Chinese Sesame Sauce

Description

Chinese sesame sauce, or zhima jiang (芝麻酱), is a rich, nutty, savory paste made from toasted sesame seeds, distinct from lighter Middle Eastern tahini by its deeper flavor from roasting and often coarser texture, used as a base for dips, dressings (like for Dan Dan noodles or cold vegetables), marinades, and hot pot sauces, blending savory soy sauce with vinegar, garlic, and sugar. Key characteristics: Ingredients: Primarily toasted sesame seeds (white or black), but store-bought versions often add soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, water, and oils. Flavor: Deeply nutty, savory, earthy, and slightly bitter, with varying sweetness depending on additions. Texture: Thick and creamy, but often looser than pure tahini, designed to coat food well. Variations: White sesame paste is common for savory dishes, while black sesame paste is often sweeter and used in desserts. Common uses: Noodles: Drizzled over cold noodles (liangmian) or as the base for Dan Dan noodles. Dips: For hot pot, dumplings, or steamed vegetables like eggplant. Dressings: For salads, especially spinach (goma-ae) or cabbage. Marinades: Mixed with soy sauce, garlic, and wine for grilled meats or chicken. How it differs from Tahini: Toasting: Chinese sesame paste uses heavily toasted seeds for a more intense, aromatic flavor, while tahini uses untoasted or lightly toasted seeds. Flavor Profile: Sesame paste is more assertive and nutty; tahini can be slightly more bitter and is the base for hummus.

Nutrition

Vitamins & minerals

Містить вітамін E (приблизно 2.8 мг на 100г), а також незначні кількості вітаміну K та деяких вітамінів групи B. Вміст вітамінів може варіюватися в залежності від виробника та інгредієнтів.