Sesame and Sunflower Gomasio

Gomasio is a Japanese term that translates to ‘Sesame Salt.’ This low-sodium seasoning offers a slightly nutty, salty, and umami-rich flavor. It is popular in many Asian cuisines as a healthy alternative to salt, and some variations even include dried seaweed. Gomasio is gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for seasoning salads, appetizers, and main dishes.

The base recipe for gomasio is simple: toast the seeds until they are lightly browned, grind them into a fine powder, and mix with sea salt or Himalayan rock salt. My version deviates slightly from tradition by offering two methods—one using sesame seeds and the other using sunflower seeds.

For a quick and delicious salad dressing, combine the juice of a lemon, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger juice. Season this mixture with gomasio and drizzle over salads for a nutty, tangy, and mildly salty flavor. While I prefer using a mortar and pestle to prepare gomasio, you can also use a blender. For added texture, coarsely grind some seeds and top the dish with toasted whole sesame or sunflower seeds.

Print Recipe

Sesame and Sunflower Seeds Gomasio

Condiment – Japanese

By Dadaji – Serves: 4-5

Prep Time: 5 minutes – Cooking Time: 5 minutes – Total Time: 10 minutes

This Sesame and Sunflower Seeds Gomasio offers a healthy alternative to salt, imparting a delicate nutty and umami flavor to your dishes. For optimal freshness, grind the gomasio just before serving.

Ingredients

• For Sesame Gomasio:
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoon freshly ground rock/sea salt
• For Sunflower Seeds Gomasio:
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 2 teaspoon freshly ground rock/sea salt

Instructions

1

Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat.

2

Add sesame seeds and toast for 2 to 3 minutes until they are lightly browned.

3

Cool the toasted sesame seeds for 5 minutes.

4

Grind the cooled sesame seeds in a mortar or blender until a coarse powder forms.

5

Transfer the ground seeds to a plate, add the salt, and mix well.

6

For sunflower seed gomasio, replace sesame seeds with sunflower seeds and follow the same steps.

Nutrition

• 183.0 Calories
• 7.7g Carbohydrates
• 0.0mg Cholesterol
• 15.3g Fat
• 3.6g Fiber
• 5.2g Protein
• 1022.2mg Sodium
• 0.0g Trans fat