We’ve always loved the zesty kick of orange paired with the nutty warmth of sesame in a vinaigrette that elevates any meal. Our take on the Central Market Orange Sesame Vinaigrette recipe captures that perfect balance making it a go-to for fresh salads or grilled veggies.
It’s simple yet flavorful drawing from Asian-inspired roots to add a vibrant twist to your table. Join us as we share how this homemade version brings bold taste right to your kitchen.
With just a few ingredients you’ll create something truly special.
Ingredients
In our homemade version of the Central Market Orange Sesame Vinaigrette, we gather simple, fresh ingredients that blend zesty orange notes with nutty sesame flavors, drawing from Asian-inspired cuisine to elevate your salads and grilled vegetables.
To prepare this vibrant dressing, we’ll list the ingredients in the order they are typically used during assembly. We’ve included prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- Fresh orange juice: ½ cup (freshly squeezed from 2 medium oranges for the brightest flavor)
- Sesame oil: ¼ cup (toasted sesame oil for a rich, nutty depth)
- Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons (unseasoned, to add tang without overpowering the citrus)
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (low-sodium, for a balanced umami kick)
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (or substitute with agave for a vegan option, to sweeten naturally)
- Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon (grated from a 1-inch piece, for a subtle spicy warmth)
- Garlic: 1 clove (minced, to enhance the aromatic profile)
- Salt and black pepper: To taste (start with ¼ teaspoon of each and adjust based on your preference)
Equipment Needed
To seamlessly transition from gathering our fresh ingredients like orange juice and sesame oil, we need a few key tools to mix and prepare our Central Market Orange Sesame Vinaigrette with precision and ease.
Here’s a list of the essential equipment, organized by the order of use in the recipe process:
- Measuring cups and spoons: These allow us to accurately measure liquids like orange juice and oils, ensuring our vinaigrette achieves the perfect balance of flavors.
- Citrus juicer or reamer: Ideal for extracting fresh juice from oranges, which forms the zesty base of our dressing and enhances its vibrant, citrusy notes.
- Microplane or grater: We use this to finely grate fresh ginger, adding a subtle, aromatic warmth without overpowering the nutty sesame elements.
- Knife and cutting board: Necessary for mincing garlic quickly and safely, helping to infuse our vinaigrette with its bold, savory depth.
- Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl provides a stable space to combine all ingredients, allowing for easy whisking and emulsification.
- Whisk or fork: This tool helps us blend the mixture thoroughly, creating a smooth, emulsified vinaigrette that coats salads perfectly.
- Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid: Perfect for shaking the vinaigrette to final perfection and storing it in the fridge, extending its shelf life for up to a week.
With these straightforward tools, we ensure our homemade vinaigrette preparation is efficient and yields consistently delicious results.
Instructions
We make preparing our Orange Sesame Vinaigrette straightforward and efficient using the ingredients and tools we’ve outlined. Follow these steps to craft a dressing that delivers zesty orange notes with nutty sesame undertones, perfect for enhancing salads and grilled veggies.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before mixing, we gather and prep our ingredients in the order they’ll be used to ensure everything is ready for seamless assembly.
- Start with fresh orange juice: Use your citrus juicer to extract 1/2 cup from 2-3 oranges, capturing the bright, tangy essence that forms the vinaigrette’s base.
- Next, measure 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil, which adds a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Add 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar for its mild acidity, providing a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Include 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce to introduce umami depth without overwhelming the other elements.
- For sweetness, whisk in 1 tablespoon of honey (or agave for a vegan option), which helps harmonize the zesty and savory components.
- Grate 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger using your microplane, releasing its spicy, invigorating scent that adds a warm kick.
- Mince 1 clove of garlic with your knife on the cutting board, ensuring it’s finely chopped to infuse a pungent, aromatic punch.
- Finally, have salt and black pepper ready to taste, adjusting for seasoning to fine-tune the vinaigrette’s bold flavors.
Mix the Vinaigrette
Now that our ingredients are prepped, we combine them in a mixing bowl to create a smooth, emulsified dressing with a glossy finish and irresistible aroma.
- In your mixing bowl, pour in the fresh orange juice, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and low-sodium soy sauce, then add the honey (or agave), grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Using your whisk or fork, blend the mixture vigorously for 1-2 minutes until it emulsifies into a cohesive liquid, developing a vibrant orange hue and a fragrant blend of citrus and sesame scents.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed, stirring gently to incorporate for a perfectly balanced tang that coats your spoon with a silky texture.
- Transfer the finished vinaigrette to your glass jar, seal it tightly, and shake once more to ensure uniformity before refrigerating—it will yield about 3/4 cup total, ready to drizzle over dishes for up to a week.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As we perfect our Central Market Orange Sesame Vinaigrette, making it ahead of time allows us to save precious minutes in the kitchen while keeping flavors vibrant and ready to elevate any meal. This approach ensures the zesty orange and nutty sesame notes meld beautifully, creating a glossy dressing that tastes even better after a short rest in the fridge.
Steps for Preparing Ahead
Follow these simple steps to prepare and store your vinaigrette efficiently:
- Gather and Prep Ingredients Early: We start by measuring out all ingredients as outlined in our previous section. For instance, squeeze the fresh orange juice and grate the ginger in advance to minimize last-minute prep. This keeps everything fresh and organized.
- Combine and Emulsify: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey (or agave for a vegan option), grated ginger, minced garlic, and seasonings until fully emulsified. We aim for a smooth, glossy mixture that captures the dressing’s signature balance of zesty and nutty flavors.
- Transfer to Storage: Pour the emulsified vinaigrette into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid right away. This step, which we covered briefly before, is crucial for maintaining freshness.
Storage and Shelf Life Tips
To preserve the vibrant taste and texture of our Orange Sesame Vinaigrette, store it in the refrigerator immediately after preparation. Always use a glass container to prevent any unwanted flavors from leaching in.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated (in a sealed glass jar) | Up to 1 week | Shake well before use to remix any separation; check for any off odors or discoloration before serving. |
| Not recommended for freezing | N/A | Freezing can alter the emulsion, leading to a separated or less flavorful result—stick to refrigeration for optimal quality. |
By following these guidelines, we ensure our homemade vinaigrette remains a convenient, flavorful addition to salads, grilled vegetables, and more, without compromising on taste or quality.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this vibrant orange sesame vinaigrette recipe with you. It’s a simple way to add a burst of flavor that elevates everyday meals and brings a touch of Asian-inspired zest to your table.
By making it at home you’ll discover how easy it is to customize dressings that suit your tastes. Let’s keep experimenting with fresh ingredients to make our cooking more exciting and nutritious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Market Orange Sesame Vinaigrette?
This homemade version is a zesty, nutty dressing inspired by Asian flavors, featuring fresh orange juice and sesame oil. It’s perfect for salads and grilled veggies, offering a simple way to elevate meals with its balanced taste.
What ingredients are needed for this homemade vinaigrette?
You’ll need fresh orange juice, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey (or agave for vegan), fresh ginger, minced garlic, and salt and pepper. These fresh ingredients combine to create a flavorful, easy dressing in minutes.
What equipment is required to make it?
Gather measuring cups and spoons, a citrus juicer, microplane for ginger, knife and cutting board for garlic, a mixing bowl, whisk or fork, and a glass jar for storage. These tools help prepare the vinaigrette efficiently and store it properly.
How do I prepare the orange sesame vinaigrette?
Start by juicing an orange and grating ginger. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until emulsified for a smooth dressing. Transfer to a jar and shake well. It’s ready in under 10 minutes and enhances dishes instantly.
Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it in advance to let flavors meld. Gather and mix ingredients, then store in a sealed jar. This saves time for busy days and keeps the dressing fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
How should I store the homemade vinaigrette?
Store in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake before use to recombine. Avoid freezing to maintain its fresh taste and texture for the best results on salads and veggies.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, it’s easily vegan-friendly. Use agave instead of honey for the sweetener, and ensure all ingredients like soy sauce are plant-based. The rest are naturally vegan, making it a versatile, healthy option.