The flavor of sesame is very important in Asian cooking, from using sesame oil in sauces, marinades, and stir-fries to using toasted sesame seeds to garnish hot dishes as well as desserts and baked goods. But what about Chinese sesame paste?
In this quick article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this ingredient. We’ll also go into how you can use it in Chinese cooking.
What Is Chinese Sesame Paste?
Chinese sesame paste (zhī ma jiàng, 芝麻酱) is a richly flavored, thick paste made from toasted white sesame seeds.
While you may have heard of tahini, which is a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean paste made from sesame seeds, it is different from Chinese sesame paste in that it contains hulled, raw sesame seeds.
Because the Chinese version is made from toasted sesame seeds, it is significantly darker, nuttier, and stronger in flavor. We also find that Chinese sesame paste is denser than your average tahini, though this varies from brand to brand.
How to Use It
In Chinese cooking, cooks use sesame paste in sauces for cold noodle dishes, dipping sauces for hot pot, and dressings for dishes like Suan Ni Bai Rou. You can also use it in a variety of baked goods, desserts, and candies.
Buying & Storing
You can purchase Chinese sesame paste on Amazon, though it is more expensive than purchasing it from your local Chinese grocery store.
It’s important to note that some varieties and brands have added peanuts. We generally recommend buying brands made from pure sesame. However, if you have a peanut allergy, it’s especially crucial to check the ingredients list on the label!
Refrigerate the paste after opening (it contains a lot of oil and can go rancid if left unrefrigerated). Just make sure to stir it before refrigerating so the oil doesn’t stay separated. It will harden significantly in the refrigerator and become difficult to stir. If you buy natural peanut butter, you’re probably already familiar with this phenomenon!
Substitutions for Sesame Paste
If you’re unable to find Chinese toasted sesame paste, you can use tahini as a substitute in a pinch, though the flavor will be much milder.
If you don’t have any issues with peanut allergies, peanut butter is also a decent substitute.
Alternatively, if you can buy sesame seeds and have a high-powered blender or food processor with the ability to grind spices, you can make your own (see below).
How to Make Sesame Paste
(Scroll down for printable recipe card.)
Simply take about 8 ounces (225g) of sesame seeds and toast them until golden and fragrant (careful not to burn them).
Allow the sesame seeds to cool, and place in a food processor or blender with a couple tablespoons of sesame oil.
Grind down to a paste, and continue streaming in sesame oil slowly until a smooth paste forms. You can also add salt to taste, if you like!
Our Favorite Recipes That Use This Ingredient
- 10-Minute Sesame Noodles
- Sichuan Chicken in Chili Oil Sauce
- Hunan-Style Steamed Eggplant
- Hot Dry Noodles (Re Gan Mian)
- Hot Pot Sauce Noodles
- Sichuan Spicy Wontons
If you have further questions about this ingredient, let us know in the comments––we try to answer every single one.
How to Make Sesame Paste
Ingredients
- 8 ounces sesame seeds (225)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium low heat until golden and fragrant (careful not to burn them).
- Allow the sesame seeds to cool, and place in a food processor or blender with sesame oil.
- Grind down to a paste, and continue streaming in sesame oil slowly until a smooth paste forms. You can also add salt to taste, if desired.
Hi! I don’t have any Chinese stores nearby, however, plenty of Korean shops. They only carry something called Sesame Jam. Is it the same or similar to sesame paste? Thank yoU!
im trying to buy the exact harv of sesame paste u have pictured from amazon. there it states that the paste also has peanuts in it. is that true for the jar u pictured ? i just want to make sure i am ordering the right stuff.
Hi Reem, some sesame pastes do contain peanuts! I would make sure to check out the ingredients page.
What is the shelf life, assuming it is stored properly and in a refrigerator.
Thanks for the recipe, saves me a ton of money!
Hi Biff, not sure what the shelf life of the homemade recipe is, but it could be good for months when kept in the refrigerator, as long as you were extra careful about keeping your utensils and storage containers clean.
Can’t believe how easy this was!! Sesame paste for some reason is prohibitively expensive here in New Zealand so I’ve been subbing with tahini. I was overjoyed to find this recipe and look forward to a taste comparison! Thanks everyone ;-)
Yay! So glad you were able to make your own sesame paste. Hope you enjoy cooking with it!
Does lan chi pure sesame paste unopened expire? I don’t see an expiration date on my jar. It’s 100% pure sesame seed with separated oil on top.
Hi Sean, any sesame paste will expire over time. If you open it and give it a taste, you should be able to tell right away if the flavor is off. We recommend you refrigerate any sesame paste after opening.
Hi! How much sesame paste does this recipe make? Thanks.
Hi Jessica, you can vary the recipe based on how much you want, but it should yield about 8 ounces or so of sesame paste.
I made it, using organic seeds and oil, tastes a little harsh, didn’t add salt
Hmmm, harsh? Perhaps they were a little bit over-toasted? Adding a bit of salt could also definitely help, as well as a little sugar to whatever sauces you make with it.
Hey,
I noticed that some sesame pastes have additional additives. Do you know how that would affect the taste? The brand I’m using is from Taiwan and simply has sesame seeds and sesame oil as listed ingredients.
Thanks!
Hi Alan, some sesame pastes also include peanuts––this is also fine to use, but as a general rule, best to go with the purest brands with the least number of ingredients. Sounds like you have a good brand there!
Interesting. I’ve never seen this in Singapore.