CHINESE SESAME PASTE
Sesame oil in sauces, marinades, and stir-fries, as well as toasted sesame seeds to garnish hot dishes, desserts, and baked products, is a common practice in Asian cuisine. But what about the Chinese sesame paste?
Here, in a nutshell, is all you need to know about this particular chemical. Its use of it in Chinese cuisine will also be discussed.
SESAME PASTE IN CHINA
Toasted white sesame seeds make Chinese sesame paste (Zh ma jiàng, ) which is strongly scented and thick.
Even if you’ve heard of tahini, a sesame seed paste from the Middle East/Mediterranean region, it differs from Chinese sesame paste in that it comprises raw, unhulled sesame seeds, not ground up.
The Chinese version is darker, nuttier, and more robust in flavor since it is created from toasted sesame seeds. Chinese sesame paste is denser than most tahini, but this varies from brand to brand.
HOW TO USE IT?
Cold noodles, dipping sauces for hot pots, and dressings for meals like Suan Ni Bai Rou all include sesame paste, a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine. Use it in baked products, sweets, and even candies.
Buying and Storing
Amazon sells Chinese sesame paste, but it’s more expensive than buying it from a Chinese grocery store down the street.
It’s vital to keep in mind that some brands and kinds include peanuts. For the most part, we recommend purchasing sesame-based products. Checking the ingredients on the label is especially important for those with a peanut allergy!
Once the paste has been opened, store it in the refrigerator (it contains a lot of oil and can go rancid if left unrefrigerated). Just make sure to stir it before storing it in the fridge to prevent the oil from solidifying. While refrigerated, the mixture will become quite hard, making it nearly impossible to stir. If you buy natural peanut butter, you’ve already encountered this occurrence!
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 oz. of sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp. of sesame oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Toasted sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes on medium heat (careful not to burn them).
- Place the sesame seeds in a food processor or blender along with sesame oil and pulse until smooth.
- Continue adding sesame oil slowly while grinding until a smooth paste emerges. If you choose, you can add salt to your liking.