Savory Japanese Sesame Dipping Sauce for Shabu Shabu
Experience the rich and nutty flavors of this Savory Japanese Sesame Dipping Sauce, perfect for enhancing your shabu shabu dining experience. Shabu shabu is a delightful Japanese hot pot dish featuring thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, and noodles cooked swiftly in a simmering broth. This versatile sesame sauce, with its balance of sesame, dashi, and soy, complements the natural flavors of your ingredients while adding a delightful umami punch. Whether you're dipping succulent slices of beef, fresh seafood, or crispy tofu, this sauce is a quintessential accompaniment that elevates every bite. Explore a world of flavor with this traditional dipping sauce that will impress your family and friends at your next gathering!
N/A
Servings
55
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
white sesame seeds
6 tablespoons (toasted)
dashi
7/8 cup (prepared)
sake
1/3 cup (optional, can be heated)
mirin
1 tablespoon (optional)
sugar
1 teaspoon (add directly)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons (add directly)
garlic clove
1-2 cloves (minced)
Instructions
1
In a dry frying pan over medium heat, toast the white sesame seeds. Keep an ear out for the popping sounds—this indicates they are ready. Toast until you hear about 4 to 5 pops, then remove the pan from the heat to prevent burning.
2
Once the sesame seeds are cool, transfer them to a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder. Grind the seeds until they release their oils and become fragrant but be careful not to grind them into a fine powder; a slightly coarser texture is ideal.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds with the dashi, sake, mirin, sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. If you'd like to remove the alcohol from the sake, heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before mixing it in.
4
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
5
Serve the sauce alongside your shabu shabu ingredients for dipping, and enjoy the delightful array of flavors.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
4g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Japanese Sesame Dipping Sauce?
It is a rich, nutty condiment made from toasted sesame seeds, dashi, and soy sauce, specifically designed for shabu shabu hot pot.
What is Shabu Shabu?
Shabu shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and noodles are cooked quickly in a simmering broth.
How many calories are in this sesame sauce?
There are approximately 55 calories per serving.
How do I toast the white sesame seeds?
Toast them in a dry frying pan over medium heat until you hear about 4 to 5 popping sounds.
What indicates that the sesame seeds are finished toasting?
The seeds are ready when you hear several popping sounds, indicating they have released their aroma.
Should the sesame seeds be ground into a fine powder?
No, it is best to grind them until they release oils but maintain a slightly coarser texture.
What tools can I use to grind the sesame seeds?
You can use either a traditional mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.
How much dashi is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 7/8 cup of prepared dashi.
Can I remove the alcohol from the sake?
Yes, you can heat the sake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before adding it to the sauce to evaporate the alcohol.
Is mirin a necessary ingredient?
Mirin is listed as an optional ingredient that adds sweetness and depth.
How much fat is in one serving of this sauce?
The sauce contains 4g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the sauce?
There is 1.5g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates does this sauce have?
There are 4g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of soy sauce added directly to the mixture.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Use 1 to 2 minced garlic cloves depending on your flavor preference.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Does this sauce pair well with tofu?
Yes, it is a great accompaniment for crispy tofu and other vegetarian hot pot ingredients.
Is this sauce suitable for seafood?
Absolutely, the umami profile complements fresh seafood in a shabu shabu setting.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this sauce?
The sauce is balanced with nutty sesame flavors, savory dashi, and a hint of sweetness.
How many tablespoons of sesame seeds do I need?
You will need 6 tablespoons of white sesame seeds.
What should I do if the seeds start to burn?
Immediately remove the pan from the heat as soon as you hear the first few pops to prevent burning.
Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
While designed for shabu shabu, it is a versatile sesame sauce that can be used for various Japanese-style dishes.
How do I prepare the garlic for this sauce?
The garlic should be finely minced before being mixed with the other ingredients.
Is the dashi used in this recipe liquid or powder?
The recipe specifies 7/8 cup of prepared dashi, which is the liquid form.
What is the first step in making this sauce?
The first step is to toast the white sesame seeds in a dry frying pan.
How much mirin is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of mirin.
How do I combine the ingredients?
Mix the ground sesame seeds with dashi, sake, mirin, sugar, soy sauce, and garlic in a bowl until well combined.
Is this sauce considered healthy?
With 55 calories and 4g of healthy fats from sesame seeds, it is a relatively light and flavorful addition to meals.
What gives the sauce its 'umami' punch?
The combination of dashi, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds provides the deep umami flavor.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, mixing the ingredients thoroughly allows the flavors to meld, making it suitable for preparation before a gathering.