Authentic Shabu Shabu Sauce (Sesame & Ponzu Dipping Sauces)

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 95  C
Servings: 6
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This authentic Shabu Shabu Sauce recipe features two classic Japanese dipping sauces—creamy sesame (Goma Dare) and refreshing citrus ponzu. Perfect for hot pot nights, these sauces elevate thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and seafood with rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying flavors. Easy to make, customizable, and restaurant-quality at home.

Ingredients
    For the Sesame Dipping Sauce (Goma Dare)
  • 3 tbsp white sesame seeds (toasted)
  • 2 tbsp tahini or Japanese sesame paste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp mirin substitute (sweet rice seasoning or 1 tsp sugar + 1 tbsp water)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp warm water (to adjust consistency)
  • 1 clove garlic (finely grated)
  • 0.5 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
    • For the Ponzu Citrus Sauce
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp grated daikon radish (optional but traditional)
  • 1 tsp chopped green onions
  • 0.5 tsp grated ginger
Instructions
    Toast the Sesame Seeds
  1. 1
    Place sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium-low heat (about 90–95°C surface temperature). Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them. Remove immediately and let cool slightly.
    2. Grind the Sesame Seeds
  2. 2
    Using a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted sesame seeds until they become slightly pasty and aromatic. This releases their natural oils and creates a richer, deeper flavor compared to using them whole.
    3. Prepare the Sesame Sauce Base
  3. 3
    In a bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin substitute, sugar, sesame oil, grated garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk thoroughly until smooth.
    4. Adjust the Texture
  4. 4
    Gradually add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon but still drip easily.
    5. Prepare the Ponzu Sauce
  5. 5
    In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, lemon juice, orange juice, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves.
    6. Add Fresh Aromatics
  6. 6
    Add grated ginger, chopped green onions, and optional grated daikon radish to the ponzu sauce. Stir gently and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
    7. Taste and Balance
  7. 7
    Taste both sauces. Adjust sweetness, saltiness, or acidity as needed. Add a little more citrus for brightness or sugar for balance.
Note
  • Storage: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
  • Spicy Variation: Add chili oil or a small amount of fresh red chili for heat.
  • Creamier Version: Increase tahini slightly for thicker sesame sauce.
  • Lighter Version: Add more citrus juice to ponzu for a fresher taste.
  • Note: I ensure soy sauce and mirin substitutes are alcohol-free. Traditional mirin contains alcohol, so I avoid using it directly.
Keywords: easy, authentic, homemade, Japanese, quick
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/authentic-shabu-shabu-sauce-sesame-ponzu-dipping-sauces/