Useful Sauces

Our friend has requested recipes for useful sauces/dressings. I usually eyeball my seasonings for almost everything, and I change them up here and there. I love improvising! But here are three staple recipes that you may find versatile and convenient to have on hand.

Sesame and peanut butter dressing on steamed cauliflowers  

1. Teriyaki Sauce

2 1/2 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp cooking sake
1 or 2 Tbsp mirin. If you like it on the sweeter side, use 2 Tbsp.
Combine all in a bowl and whisk well. 

Mirin and cooking sake

2. Soy Sauce Salad Dressing

3 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
Sprinkles sesame seeds, roasted on dry pan and ground. You can smash them with a muddler or use a spice grinder. 
1/2 tsp grated ginger, optional
Combine all and whisk well. This base-dressing can be modified by adding wasabi, Japanese mustard or your favorite herbs. Enjoy!

Taste much better when you actually roast them in a pan for a few minutes.

3. Sesame and Peanut Butter Dressing

3 Tbsp creamy peanut butter, or tahini sesame paste (or half of each)
3 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp soy sauce
3 Tbsp vinegar
3 Tbsp cooking sake
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 Tbsp sesame chili oil
1 tsp grated ginger
Combine all and whisk well.

Use either one, or both!

Sesame chili oil, AKA la-yu.

This is how I grate ginger.

Sweet, tangy and spicy

I hope you enjoy these sauces! Make double recipes and keep them in a jar. Just grill your choice of meat, fish or tofu, and drizzle a spoonful of these sauces or use them on your salad or steamed vegetables. Tastes just right, every time!

It's a proven concoction....

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