If you’re a fan of Japanese dressings, give Wafu dressing a try. This flavorful dressing brings a bright, tangy element to salads and marinades without relying on sesame for its signature taste.
Contents
Wafu dressing recipe
Wafu dressing, or wafū doresshingu, is a traditional Japanese salad dressing that embodies the essence of Japanese flavors. The term “wafu” means “Japanese-style.” This dressing is characterized by a harmonious blend of sweet-savory notes.
Wafu salad dressing often includes:
- Soy Sauce: Delivers a salty, umami-rich base that defines the dressing’s primary flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a mild acidity, balancing the flavors smoothly without overpowering them.
- Vegetable Oil: Enriches the dressing’s texture without affecting the overall taste.
- Sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that harmonizes with the other flavors.
Here’s how to make the Wafu dressing:
Wafu dressing
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium, if preferred
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or light olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mirin optional for added sweetness
- 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey optional, adjust to taste
- 1 small garlic clove finely minced (optional for a slight kick)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, mirin, grated ginger, and sugar or honey until well combined.
- Add minced garlic if using, and whisk again to blend the flavors.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your preference.
- Serve immediately over salads, or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
How to serve and pair
Wafu dressing brings authentic Japanese flavors to various dishes with versatile serving options.
1. Salad Dressing
- Green Salads:
- Mixed greens
- Cucumber sunomono
- Wakame seaweed salad
- Vegetable Applications:
- Blanched spinach
- Grilled eggplant
- Steam-fresh asparagus
- Grain Bowls
- Noodle Salads like udon or soba noodles. The dressing adds depth to the dish when combined with ingredients like tuna or wakame seaweed.
2. Dipping Sauce
- Sushi or sashimi
- Osazai (Japanese side dishes):
- Pickled vegetables
- Steamed dishes
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled seafood
- Fresh tofu dishes
3. Marinade: The Wafu dressing is used to tenderize meat and fish
Variations
Experimenting with Wafu salad dressing ingredients creates exciting, personalized flavors for your salad.
1. Regional Differences
Different regions of Japan contribute unique interpretations of Wafu dressing:
| Region | Characteristic | Special Ingredient |
| Tokyo | Light, citrusy | Yuzu juice |
| Kansai | Rich, sweet | Mirin |
| Kyushu | Spicy, bold | Karashi mustard |
2. Ginger Wafu Salad Dressing
- Add fresh grated ginger to create spicy notes
- Pair well with seafood and salads
3. Sesame Addition
- Mix Ground toasted sesame seeds or neri-goma (sesame paste), mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar together.
- Used in salads and as a condiment for meats and seafood
4. Yuzu Enhancement
- Add yuzu juice or yuzu kosho (a yuzu chili paste)
- Pair with salads and grilled meats
5. Fruit Corporations
- Add grated carrots or grated apple/apple juice
- Sweet and fruity, suitable for various salads
6. Spicy Version
- Add wasabi paste
- Suitable for seafood dishes and salads with a bit of heat
7. Vegetable Variations
- Finely chopped shiso leaves: Offer a herbal taste that complements salads and cold noodle dishes.
- Daikon radish: Add a mild spiciness and freshness, ideal for pickled vegetables or salad
Common issues
- Separation Issues:
- Re-emulsify at room temperature
- Adjust oil ratio
- Use proper whisking technique
- Flavor Corrections:
- Balance with rice vinegar for acidity
- Add mirin for sweetness
- Incorporate sesame oil for depth
