Sesame paste (芝麻酱) is frequently used in Chinese cuisine. It is a thick paste made from roasted white sesame seeds, sharing a similar texture with peanut paste (butter). We use it as dipping sauces, noodles seasonings and fillings.

I have get lots of reader asking what’s my sesame paste brand after posting those yummy sesame paste dishes. In China, we often make sesame paste at home. Pure sesame paste is harder to find, comparing with the other type mixed with a relatively large amount of peanuts.  Personally, I love to add a very small amount of peanuts in my sesame paste to make the flavor more naughty but still “pure” sesame paste flavor.

Ingredients

• 250g roasted white sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp. roasted peanuts (optional)
• 1 small pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup sesame oil  + 2 tbsp. for adjusting

How to roast white sesame seeds

Wash the white sesame seeds in a large pot until well cleaned (this step is important as you will see how much dirty stuff will be removed). In the process, discard those floating ones, they are of poor quality. I usually wash 2-3 times. Completely drain the seeds.

In a large pot, add the sesame seeds in and fry over high fire until all of the water content is evaporated. Then slow down your fire and continue frying until you are smell the aroma of the sesame seeds. Another proofing method is to check whether the sesame seeds can be crumbed easily. Remove from heat immediately and continue scoop the sesame seeds and drop down.  This step helps to cool down the sesame seeds quickly. Set aside until completely cooled down.

Instructions of sesame paste

Place the sesame seeds and peanuts, if you are using, in a food processor fitted with the S-blade. Add 1/3 of the sesame oil.

Process for 2 to 3 minutes until the sesame seeds form a crumbly paste.

Add remaining sesame oil by two batches and blend until well combined and smooth.

Store in air-tight container in fridge up to 1 month.

Sesame paste dishes

• cold sesame noodles
• cold sesame wontons
• hot sesame noodles
• dan dan noodles
• Sesame Spinach Salad

5 from 3 votes

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Chinese Sesame Paste

Prep Time

20 mins

 

homemade Chinese style sesame paste

Author: Elaine

Ingredients

• 250 g roasted white sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp. roasted peanuts , optional
• 1 small pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup sesame oil  + 2 tbsp. for adjusting

Instructions

How to roast white sesame seeds

1. Wash the white sesame seeds in a large pot until well cleaned (this step is important as you will see how much dirty stuff will be removed). In the process, discard those floating ones, they are of poor quality. I usually wash 2-3 times. Completely drain the seeds.
2. In a large pot, add the sesame seeds in and fry over high fire until all of the water content is evaporated. Then slow down your fire and continue frying until you are smell the aroma of the sesame seeds. Another proofing method is to check whether the sesame seeds can be crumbed easily. Remove from heat immediately and continue scoop the sesame seeds and drop down.  This step helps to cool down the sesame seeds quickly. Set aside until completely cooled down.

Sesame Paste

1. Place the sesame seeds and peanuts, if you are using, in a food processor fitted with the S-blade. Add 1/3 of the sesame oil.
2. Process for 2 to 3 minutes until the sesame seeds form a crumbly paste.
3. Add remaining sesame oil by two batches and blend until well combined and smooth.
4. Store in air-tight container in fridge up to 1 month.