Homemade Black Sesame Paste
A smooth, nutty paste made from toasted black sesame seeds and a splash of oil, ready in about 20 minutes with just a blender. Sweeten it for lattes, ice cream, and toast, or keep it plain for noodles and savory dishes. Keeps in the fridge for two weeks.
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Calories: 68kcal
Equipment
- Food processor, blender, or spice grinder
- Small glass jar with lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup black sesame seeds
- 2 to 4 tablespoons avocado oil or any neutral oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or honey optional
- Pinch of salt optional
Instructions
- Add the black sesame seeds to a dry pan over low to medium-low heat.1 cup black sesame seeds
- Toast for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the seeds smell nutty and fragrant.
- Transfer the toasted seeds to a plate and let them cool completely.
- Add the cooled sesame seeds to a food processor, blender, or spice grinder.
- Blend until finely ground, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add the oil 1 tablespoon at a time and continue blending until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.2 to 4 tablespoons avocado oil
- Add powdered sugar, honey, or condensed milk if making a sweet version.1 to 2 tablespoons powdered sugar or honey
- Add a pinch of salt, if using, and blend again.Pinch of salt
- Transfer to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Toast the seeds over low heat because black sesame seeds can burn quickly and it’s harder to see color changes.
- Let the seeds cool completely before blending to avoid bitterness and clumping.
- Add oil slowly so you can control the texture.
- Use avocado oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or another neutral oil.
- Coconut oil works, but the paste will solidify in the fridge.
- Keep it unsweetened if you want to use it for savory recipes.
- Sweeten it if you plan to use it for lattes, ice cream, toast, or desserts.
- Stir before using because the oil may separate.
Nutrition
Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g
