How to Choose the Right Sesame Paste in the UK

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I see many shoppers in the UK looking to recreate the authentic, nutty flavours of East Asian cuisine at home. Sesame paste is a cornerstone ingredient, but navigating the options can be tricky. It's easy to end up with a product that doesn't quite deliver the taste you remember from a favourite restaurant or family recipe.

Before you add a jar to your basket, let's look at two common pitfalls that can lead to disappointment and a wasted trip to the shops.

1. The Tahini Trap: Many shoppers new to East Asian cooking assume that tahini, commonly found in the supermarket, is the same as Chinese sesame paste. While both are made from sesame seeds, their flavour profiles are worlds apart. Tahini is typically made from raw or lightly toasted hulled seeds, resulting in a milder, thinner paste. Chinese sesame paste is made from heavily toasted, often unhulled seeds, giving it a much darker colour, thicker consistency, and a deep, nutty and intensely savoury flavour that is essential for dishes like dan dan noodles or a proper hot pot dipping sauce.
2. The Blend Bungle: You might be looking for a versatile, pure sesame paste to use in multiple recipes, but accidentally pick up a pre-blended product. Many pastes are mixed with peanut butter, sugar or various oils. While these can be excellent for specific uses (like a ready-made hot pot dip), they limit your control over the final flavour and may not be suitable if you want a pure sesame paste as a base for your own creations.

Core Factors to Check Before You Buy

To ensure you get the right product for your culinary needs, focus on these key parameters. Paying attention to these details will help you select a sesame paste that perfectly matches your intended dish.

Ingredient Purity: Pure Paste vs. Blended Sauce

The first thing to check is the ingredient list. Are you getting what you expect?

• Pure Sesame Paste: The ingredients list will simply say "SESAME". This is a concentrated, versatile product, ideal for cooks who want full control. You can use it to create everything from a hot pot dipping sauce to a dressing for cold noodles. Brands like Liubiju and Wang Zhi He are known for their pure sesame paste.
• Blended Pastes & Sauces: These products contain sesame paste along with other ingredients like peanut butter, oil, salt, sugar or spices. They offer convenience, as much of the flavouring work is already done. A spicy sesame sauce, for example, is ready to use straight from the jar. Just be sure the blend matches the flavour profile you're after.
• Sugar-Free Options: For those making traditional desserts or managing their sugar intake, looking for a sugar-free black sesame paste is key. These products allow you to sweeten the dish to your personal preference.

Sesame Colour: White for Savoury, Black for Sweet

The type of sesame seed used determines the paste's primary use in the kitchen.

• Chinese Sesame Paste (White): Made from toasted white sesame seeds, this is the savoury powerhouse known as zhi ma jiang (芝麻酱). It has a golden-brown colour and a rich, nutty flavour. This is the paste you need for authentic sesame sauce for noodles, dressings and as the essential base for a hot pot dip.
• Black Sesame Paste: Made from black sesame seeds, this paste has a strikingly dark colour and a slightly different, earthier flavour. It is almost exclusively used in sweet applications, most famously for making black sesame soup (hei zhi ma hu), a popular dessert. It is also used as a filling for buns and pastries.

Product Format: Paste, Sauce, or Instant Meal

Finally, consider the format that best suits your lifestyle and cooking habits.

• Concentrated Paste: A thick, pure paste in a jar or pouch. It requires preparation—usually thinning with water, broth or oil and mixing with other seasonings. This format offers the most authenticity and flexibility.
• Ready-to-Use Sauce: A pre-seasoned and pre-thinned sauce. This is perfect for quick dressings or dips when you're short on time.
• Instant Meals & Snacks: These are complete kits, like instant sesame noodles or a konjac sesame snack. They provide a full-flavoured, convenient meal or treat with minimal effort.

Top Sesame Paste Recommendations

To help you choose, we've matched a few standout products to different user needs, keeping the common pitfalls and core parameters in mind.

MATCH FOR: The Hot Pot Host

Liubiju Sesame Paste 300g

Why This Fits Their Persona: This user loves hosting hot pot nights and takes pride in creating an authentic dipping sauce bar. They need a high-quality, pure base that they can customise with soy sauce, vinegar, chilli oil and garlic to impress their guests.

How It Avoids the Trap

This is a 100% pure sesame paste, avoiding the "Blend Bungle." It provides the deep, toasted flavour distinct from tahini, giving you full control over your hot pot dipping sauce.

Key Advantage & Pros

Made by a time-honoured brand using traditional stone-milling for a very fine, smooth texture and rich aroma. It's the perfect versatile base for any savoury Chinese recipe.

MATCH FOR: The Busy Professional

Mo Xiao Xian Sesame Sauce Noodles 281g

Why This Fits Their Persona: After a long day at work, this person craves a quick, satisfying and authentic-tasting meal that isn't just another sandwich. They want the flavour of real sesame noodles without spending an hour in the kitchen.

How It Avoids the Trap

This is a complete instant sesame noodles kit, so there's no confusion about format. It's designed for ultimate convenience, delivering the specific flavour profile you want in minutes.

Key Advantage & Pros

Extremely convenient and quick to prepare. It includes multiple seasoning packets (sesame sauce, chilli oil, vinegar) so you can customise the flavour intensity to your liking.

MATCH FOR: The Dessert Maker

Nanfang Black Sesame Paste Sugar-Free 480g

Why This Fits Their Persona: This person wants to make the classic, comforting black sesame soup dessert but wants to control the sweetness. They might be health-conscious or simply prefer a less sugary treat.

How It Avoids the Trap

This is a black sesame paste specifically for desserts, avoiding confusion with savoury white paste. The sugar-free formulation directly counters the "Blend Bungle" of unexpected sweetness.

Key Advantage & Pros

Offers complete control over the sweetness of your dessert. It's an instant powder—just mix with hot water for a smooth, creamy and wholesome treat in moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Chinese sesame paste and tahini?

The main differences are the production process and flavour. Chinese sesame paste is made from heavily toasted sesame seeds, giving it a dark colour and a deep, nutty, roasted flavour. Tahini is made from raw or very lightly toasted seeds, resulting in a lighter colour and a much milder taste. For authentic Chinese, Japanese or Korean dishes, you will almost always need Chinese-style sesame paste.

How do I prepare pure sesame paste for a hot pot dipping sauce?

Preparing a classic hot pot dip from pure paste is simple. Start by taking a few spoonfuls of the thick paste in a small bowl. Gradually add warm water or a light broth, a little at a time, while stirring continuously in one direction. The paste will initially seize up and look clumpy, but keep stirring and adding liquid until it becomes a smooth, creamy sauce. From there, you can customise it with soy sauce, black vinegar, minced garlic, chilli oil and chopped coriander.

Does sesame paste need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Once opened, the natural oils in sesame paste can go rancid if left at room temperature for extended periods. Storing it in the refrigerator will preserve its freshness and flavour for much longer. If the oil separates in the jar (which is normal), simply stir it back in before use.