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Korean-Style Salad Dressing

Shruthi
This Korean-style dressing combines sweet, savory, tangy, nutty, and spicy flavors.Soy sauce and sesame oil create a rich and deeply savory base.Rice vinegar provides a refreshing balance of acidity.Gochujang adds a distinctive Korean-style spicy flavor.Garlic and ginger bring extra aroma and freshness.Use it on salads, vegetables, noodles, and rice bowls.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course sauce
Cuisine Korean-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1½ tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon water, if needed

Instructions
 

Combine the Liquid Ingredients

  • Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lemon juice, and honey to a small bowl or jar.
    Whisk until well combined.

Add the Gochujang

  • Add the gochujang and whisk thoroughly.
    Continue mixing until the chili paste is completely incorporated into the dressing.

Add the Aromatics

  • Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger.
    Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.

Adjust the Consistency

  • If the dressing seems too thick, add a small amount of water and whisk again.
    For a richer and smoother dressing, add the optional neutral oil.

Add Sesame Seeds

  • Stir in the toasted sesame seeds.
    Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness, acidity, or spiciness according to your preference.

Serve

  • Drizzle the dressing over fresh salad greens, shredded cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, or other vegetables.
    Toss immediately before serving.

Notes

  • Gochujang varies in heat: Start with a smaller amount if you prefer a mild dressing.
  • Use toasted sesame oil: It provides the strongest nutty aroma.
  • Rice vinegar is ideal: Its mild acidity complements Korean-style flavors.
  • Honey can be replaced: Maple syrup works well for a vegan option.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
  • Ginger is optional: It adds freshness but can be omitted.
  • Shake before using: Ingredients may naturally separate during storage.
  • Adjust to taste: Add more vinegar for tanginess or more honey for sweetness.

 

Keyword gochujang dressing, homemade Korean dressing, Korean salad sauce, Korean sesame dressing, Korean-style salad dressing, spicy Asian salad dressing