1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Chinese Food

Sesame Paste - Glossary of Chinese Ingredients and Cooking Terms

By Rhonda Parkinson, About.com

Definition: Made from toasted sesame seeds, sesame paste has a texture and flavor similar to peanut butter, which can be used as a substitute (smooth peanut butter works best). Used in China for over 2,000 years, it is featured in two popular Szechuan dishes, Bang Bang Chicken and Dan Dan Noodles. Sesame paste comes in glass jars - refrigerate when opened, and it should keep for several months.

Written by Rhonda Parkinson   
Examples:
Recipes using sesame paste:
Bang Bang Chicken
Hot Chicken Salad - this version of Bang Bang Chicken uses black rice vinegar

Return to the Glossary of Chinese Ingredients and Cooking Terms

Explore Chinese Food

About.com Special Features

Conquering High Cholesterol

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Mornings Made Easy

Reclaim the morning and your sanity with these easy recipes, tips, and timesaving ideas. More >

  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Chinese Food
  4. Chinese Cooking Basics
  5. Chinese Food Glossary
  6. Sesame Paste - Glossary of Chinese Ingredients and Cooking Terms>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.