Spicy Joint’s Creamy Sesame Sauce with Lettuce Salad
A Sichuan-inspired side salad featuring crisp lettuce drizzled with a nutty, savoury, slightly sweet sesame-based sauce. Ideal as a refreshing side or dipping sauce for raw vegetables.
| Cuisine | Chinese |
| Category | Side |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Published | 8/17/2025 |
Instructions
- 1
Separate, wash, trim, and dry lettuce leaves. Slice large leaves in half lengthwise; keep small leaves whole.
- 2
Combine sesame paste, peanut butter, sugar, salt, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce in a bowl.
- 3
Gradually whisk in water, starting with 3 tbsp. Allow sauce to rest for 1 minute. If it thickens or splits, add more water until smooth and pourable.
- 4
Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter. Drizzle with about half the sauce. Reserve the remainder for other uses.
- 5
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve. Optionally, use sauce as a dip for raw vegetables.
Nutrition Information
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 622mg |
| Potassium | 533mg |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 16375IU |
| Vitamin C | 8mg |
| Calcium | 83mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Recipe Notes
Chinese sesame paste is thicker and smokier than tahini. Sub with tahini if necessary (2.5 tbsp).
Natural peanut butter gives a more robust flavour, though standard spread is acceptable.
Oyster sauce deepens savouriness; vegetarian oyster sauce works as a plant-based option.
Dark soy sauce contributes colour and flavour; lighter soy sauces can be used with reduced colour intensity.
Lettuce substitutions include romaine, iceberg, or cos if Chinese celtuce is unavailable.
Sauce keeps in the refrigerator for weeks to months. Allow to warm to room temperature before serving as it thickens when chilled.
Nutrition values calculated using half the sauce as directed in recipe.
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