Miso & Manuka Sesame Dressing
Umami-packed miso dressing sweetened with New Zealand Manuka honey
A trending umami dressing that blends white miso, toasted sesame and Manuka honey for a glossy, slightly sweet finish. Great on leafy salads, roasted vegetables, grain bowls or as a glaze for fish or chicken. Quick to whisk together and mellows further after a short rest in the fridge.
Timing
Cook Time: PT0S
Prep Time: PT10M
Rest Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Active Time: PT10M
Ingredients
3
tbsp
white miso paste
(Notes: smooth, not chunky)
2
tbsp
Manuka honey
(Notes: MGO-labelled, warm slightly if thick)
3
tbsp
rice vinegar
(Notes: unseasoned)
2
tbsp
tamari
(Notes: or light soy sauce for saltiness)
1
tbsp
toasted sesame oil
(Notes: for nutty aroma)
1
tbsp
fresh lemon juice
(Notes: or yuzu juice if available)
1
tsp
fresh ginger
(Notes: finely grated)
1
clove
garlic
(Notes: minced (optional for milder flavour))
2-4
tbsp
warm water
(Notes: to thin to desired consistency)
pinch
chilli flakes
(Notes: optional, to taste)
Instructions
Step 1
Place the white miso paste, Manuka honey, rice vinegar and tamari in a medium bowl. Whisk vigorously until smooth and the honey is fully incorporated.
Tip: If your Manuka honey is very thick, warm the jar in a bowl of hot water for a minute to make it easier to whisk.
Timing: PT2M
Step 2
Whisk in the toasted sesame oil, lemon juice, grated ginger and minced garlic until the dressing becomes glossy and emulsified.
Tip: For an extra-creamy texture, blitz briefly in a small blender or use an immersion blender.
Timing: PT2M
Step 3
Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until you reach a pourable dressing consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra tamari for salt or more Manuka honey for sweetness.
Tip: Warm water helps loosen the miso and carries the flavours — add gradually to avoid making it too thin.
Timing: PT1M
Step 4
Transfer the dressing to a jar, seal and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld before serving.
Tip: Dressing keeps well for up to 5 days refrigerated; shake or whisk before use as it may separate.
Timing: PT15M
Step 5
Serve as a salad dressing for mixed leaves and roasted veg, drizzle over grain bowls or use as a sticky glaze for broiled fish or chicken.
Tip: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and spring onion for a social-media-friendly finish.