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 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Servings 5
Calories 694kcal
Ingredients
500gblack sesame seedsuse raw for toasting; if using pre-toasted, skip the toasting step
20gwhite granulated sugaradjust to taste
3gsalt
60gsesame oilyou 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.