Homemade Black Sesame Paste Recipe

This black sesame paste is rich, nutty, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or incorporating into savory dishes. It’s easy to make with just four ingredients.

What is Black sesame paste?

Similar to the famous Chinese dessert soup, black sesame soup, Black sesame paste is a smooth, creamy spread made from ground black sesame seeds, sugar, and sesame oil, distinct from the thicker, drier black sesame paste often used for fillings.

Unlike the crumbly texture of filling pastes, this version is velvety and spreadable, similar in consistency to nut butters, making it perfect as a topping for toast, pancakes, and desserts or as an ingredient in sauces and dressings.

When I say I’m obsessed with everything black sesame, I mean it—from black sesame soup and buns to the paste used in fillings like black sesame tang yuan, I love it all.

Today’s black sesame paste is another favorite of mine, and I can confidently say that once you’ve made it at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Types of black sesame seeds

There are two types of black sesame seeds: raw and toasted.

I like to use raw black sesame seeds because toasting them brings out their rich aroma. But if you’re using toasted black sesame seeds, feel free to skip the toasting steps.

Ingredients:

• 500g black sesame seeds(use raw for toasting; if using pre-toasted, skip the toasting step)
• 20g white granulated sugar(adjust to taste)
• 3g salt
• 60g sesame oil(you can adjust the amount for a thicker or thinner paste)

Instructions:

Clean and Dry the Sesame Seeds:

• Rinse the black sesame seeds thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Drain them well in a sieve, shaking off as much water as possible.

Toast the Sesame Seeds:

• Pour the drained sesame seeds into a large, dry skillet or wok.
• Turn the heat to high, stirring constantly to dry off the surface moisture. You’ll hear a crackling sound as the seeds dry.
• Once the crackling subsides, reduce the heat to low. Continue stirring the seeds frequently to ensure even toasting. The seeds are done when they turn a shade lighter, become fragrant, and stir smoothly with little resistance.
• Be careful not to over-toast, as this can make the paste bitter. If you’re concerned about timing, you can purchase pre-toasted sesame seeds and start from the blending step.

Grind the Sesame Seeds:

• Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a blender or food processor. Pulse in short bursts to begin breaking down the seeds.
• If the mixture is too thick or the machine struggles, pause to stir with a spatula and continue blending until a fine powder forms.

Add Sweetener and Seasoning:

• Add 20g of white granulated sugar, 3g of salt, and 60g of sesame oil to the sesame powder. Continue blending until the mixture becomes smooth and turns into a paste.
• The blending will initially be stiff but will gradually become smoother as the oil is incorporated. This process should take about a minute or so.

Adjust the Consistency:

• If you prefer a thinner paste, you can add a bit more sesame oil, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Store the Paste:

• Once the paste is silky smooth, transfer it to a clean, airtight jar. Allow it to cool completely before sealing the jar.
• Store the black sesame paste in a cool, dry place. It can be kept for up to six months without spoiling.

Usage Suggestions:

• Spread on toast, pancakes, or waffles for a delicious breakfast treat.
• Add a spoonful to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal for added flavor and nutrients.
• Incorporate into sauces or dressings for a nutty, umami-rich depth.
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  Print Pin

  Homemade Black Sesame Paste Recipe

  This black sesame paste is rich, nutty, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or incorporating into savory dishes. It's easy to make with just four ingredients.

  Course Dessert, Side Dish

  Cuisine Chinese

  Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

  Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

  Servings 5

  Calories 694kcal

  Ingredients

  • 500 g black sesame seeds use raw for toasting; if using pre-toasted, skip the toasting step
  • 20 g white granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 3 g salt
  • 60 g sesame oil you can adjust the amount for a thicker or thinner paste

  Instructions

  Clean and Dry the Sesame Seeds:

  • Rinse the black sesame seeds thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Drain them well in a sieve, shaking off as much water as possible.

  Toast the Sesame Seeds:

  • Pour the drained sesame seeds into a large, dry skillet or wok.
  • Turn the heat to high, stirring constantly to dry off the surface moisture. You'll hear a crackling sound as the seeds dry.
  • Once the crackling subsides, reduce the heat to low. Continue stirring the seeds frequently to ensure even toasting. The seeds are done when they turn a shade lighter, become fragrant, and stir smoothly with little resistance.
  • Be careful not to over-toast, as this can make the paste bitter. If you're concerned about timing, you can purchase pre-toasted sesame seeds and start from the blending step.

  Grind the Sesame Seeds:

  • Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a blender or food processor. Pulse in short bursts to begin breaking down the seeds.
  • If the mixture is too thick or the machine struggles, pause to stir with a spatula and continue blending until a fine powder forms.

  Add Sweetener and Seasoning:

  • Add 20g of white granulated sugar, 3g of salt, and 60g of sesame oil to the sesame powder. Continue blending until the mixture becomes smooth and turns into a paste.
  • The blending will initially be stiff but will gradually become smoother as the oil is incorporated. This process should take about a minute or so.

  Adjust the Consistency:

  • If you prefer a thinner paste, you can add a bit more sesame oil, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

  Store the Paste:

  • Once the paste is silky smooth, transfer it to a clean, airtight jar. Allow it to cool completely before sealing the jar.
  • Store the black sesame paste in a cool, dry place. It can be kept for up to six months without spoiling.

  Video

  @nanawithchopstick

  Homemade Black Sesame Paste Recipe This black sesame paste is rich, nutty, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or incorporating into savory dishes. It’s easy to make with just four ingredients. 🔎 Find the written recipe on my blog (link in bio). #blacksesamepaste #blacksesame #黑芝麻 #blacksesamepasterecipe #sesamepaste #sesame #chinesedessert #dessert #blacksesamelover #blacksesamefilling

  ♬ original sound - nanawithchopstick - nanawithchopstick

  Nutrition

  Calories: 694kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 62g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 27g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Sodium: 244mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Calcium: 975mg | Iron: 15mg