- Category
- Nuts and seeds
- State
- Paste
- Usual unit
- teaspoon
What it is
Chinese sesame paste is a paste made primarily from ground sesame seeds. The available evidence describes sesame pastes and tahini in general, but does not establish a single exclusive formula for the Chinese version. Products sold under this name may therefore differ in color, intensity and texture depending on the seeds and processing used. It is a concentrated, oily paste, not whole seeds or a finished sauce that has already been diluted and seasoned. It can bring sesame flavor and body to sauces, dressings and dips. Check the ingredient list on the particular product, because the available evidence does not establish that every jar has the same composition.
When to use it
Use it when a dish needs pronounced sesame flavor and a more unctuous texture. Stir it into sauces or dressings, blend it into chickpea or eggplant dips, or try it in sweet preparations such as cookies and smoothies. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste: intensity can vary with the seeds and their toasting. Do not assume it is the same as a prepared tahini sauce, which may already contain liquid and other seasonings.
How to use it
Stir or mix the paste before measuring if you see oil separated on the surface. To make a sauce, whisk it gradually with liquid and any seasonings called for in your recipe until it reaches the consistency you want. You can also add it directly to a dip, sauce or dressing and mix until incorporated. In sweet recipes, add it gradually so its flavor does not overpower the other ingredients. Sesame paste can also be spread or served with bread. Because the evidence does not specify a single ratio for Chinese sesame paste, follow your recipe and adjust the amount to the flavor and texture you want.
Flavour and texture
It has concentrated sesame flavor and a thick, unctuous consistency. Its flavor can be more or less intense, and its color can vary depending on whether hulled or whole seeds are used and how they are toasted. A layer of oil may separate on the surface; stir it in to restore a more uniform consistency before use.
How to choose it
Read the ingredient list and the product’s exact name: the available evidence does not define one standard Chinese formula or establish that all sesame pastes are alike. Ground sesame is the base described for this family of pastes, but seed type and toasting can vary, changing flavor and color. If you need a paste without additional ingredients, check the label rather than relying on the name alone.
Storage
Follow the storage instructions printed on the package, since the available evidence does not establish a specific storage method or duration for Chinese sesame paste. Keep the container closed as directed by the manufacturer and use clean utensils when serving. If oil separates on the surface, stir it in before use; this can occur naturally in sesame pastes.
Substitutions
Tahini is the closest alternative because it is also made from ground sesame, although seed type and toasting can change the flavor and texture. Smooth peanut butter may work as a texture substitute in some recipes, but its flavor is different and it does not exactly reproduce sesame paste.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse the paste with a diluted or seasoned tahini sauce: the paste may need liquid and seasonings to become a sauce. Do not assume every version has the same color, intensity or ingredients; check the package and adjust the amount to taste.
Safety and allergens
This ingredient is sesame-based; check the product label to confirm its ingredients and allergen information. Follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions.
Culinary uses
- Base para salsas y aderezos
- Aporte cremoso y saborizante para platos salados y dulces
Recommended techniques
- Batir o mezclar con líquido para formar una salsa
- Incorporar a purés y mezclas hasta que quede homogénea
Pairs well with
- Garbanzos y berenjena
- Limón, ajo y pan
Frequently asked questions
Is Chinese sesame paste the same as tahini?
Both are pastes made from ground sesame, but the available evidence does not establish that every Chinese sesame paste and tahini have the same formula, texture or intensity. Check the specific product.
Why is there oil on top?
Some sesame pastes have a layer of oil on the surface. Stir it back in before using the paste.
What can I make with it?
Add it to sauces, dressings and dips; pair it with chickpea or eggplant preparations; or try it in sweet recipes. Adjust the amount to suit the flavor you want.
Estimated nutrition
- Fat
- 14.2 g
- Saturates
- 2.41 g
- Carbohydrate
- 26.9 g
- Sugars
- 16 g
- Fibre
- 0.7 g
- Protein
- 14.3 g
- Salt
- 1.2 g
Sources and review
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