3 substitutes for Chinese sesame paste
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Total Time
5 mins
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Chinese
3 substitutes for Chinese sesame paste
Description
Chinese sesame paste is a dense, nutty sauce used in many dishes, but it can be substituted using a few creative combinations. The first substitute blends tahini, a sesame seed paste common in Middle Eastern cuisine, with toasted sesame oil to add a stronger sesame aroma and richness. The second substitute combines ground toasted sesame seeds with peanut butter and sesame oil, integrating a slightly different nutty flavor and creamy texture. The third involves grinding toasted sesame seeds into a paste and adding a small amount of toasted sesame oil for smoothness and depth.
These alternatives replicate key elements of the original sesame paste — the roasted sesame taste, density, and oily mouthfeel. Toasted sesame oil plays an important role by imparting the characteristic nutty fragrance associated with Chinese sesame paste, distinguished from plain sesame seed oil. The substitutes each require some form of grinding or mixing to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Understanding the differences in sesame oil types is essential: toasted sesame oil is darker and aromatic, while raw sesame seed oil is lighter and less fragrant. Using the right sesame oil will improve the substitutes’ authenticity. These replacements prove useful in recipes where Chinese sesame paste is unavailable but a similar sesame flavor and texture are desired in sauces, dressings, or dips.
Ingredients
For substitute 1
- ¼ part sesame oil see note
- 1 part tahini
For substitute 2
- 1 part sesame seeds toasted
- ¼ part sesame oil see note
- 1 part peanut butter unsweetened
For substitute 3
- 1 part toasted sesame seeds
- ⅛ part sesame oil see note
Instructions
Substitute 1
- Add sesame oil to Tahini, then mix to combine.
Substitute 2
- Grind toasted sesame seeds into a paste in a mortar (or in a grinder).
- Add sesame oil and peanut butter. Mix until well combined.
Substitute 3
- Grind toasted sesame seeds to a smooth paste in a mortar (or in a grinder).
- Add sesame oil then mix well.
Notes
- Use toasted sesame oil rather than raw sesame seed oil for authentic flavor in substitutes.
- Grind toasted sesame seeds finely to achieve a smooth paste resembling sesame paste.
- Tahini mixed with toasted sesame oil can be an immediate substitute if sesame paste is unavailable.
- Including peanut butter in one substitute offers a creamy texture and a mild nutty flavor, suitable for some recipes.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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