are usually vegan-friendly, but this recipe uses dashi, which can be made vegan by using vegan dashi or replacing it with water.
The word “wafu (和風)” is a broad term used to describe Japanese style. In the culinary world, it is often used to distinguish it from Western-style dishes (Yofu).
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 soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp 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
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Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp white sesame seeds, 1 tbsp ground sesame seeds, 1 tsp sugar and 1 tbsp dashi stock to a bowl.
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Grate the zest and squeeze the juice of 1 yuzu into the bowl and mix vigorously with a mini whisk or fork until combined.
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Transfer to a pourable container and enjoy with a variety of salads!
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