Chinese Sesame Paste Substitutes
芝麻酱 · zhī ma jiàng
By The Chowmi Test Kitchen · Updated June 6, 2026
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Chinese sesame paste (芝麻酱) is a thick, intensely nutty paste of ground toasted sesame seeds — deeper and more roasted than Middle Eastern tahini, which is made from raw or only lightly toasted seeds. The closest substitute is tahini with a little toasted sesame oil stirred in to boost the roasted flavor, used roughly 1:1 and loosened with warm water to a pourable paste. Natural, unsweetened peanut butter is a workable stand-in for the texture and richness in sauces like dan dan noodles, though it brings a clear peanut taste. Always stir the paste well before using — it separates with an oil layer on top. Avoid sweetened nut butters, which throw off the savory balance. For a dressing built around it (dan dan noodles, mouthwatering chicken), the tahini-plus-sesame-oil fix is the most faithful.
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Every chinese sesame paste substitute, ranked
| Substitute | Ratio | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Tahini + toasted sesame oil The closest swap · vegan · gluten-free | 1:1 tahini, + a few drops sesame oil | 88% |
| Homemade (blended toasted sesame seeds) Most accurate · vegan · gluten-free | 1:1 | 92% |
| Natural peanut butter Sauces (dan dan) · vegan · gluten-free | 1:1 | 68% |
| Almond butter A pinch · vegan · gluten-free | 1:1 | 58% |
- Tahini + toasted sesame oil: Tahini is milder and less roasted; a little toasted sesame oil bridges the gap. Loosen with warm water.
- Homemade (blended toasted sesame seeds): Toast sesame seeds, then blend with a neutral oil until smooth. Tastes just like the real thing.
- Natural peanut butter: Great texture and richness, but adds a distinct peanut flavor. Use unsweetened, natural-style.
- Almond butter: Milder and a little sweet; works for body but lacks the roasted sesame punch.
What is Chinese Sesame Paste?
Chinese sesame paste is a smooth, dark, deeply nutty paste made by grinding toasted sesame seeds. It's the backbone of dan dan noodle sauce and many cold-dish dressings, prized for a roasted depth that's stronger than tahini's. It's sold in jars and separates into solids and oil, so it needs a good stir before use.
Flavor: Rich, dark and intensely roasted-nutty — bolder than tahini.
Chinese sesame paste vs tahini
They look similar but aren't the same. Chinese sesame paste is made from fully toasted sesame seeds, so it's darker, bolder and more roasted; tahini uses raw or lightly toasted seeds and tastes paler and slightly bitter. Tahini is the best easy substitute — just stir in a little toasted sesame oil to deepen the roast, and it'll pass in most recipes.
Sesame paste vs peanut butter
In sauces like dan dan noodles, peanut butter is a common stand-in because it brings the same creamy body and richness. The trade-off is flavor: you'll taste peanut rather than sesame. Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter and consider adding a few drops of toasted sesame oil to nudge it back toward sesame.
Where to buy chinese sesame paste
Stock real chinese sesame paste
Look for Chinese brands (such as Wang Zhi He or Lan Chi) labeled “sesame paste,” in the Asian aisle, Weee!, Yamibuy or Amazon. Don't confuse it with sweetened black sesame paste (a dessert filling) or with tahini, which is shelved with Middle Eastern foods.
Chinese Sesame Paste FAQ
Is Chinese sesame paste the same as tahini?
No, though they're close cousins. Chinese sesame paste is made from fully toasted seeds, so it's darker and more intensely roasted; tahini is made from raw or lightly toasted seeds and is milder. Tahini is the best substitute — add a little toasted sesame oil to deepen its flavor and it works in most Chinese recipes.
What can I use instead of Chinese sesame paste in dan dan noodles?
Tahini plus a few drops of toasted sesame oil is the most faithful swap. Natural, unsweetened peanut butter also works well for the creamy texture, though it shifts the flavor toward peanut — many people actually like dan dan noodles made that way.
Can I make sesame paste at home?
Yes, and it's the most accurate substitute. Toast white sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden and fragrant, then blend them with a little neutral oil until smooth and pourable. It tastes exactly like the jarred version because it is the same thing.
Why is my sesame paste separated and hard?
That's normal — the oil rises to the top and the solids settle and stiffen. Stir it thoroughly back together before measuring (a sturdy spoon helps), and store it upside down or in the fridge to slow separation. Loosen with warm water when making a sauce.
Is sesame paste the same as black sesame paste?
No. The savory sesame paste used in dan dan noodles is made from white sesame seeds and is unsweetened. Black sesame paste is a sweet dessert filling and ingredient. Make sure you're buying the savory white-sesame kind for cooking.
Recipes that use chinese sesame paste
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