Creating an authentic East Asian meal at home, whether it's a bubbling hot pot or a comforting bowl of noodles, often comes down to one crucial element: the sauce. For many classic dishes, the rich, nutty and creamy base of a quality sesame peanut butter is non-negotiable. Yet, navigating the options available in the UK can be confusing. Some are too sweet, others lack the right balance and many are not designed for culinary use.
This guide is designed to help you find a suitable product for your kitchen. We will explore what to look for in a peanut sesame paste and highlight a few noteworthy options to help you craft the perfect hot pot dipping sauce or Chinese noodle sauce.
A Quick Guide to Choosing Sesame Peanut Butter
Before diving into specific products, here are a few practical points to consider during your search.
1. Understand the Peanut-to-Sesame Ratio
The balance between peanut and sesame is the most significant factor influencing flavour and texture.
- Peanut-Dominant Blends: These pastes are typically creamier and have a milder, slightly sweeter nutty flavour. They are excellent for creating a rich, smooth base for a dipping sauce.
- Sesame-Dominant or Balanced Blends: A higher proportion of sesame paste lends a deeper, more aromatic and slightly bitter roasted flavour. This profile is often sought after for traditional noodle dressings and complex sauces where the sesame character is meant to stand out.
2. Consider the Intended Use
Think about how you plan to use the paste. Are you looking for a convenient, ready-to-use sauce or a versatile base?
- For Hot Pot: Many brands, like Haidilao, offer a specific Haidilao sauce blend designed to be quickly prepared as a dip. These are often formulated for immediate use with minimal additions.
- For Noodles and Spreads: A more versatile sesame peanut spread with minimal additives can be used for everything from Dan Dan noodles to a simple topping for toast. These pastes give you more control over the final flavour.
3. Check the Ingredients
A quick look at the label can tell you a lot. Some pastes contain only peanuts and sesame, offering a pure, unadulterated flavour. Others may include sugar, salt or palm oil to achieve a specific taste and consistency. Neither is inherently better; it simply depends on your dietary preferences and how much control you want over the final seasoning of your dish.
Top Sesame Peanut Butter Recommendations
Here are a few options available in the UK, each suited for different culinary needs.
HAIDILAO Peanut & Sesame Paste 100g
- Why It Stands Out: This paste is designed for anyone wanting to replicate the authentic Haidilao hot pot experience at home. The blend consists of 80% peanut butter and 20% sesame paste, delivering a distinctly creamy, peanut-forward flavour that is characteristic of the popular restaurant chain's dipping sauce.
- Pros:
- Formulated specifically for hot pot.
- Rich and creamy texture.
- Convenient, ready-to-use base from a well-known brand.
- Who is it for: Hot pot enthusiasts who want a quick, reliable and authentic-tasting Haidilao sauce base without the guesswork.
LIUBIJU Sesame Peanut Butter 300g
- Why It Stands Out: Hailing from Liu Bì Jū, a Chinese brand with a history spanning nearly 500 years, this product offers a perfectly balanced flavour profile. It is made with a 50% sesame and 50% peanut blend, resulting in a harmonious paste where neither nut overpowers the other. The aroma is rich and the texture is fine, making it exceptionally versatile.
- Pros:
- Balanced 50/50 blend for a complex, aromatic flavour.
- Contains no added salt or sugar.
- Highly versatile for use in sauces, dressings or as a spread.
- Who is it for: Home cooks seeking a high-quality, traditional peanut sesame paste that works equally well for a Chinese noodle sauce, a hot pot dip or even as a savoury spread.
Morrisons Smooth Peanut Butter 340g
- Why It Stands Out: While not a pre-mixed sesame peanut butter, this product serves as an excellent foundation for a custom sauce. Made with 96% peanuts, it provides a pure, smooth and reliable peanut base that you can tailor to your exact preference by adding your own toasted sesame paste and other seasonings.
- Pros:
- High peanut content for a rich flavour.
- Smooth texture that blends easily.
- Allows for complete control over the final sauce recipe.
- Who is it for: Adventurous cooks and DIY enthusiasts who prefer to build their hot pot dipping sauce from scratch and control the precise ratio of peanut to sesame.
Looking for More Options?
If our recommendations do not quite match what you are looking for, or if you would like to explore a wider variety of nut-based pastes and butters, feel free to browse our full collection.
Discover more choices in our Ground peanut category.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare a hot pot dipping sauce with sesame peanut butter?
To prepare a classic dipping sauce, place a few spoonfuls of the peanut sesame paste into a small bowl. Gradually whisk in warm water or the broth from your hot pot until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency similar to single cream. From there, you can customise it with additions like light soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped coriander, chilli oil and spring onions.
What is the difference between sesame peanut butter and regular peanut butter?
The primary difference is the inclusion of sesame paste. Regular peanut butter is made from peanuts, sometimes with added salt, sugar or oil. Sesame peanut butter is a blend that combines the creaminess of peanuts with the distinct, aromatic flavour of roasted sesame seeds. This combination is a cornerstone of many East Asian culinary traditions and is essential for an authentic-tasting Chinese noodle sauce or hot pot dip.
Can I use sesame peanut spread on toast?
Yes, absolutely. A balanced sesame peanut spread, particularly one with a simple ingredient list like the Liu Bì Jū blend, is delicious on toast, crumpets or in sandwiches. It offers a more complex and savoury flavour profile compared to standard peanut butter, making for a pleasant change.
