Gomashio Japanese Sesame Salt
Gomashio is a simple traditional Japanese black sesame salt. By grinding toasted black sesame seeds and sea salt, you can create a nutty, crunchy, and salty seasoning so easily. This homemade gomashio uses only two ingredients, and its satisfying flavor is perfect for sprinkling over rice, onigiri, and vegetables.
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
Instructions
- Toast the salt. In a skillet, toast the salt over medium heat, stirring often, until it becomes slightly whiter and dry, for 2-3 minutes.
- Grind the salt. Transfer the salt to a Japanese mortar and pestle and grind until a fine, powdery texture is achieved.
- Toast the sesame seeds. In a skillet, toast the sesame seeds over medium-low heat until aromatic and the seeds start to pop, for 5-10 minutes. Stir with a spatula or shake the pan often to prevent burning. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Grind the sesame seeds. Add the sesame seeds to the ground salt. Grind them together until about half of the seeds are ground.
- For the blender method. After toasting the salt and sesame seeds, let them cool completely. Transfer them into a small food processor or blender and pulse until the salt and sesame seeds are well mixed and about half of the seeds are ground. Use pulse only and do not blend too long to prevent an oily, pasty texture.
- Serve. Sprinkle over rice, boiled eggs, and vegetables to enjoy. Transfer to a jar and keep it in the fridge. Enjoy within 1-2 weeks.
Notes
I recommend always lightly toasting the sesame seeds before making gomashio. Even with pre-toasted sesame seeds, toasting them again just before making gomashio revives their rich aroma.
Nutrition
Serving: 1teaspoonCalories: 14kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.4gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 310mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 0.2IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.4mg
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