Miso Tahini Dressing

This is the perfect creamy dressing for sturdy cruciferous based salads+ vegetables, Asian-inspired dishes, soba noodle bowls, baked proteins and so much more.

What Is Miso Paste

A traditional Japanese pantry staple condiment paste made with fermented soybeans and salt. It’s most commonly known for being the base of miso soup, but miso is used in so many different dishes. This condiment is salty and packed with umami richness, adding complexity and depth to any dish. Miso paste is so versatile, it can be pretty much used wherever salt is used.

A little history! Miso is believed to have been originated in China and bought to Japan by Buddhist monks about 1,300 years ago.

The fermented soybeans contain healthy dose of probiotics and vitamins that can improve gut health and boost immunity (rich in minerals like zinc, copper, and manganese, as well as various B vitamins and vitamin K). The technique of making miso snow extends beyond soy, it is now easy to find chickpea miso and miso made with other ingredients. Miso is normally available from light white(Shiro) to deep red and each used for different recipes.

This dressing is a combination of of some pantry staple ingredients and easy to make. If you don’t have some ingredients it can be easily swapped. See list below for swaps.

Swaps

• No tahini no problem, try cashew butter or almond butter, you’ll have similar texture with a little variation in taste.
• Maple syrup can be swapped for honey.
• Can’t find Saiyko style miso, any quality mild white shiro miso will work.
• Rice vinegar can be swapped for lemon juice.

How to Make Miso tahini Dressing

I like the dressing to have a smooth texture, so I prefer blending the ingredients in a small food processor. Start by first mincing the garlic and ginger, then add tahini, miso paste, soy sauce /coconut aminos or tamari for saltiness, followed by rice vinegar for acidity, for sweetness honey or maple syrup for, and for a big flavor punch sesame oil. Blend and add water as needed until you have desired consistency. Taste and adjust the flavor as needed.  Sesame oil adds a unique nutty, rich Asian flavor, if acidity is needed add a little vinegar, coconut amino/soy sauce/tamari adds saltiness, and honey or maple adds sweetness.