Shabu Shabu Goma Sauce

Whenever I want to have a creamy sesame dipping sauce, the Shabu Shabu Goma Sauce first comes to my mind. It’s the nutty, rich, and creamy flavor of the sauce that has caught my mind. 

I constantly make this sauce at home. You can skip additives and preservatives in the homemade version. Then you can use low-sodium soy sauce instead of general soy sauce. Besides, you can use honey instead of sugar. In this way, you can make a healthy sesame sauce for hot pot for your everyday snack. 

Now, let us take you to its recipe guide.

What Is Shabu Shabu Goma Sauce?

Shabu Shabu Goma sauce is a Japanese sesame dipping sauce. It complements the sliced meats and vegetables cooked in a hot pot (shabu shabu). That’s why people call it Goma dipping sauce for Shabu Shabu. “Goma” is a Japanese word that means “sesame.” And here the main ingredient is the toasted sesame, and sometimes it’s made with tahini instead of sesame.

This goma sauce is one of the most famous hot pot dipping sauces. It is creamy and has a nutty base. Besides, it has a touch of sweetness, umami, and acidity, which makes it a full package for all kinds of meals. 

Ingredients You Need

Before you start making your Goma hot pot sauce, be ready with the following ingredients. 

Toasted Sesame Seeds (3 tbsp)

Toasted sesame seeds are the core ingredient of goma dare sauce. You will get a nutty aroma and a thick texture from them. If sesame seeds don’t suit you, use tahini instead. 

Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (2 tbsp)

For an umami flavor and saltiness, you need soy sauce. It’s better to go for low-sodium soy sauce so that the salt level stays in check.

Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp)

Rice vinegar is going to bring a mild tang to the sauce. 

Mirin or Honey (1 tbsp)

Mirin is going to give a gentle sweetness and a rounded-out flavor to the sauce. But if you don’t consume alcohol, you can use honey instead. 

Dashi Stock or Water (2 to 3 tbsp)

Dashi stock can enhance the umami flavor. But if dashi is not available, use water. 

Grated Garlic (½ tsp, optional)

Garlic is optional. You can use it if you want an aromatic depth. 

Sesame Oil (1 tsp)

1 teaspoon of sesame oil can give extra richness and fragrance to the sauce.

Sugar (½ tsp, optional)

Sugar is also optional. You can use it only if you like extra sweetness. 

How to Make Shabu Shabu Goma Sauce? A Step-by-Step Guide 

Now, let’s start with our Japanese Goma Sauce recipe.

Step 1: Toast the Sesame Seeds

First, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet. Make sure you are toasting it over low heat. After 2 to 3 minutes, the seeds are going to turn golden and release fragrance. 

Step 2: Grind the Seeds

Next, grind the seeds. For that, you can use a food processor or a mortar and pestle. Grind them until they turn into a fine paste. But if you are using tahini, you can skip the grinding step.

Step 3: Add the Liquid

Now, take a small bowl and put the sesame paste there. Then put soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin or honey, and dashi or water into the bowl. Stir everything until it becomes smooth.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Sesame Oil

Add sesame oil and grated garlic (if using) into the paste. Stir everything again to make a smooth paste.

Step 5: Taste to Make Adjustments 

Taste the sauce to see if any adjustments are needed. If it turns too thick, add some more water or dashi. And if it turns too tangy or salty, add some more honey or sugar.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Lastly, let your Shabu sesame sauce sit for 10 minutes so that the flavors develop. Then transfer the sauce into a clean, airtight glass jar and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Special Tips 

Your Goma dipping sauce for Shabu Shabu will only turn out great if you follow these tips.

• Don’t compromise on the quality of sesame seeds or tahini. It should be the best so that you can enjoy the utmost flavors.
• Always toast the sauce gently. If you burn them, the sauce will turn out bitter.
• If you are using dashi, it should be miso paste. Thus, you can get a deeper umami twist.
• If you are having the sauce while storing, shake the jar or stir the sauce properly. Because natural separation of the ingredients might occur.

Best Pairings For Shabu Shabu Goma Sauce

Don’t forget to try your Shabu Shabu sesame dipping sauce with these ingredients. 

• Boiled shrimp
• Scallops
• White fish
• Dumplings
• Seitan
• Tofu
• Chicken
• Cucumber salad
• Sliced beef
• Pork loin
• Enoki mushrooms

Conclusion 

It’s super easy to make the Shabu Shabu Goma sauce at home. You just need 15 minutes to prepare it. Whenever you host a house party or your friends and relatives visit randomly, serve them your special Shabu Shabu sauce. I bet they won’t resist asking about its recipe.

If you want to make a good batch of this sauce and store it in the freezer. And every time you are about to have it, stir the sauce properly.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Goma Sauce Made of?

Goma sauce is a Japanese sauce that is made of soy sauce, sesame paste, sugar, rice vinegar, and dashi or water.

What Are the Best Dishes for Shabu Shabu Goma Sauce?

With Shabu Shabu Goma sauce, you must try shabu shabu salad, sashimi, steamed vegetables, and chilled tofu. These dishes complement this sauce well.

How to Store Homemade Goma Sauce?

Store your homemade Goma tare sauce in a clean, airtight glass jar. Keep it in the refrigerator, and you can use it for up to 2 weeks.