Chinese Sesame Paste
Nutrition (per 100 g)
- Calories
- 595
- Protein (g)
- 17
- Fat (g)
- 53
- Carbs (g)
- 21
- Fiber (g)
- 9.3
- Sodium (mg)
- 16
Values approximate for roasted sesame seed paste; thickness and roast level vary by brand and added oil.
Storage
- Room temp: up to 365 days
- Refrigerated: up to 365 days
- Frozen: up to 0 days
Chinese sesame paste is a thick, tawny-brown paste made by grinding deeply roasted sesame seeds, sometimes loosened with sesame oil. It tastes toasty, bittersweet, and slightly savory, with a smooth yet dense texture that coats a spoon; cooks whisk it into dipping sauces and noodle dressings, swirl it into hot pot dips, or spread it in buns and pastries, and it’s sold in jars often labeled zhima jiang.
The paste developed in China as a counterpart to lighter Middle Eastern tahini, distinguished by darker roasting. It is common across northern Chinese and Taiwanese cooking and widely used in diaspora kitchens. Commercial production grinds roasted hulled or unhulled seeds, sometimes blending in sesame oil for flow.
Common Pairings
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Substitutions
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Recipes with Chinese Sesame Paste
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