ORANGE SESAME GINGER DRESSING
Orange Sesame Ginger Dressing is a bright and flavourful dressing that brings together the natural sweetness of fresh orange juice, the warmth of ginger and the nuttiness of sesame oil. A touch of soy sauce adds umami depth, while honey balances the acidity, creating a well-rounded dressing that enhances salads, roasted vegetables and grain bowls. This dressing is also perfect as a marinade for tofu, chicken or seafood, adding a subtle citrusy and savoury flavour to any dish. With only a few simple ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a quick and easy way to elevate your meals. The combination of fresh and bold flavours makes this dressing an excellent choice for Asian-inspired dishes or as a refreshing twist on classic vinaigrettes. Whether drizzled over greens or used as a dipping sauce, this dressing is a delicious and versatile addition to any kitchen.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Salad Dressing
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Asian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Spring, Summer, Picnic, Family Reunion, Potluck, Asian-Inspired Dinners
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low Fat, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
Salad Dressing
INGREDIENTS
The following are the ingredients we need to prepare this orange sesame ginger dressing.
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- ½ tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp honey
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 30
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat:3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber:2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 2g
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Ingredients: Grate fresh ginger finely and measure out the remaining ingredients before mixing for an even distribution of flavours.
- Combine The Base: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice and soy sauce to create a balanced foundation for the dressing.
- Incorporate The Remaining Ingredients: Add the grated ginger, sesame oil and honey to the bowl, stirring well to ensure all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Whisk Or Shake: If mixing by hand, use a small whisk to blend the ingredients for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, place them in a small jar with a lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is emulsified.
- Taste And Adjust: Sample the dressing and make adjustments as needed. Add more honey for sweetness, an extra dash of soy sauce for umami or more orange juice for a brighter citrus note.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dressing to sit for at least 5 minutes before serving to let the flavours meld together for a more balanced taste.
- Serve And Enjoy: Drizzle over salads, grain bowls and roasted vegetables or use them as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
No cooking required
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for you when making this orange sesame ginger dressing.
- Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice provides the best flavour, avoiding the preservatives found in bottled juice.
- Grate Ginger Finely: This helps distribute its warm, zesty flavour evenly throughout the dressing.
- Whisk Well Before Serving: The sesame oil and soy sauce can separate, so mix well before each use.
- Adjust Sweetness And Saltiness: Add more honey for extra sweetness or more soy sauce for a deeper umami taste.
- Enhance The Nutty Flavour: Toasting the sesame oil before adding it can bring out a richer, deeper taste.
- Let It Sit For Better Flavour: Allowing the dressing to rest before serving enhances the balance of citrus, savoury and sweet notes.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Orange Ginger Dressing: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha for a mild heat that enhances the citrusy flavours.
- Creamy Sesame Dressing: Mix in 1 tsp tahini or peanut butter for a richer, creamier consistency that pairs well with noodles.
- Garlic-Infused Dressing: Stir in ¼ tsp minced garlic for a bolder, more savoury flavour. Let it sit for a few extra minutes to infuse.
- Extra Citrus Twist: Add ½ tsp lime juice or lemon juice for a sharper tang that complements seafood dishes.
- Soy-Free Alternative: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a lower-sodium, soy-free option without compromising on umami flavour.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as fresh citrus juices can change texture when thawed.
- Serving Tip: If the dressing thickens in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and whisk well before serving.