Introduction

Chamkkae dressing (참깨 드레싱) is Korean roasted sesame dressing: a creamy, pale beige sauce made from ground toasted sesame seeds, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar and a touch of soy sauce. It is the dressing you often find on the simple cabbage or lettuce salad served at Korean restaurants, school cafeterias and lunch boxes, and it is one of the best-selling bottled dressings in Korea. Nutty, sweet and tangy, it makes even plain shredded cabbage disappear fast.

Chamkkae Dressing at a Glance

Quick facts

• What it is: a creamy roasted sesame salad dressing
• Main ingredients: toasted sesame seeds, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar or honey, soy sauce, sesame oil
• Taste: nutty, creamy, sweet and lightly tangy
• Main uses: green salads, cabbage salad, tofu or chicken salad, cold noodles, shabu-shabu dip

What is Chamkkae Dressing Made Of?

The key ingredient is freshly ground toasted sesame seeds, like kkaesogeum. They are blended with mayonnaise for body, vinegar or lemon juice for tang, sugar or honey for sweetness, a little soy sauce for savoriness and a drop of sesame oil for aroma.

Types of Korean sesame dressing

• Creamy (mayo-based): the most common bottled style.
• Light (oil-based): no mayo, made with sesame, soy, vinegar and oil.
• Black sesame dressing: made with black sesame for a darker, earthier flavor.
• Tofu-based: blended soft tofu instead of mayo for a lighter version.

What Does Chamkkae Dressing Taste Like?

It tastes like roasted sesame first, then creamy and gently sweet, with a light vinegar tang to keep it fresh. It is not spicy at all, which makes it a favorite with kids and a good contrast to spicy Korean main dishes.

Popular Korean Dishes That Use Chamkkae Dressing

Yangbaechu salad

Shredded cabbage salad, the classic side at Korean pork cutlet (donkatsu) restaurants.

Dubu salad

Tofu and greens salad. Recipe below.

Dak gaseumsal salad

Chicken breast salad, popular as a light lunch.

Shabu-shabu and cold noodles

Used as a dip for boiled meat and vegetables, or tossed with chilled noodles.

Easy Tofu Salad with Chamkkae Dressing Recipe (Serves 2)

Dressing

• 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, finely ground
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar or honey
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1–2 tbsp milk or water to thin

Salad

• 1 block (about 300 g) firm tofu
• 4 cups mixed salad greens or shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced; 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced and soaked in cold water
• Pinch of salt and 1 tbsp oil for the tofu

Instructions

1. Whisk all the dressing ingredients until smooth, adding milk or water until it pours easily. Chill while you prepare the salad.
2. Pat the tofu dry, cut into cubes and sprinkle with salt.
3. Pan-fry the tofu in oil over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, turning, until golden on several sides. Let cool slightly.
4. Arrange the greens, cucumber, tomatoes and drained onion on a plate and top with the tofu.
5. Drizzle generously with the sesame dressing just before serving.

Tip: Grind the sesame seeds right before mixing. Freshly ground seeds release much more aroma than pre-ground ones.

Where to Buy Chamkkae Dressing

United States

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Canada

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Europe

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How to Store Chamkkae Dressing

Homemade dressing contains mayonnaise, so keep it covered in the refrigerator and use it within 3–4 days. Bottled dressing should be refrigerated after opening and used by the label date. Shake or stir before using, since the sesame can settle.

Chamkkae Dressing FAQ

Is Korean sesame dressing the same as Japanese goma dressing?

They are very similar creamy roasted sesame dressings. Korean versions are often a little sweeter and may use more mayonnaise, but they can be used the same way.

Can I make it without mayonnaise?

Yes. Replace the mayo with 3 tbsp blended soft tofu or 2 tbsp neutral oil plus 1 tbsp water for a lighter dressing.

What salad goes with Korean BBQ?

Light, tangy salads work best. Sesame dressing salad, green onion salad (pajeori) and yuja dressing salad are all popular choices.

Conclusion

Chamkkae dressing is the easy, kid-friendly side of Korean sauces: creamy, nutty and not spicy at all. Whisk up a batch with freshly ground sesame seeds and use it on salads, tofu or cold noodles all week. For another bright Korean dressing, try our yuja dressing.