Korean Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce
This rich and nutty Korean Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce is a versatile condiment that elevates any dish. Whether drizzled over steamed vegetables or used as a marinade for grilled meats, its unique blend of toasty sesame flavor, balanced acidity, and subtle sweetness is sure to impress. Easy to prepare and store, this sauce can be refrigerated for days, making it a convenient addition to your culinary repertoire.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sesame seeds
1/2 cup (toasted)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Light soy sauce
4 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by toasting the sesame seeds in a dry fry pan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
2
Once toasted, remove the seeds from the heat and let them cool slightly.
3
Using a mortar and pestle, or a high-speed blender, crush the toasted sesame seeds until they reach a fine consistency, but still retain some texture.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed sesame seeds with the sugar, vinegar, and light soy sauce. Whisk together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
5
Transfer the sauce to a clean bottle or jar and store it in the refrigerator. Use it within a week for best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Korean Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce?
It is a rich and nutty condiment with balanced acidity and subtle sweetness, perfect for vegetables or as a meat marinade.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe requires four main ingredients: sesame seeds, sugar, vinegar, and light soy sauce.
How should I toast the sesame seeds?
Toast them in a dry fry pan over medium-low heat while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
How long does it take to toast the sesame seeds?
It typically takes about 5 minutes until the seeds turn golden brown and fragrant.
What temperature should I use for toasting?
Use medium-low heat to ensure the seeds toast evenly without burning.
How do I know when the sesame seeds are ready?
They are ready when they achieve a golden brown color and a fragrant, toasted aroma.
Should I use a mortar and pestle or a blender?
Both options work; use whichever is available to crush the seeds to a fine but slightly textured consistency.
What consistency should the crushed seeds be?
The seeds should reach a fine consistency while still retaining some texture.
What type of soy sauce is used in this sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of light soy sauce.
What kind of vinegar is needed?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of vinegar, which provides a balanced acidity to the sauce.
Can I use this sauce on vegetables?
Yes, it is specifically recommended as a drizzle for steamed vegetables.
Is this sauce suitable for meat?
Yes, it can be used as a delicious marinade for various grilled meats.
How long can I store the sesame sauce?
For the best flavor, the sauce should be used within one week.
Where should the sauce be stored?
Store the sauce in a clean bottle or jar inside the refrigerator.
Is the Korean Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce sweet?
It has a subtle sweetness derived from the one tablespoon of sugar included in the recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Can this be used as a salad dressing?
Yes, it is categorized as a salad dressing and vegetable sauce.
What are the primary flavors of this sauce?
The flavors are characterized by toasty sesame, balanced acidity, and a light sweetness.
Can I prepare this sauce in advance?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for several days, making it convenient for meal prep.
What should I do if I burn the sesame seeds?
If the seeds burn, they will taste bitter; it is best to discard them and start over with fresh seeds.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare condiment that is a convenient addition to any repertoire.
What are the exact ingredients?
You need 1/2 cup sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon sugar, 3 tablespoons vinegar, and 4 tablespoons light soy sauce.
Can I use a high-speed blender to crush the seeds?
Yes, a high-speed blender is an effective alternative to a mortar and pestle.
How do I mix the ingredients together?
Whisk the crushed seeds with sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Are the sesame seeds prepared in any special way?
The seeds must be toasted and then crushed before mixing with the liquids.
Does this sauce contain sugar?
Yes, it contains 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the savory and acidic notes.
What kind of container should I use for storage?
A clean glass bottle or jar is ideal for keeping the sauce fresh in the fridge.
Is this an authentic Asian-style sauce?
Yes, it is a Korean-style sauce used in traditional and modern Asian cooking.
What type of pan is best for toasting?
A dry fry pan with no oil is best for toasting the sesame seeds.
Is toasting the seeds necessary?
Yes, toasting is essential to develop the rich, nutty flavor and fragrance that defines this sauce.