Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk the tahini, tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, miso, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, five-spice and pepper in a small saucepan. Add the 2 tablespoons water and optional chili sauce. If using the optional starch, reserve 1 tablespoon of the measured water for its slurry instead.
- Warm over medium-low heat, whisking often. Simmer very gently for 3–5 minutes, until smooth, glossy and slightly thickened. Lower the heat if it begins to stick; the tahini should blend evenly into the sauce.
- If a thicker dipping sauce is desired, mix the optional starch with that reserved tablespoon water until smooth. Whisk into the gently simmering sauce and heat for about 30–60 seconds until thickened. Avoid prolonged boiling after adding arrowroot.
- Take off the heat. Taste and adjust with a few drops of water if needed; the sauce thickens further as it cools. Use warm as a glaze or let cool briefly for dipping. Divide into twelve equal portions for the serving basis, and refrigerate any sauce you are keeping promptly.
Nutrition
Notes
Flavor and texture: Tahini gives this version a sesame base, white rice miso brings savory depth, and maple syrup balances the tamari and vinegar. Use only a little five-spice so its aroma does not overwhelm the sauce. Stir the tahini well before measuring.
Water and thickener: The 2 tablespoons water is the total in the formula. With optional starch, reserve 1 tablespoon from that amount for the slurry; do not add an extra tablespoon. The default contains no added starch and thickens naturally as it cools.
Diet and allergens: Contains soy from tamari and miso, and sesame from tahini and oil. Use explicitly gluten-free tamari, rice-based miso, spice blend and optional chili sauce; some miso contains barley. Almond butter is a source-permitted alternative but adds tree nuts and changes the flavor and nutrition. No soy-free or nut-free claim is made.
Storage: Cool briefly and refrigerate promptly in a clean covered container at 40°F (4°C) or colder for 3–4 days. This is not a shelf-stable preserved sauce. Freeze small portions for up to 2 months for best quality, thaw in the refrigerator and whisk if separated.
Serving and nutrition: Twelve servings means one-twelfth of the finished batch, not a verified tablespoon yield. Nutrition includes the tahini default and all measured base ingredients, but excludes optional chili sauce, starch, additional adjustments and accompaniments.
