Rinse the whitebait under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

In a large pot, bring water to a gentle simmer. Add a pinch of salt to the water.

Carefully add the whitebait to the simmering water and poach for about 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque and tender. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become chewy.

While the whitebait is poaching, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sugar (if desired). Whisk well to combine all the ingredients.

Once the whitebait is cooked, remove them from the pot using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a bowl.

Pour the dressing over the poached whitebait, making sure to coat them evenly. Gently toss to combine.

Let the whitebait marinate in the dressing for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Before serving, garnish with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Serve the Poached Whitebait with Sesame Oil and Vinegar Dressing as an appetizer or small plate. Enjoy!