What is Sesame Paste Made Out Of? Exploring the Variations of a Global Staple

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that sesame seeds, the foundation of sesame paste, have been cultivated for over 4,000 years? So, what is sesame paste made out of? At its core, it is a versatile condiment derived from ground sesame seeds, but its character changes dramatically depending on whether the seeds are toasted or raw and hulled or unhulled.

Quick Summary

A condiment made from ground sesame seeds, sesame paste varies in flavor, color, and texture based on the preparation method, with toasted seeds creating a richer flavor and hulled seeds yielding a milder taste.

Key Points

Core Ingredient: All sesame paste is fundamentally made from ground sesame seeds.
Tahini vs. Chinese Paste: Tahini uses lightly toasted or raw, hulled seeds for a mild, pale paste, while Chinese sesame paste uses heavily toasted, often unhulled seeds for a rich, darker paste.
Flavor Variation: Toasting the sesame seeds is the primary factor that determines the intensity and depth of the paste's flavor.
Global Staple: This versatile condiment is a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern (tahini), East Asian (zhīma jiàng), and Japanese (neri goma) cooking.
Nutrient-Dense: Sesame paste is rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
DIY Friendly: It is relatively easy to make at home with just sesame seeds and a mild oil, allowing for full control over the flavor profile.

The Core Ingredient: Ground Sesame Seeds

At its most fundamental, sesame paste is made from ground sesame seeds. Different varieties of sesame seeds (hulled, unhulled, white, or black) and varying preparation techniques, such as toasting, give rise to a range of distinct pastes used around the world. The processing method creates the most significant differences between types, such as Middle Eastern tahini and Chinese sesame paste.

Tahini: The Middle Eastern Staple

Tahini is widely known in the Western world and is a key ingredient in dishes like hummus and baba ghanoush. It is typically made from hulled sesame seeds that are either raw or very lightly toasted. The preparation involves soaking, crushing, skimming clean kernels, lightly toasting (or not), and grinding with a neutral oil. This yields a light-colored paste with a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a smooth consistency.

Chinese Sesame Paste (Zhīma Jiàng)

Chinese sesame paste, or zhīma jiàng, is known for its deep, nutty, and aromatic flavor from heavily roasted sesame seeds.

Key aspects of Chinese sesame paste:

Heavy Roasting: Seeds are toasted until dark brown for a robust flavor.
Thicker Consistency: Often thicker than tahini, sometimes similar to peanut butter.
Flavor Profile: Intensely nutty and rich, with a slight bitterness from toasting.
Variations: Some include peanuts to balance the intense sesame flavor.

Japanese Sesame Paste (Neri Goma)

Japanese neri goma uses toasted white or black sesame seeds. Black sesame paste (kuro neri goma) provides a deeper, earthy flavor, often used in desserts.

Tahini vs. Chinese Sesame Paste: A Comparison


Feature	Tahini (Middle Eastern)	Chinese Sesame Paste (Zhīma Jiàng)
Seeds	Hulled; raw or lightly toasted.	Hulled or unhulled; heavily toasted.
Flavor	Mild, nutty, and slightly bitter.	Strong, intensely nutty, aromatic, and sometimes bitter.
Color	Light, pale beige.	Darker brown.
Consistency	Thinner and smoother, more liquid-like.	Thicker and richer, like a firm peanut butter.
Common Use	Hummus, baba ghanoush, sauces for falafel.	Noodles (like Dan Dan), hot pot dipping sauces, savory dishes.

The Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds

Sesame paste offers numerous nutritional benefits inherited from sesame seeds.

Notable health benefits:

Healthy fats: Rich in unsaturated fatty acids for heart health.
Protein source: Provides plant-based protein.
Packed with minerals: Contains calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc.
Rich in antioxidants: Includes lignans that protect against damage.
Supports digestion: Fiber in unhulled seeds aids digestion.

Culinary Uses Around the World

Sesame paste is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory dishes globally.

Common culinary uses include:

Middle Eastern: In hummus, thinned for falafel, or mixed with date syrup.
Asian: Crucial for Chinese Dan Dan noodles and Japanese goma-ae.
Baking & Desserts: Used in pastries, cookies, and desserts like black sesame ice cream.
Sauces & Dressings: A nutty base for various sauces.

Making Your Own Sesame Paste

Making homemade sesame paste is simple with sesame seeds and mild oil. The key is controlling the toasting level. Toast seeds, cool, then blend with oil until smooth. This allows you to create either a mild tahini or a darker Asian-style paste.

Conclusion: A Simple Seed, Complex Flavors

So, what is sesame paste made out of? Ground sesame seeds. However, preparation methods—toasted or raw, hulled or unhulled—create diverse flavors and textures. From mild tahini to intensely nutty East Asian paste, this seed butter has a long history and remains a valuable ingredient.

For more in-depth information about Tahini and its origins, see the Tahini Wikipedia page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference lies in the preparation of the sesame seeds. Tahini is made from hulled, raw, or lightly toasted sesame seeds, resulting in a lighter color and milder flavor. Chinese sesame paste is made from heavily roasted sesame seeds, yielding a darker, more intensely nutty, and robust flavor.

While both are derived from sesame seeds, they are not a one-to-one substitute due to their significant flavor differences. Using tahini in a Chinese recipe will result in a less robust, nutty flavor. For a closer match, you can add a touch of toasted sesame oil to tahini to mimic the roasted flavor.

Yes. While both are made from toasted seeds, black sesame paste uses black sesame seeds and has a much deeper, earthier, and richer flavor. It is often used in sweet applications like desserts, whereas white sesame paste is more common in savory dishes.

Yes, sesame paste is a nutritious food. It is rich in healthy unsaturated fats, plant-based protein, and essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. It also contains powerful antioxidants called lignans.

Sesame paste, once opened, should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage and separation of oils. It can last for several months when properly stored.

To thin sesame paste, simply whisk in warm water or a small amount of oil, such as sesame oil or olive oil. Add the liquid gradually and whisk constantly until the desired consistency is achieved.

Sesame paste is used in a wide array of dishes, including as a primary component in hummus and baba ghanoush (Middle East), as a rich sauce for Dan Dan noodles and hot pot (China), and as a base for dressings like goma dare (Japan).