Chinese sesame paste: how to choose the right texture for hot pots, noodles and sauces

Sometimes, all it takes is a little Chinese sesame paste to transform a hot pot, cold noodles or salad. You just need to choose the right product. Pure paste, ready-seasoned sesame sauce or sesame-flavoured instant noodles: the ingredients, texture and format can completely change the result on your plate.

Before placing your order, three potential pitfalls deserve your attention:

• Confusing pure paste with ready-to-use sauce: a paste made solely from sesame will generally need loosening with warm water, soy sauce or vinegar. Sesame sauce may already contain oil, salt, sugar and spices.
• Relying solely on the word ‘authentic’: this claim says very little about the recipe. The ingredients list and sesame content remain the most reliable indicators.
• Forgetting that oil naturally separates: an oily layer may form on the surface of sesame paste. This does not necessarily mean that it has spoiled, but you should mix the contents thoroughly before use and follow the storage instructions after opening.

Criteria to check before choosing

1. Ingredients: sesame only or an already seasoned recipe

For a versatile sesame paste, start by reading the ingredients list. Wangzhihe Pure Sesame Paste 225g and CUIZI Sesame Paste 300g list sesame as the sole ingredient. This type of Chinese tahini can be used as the base for a hot pot dipping sauce, a noodle dressing or a vinaigrette.

Other products are already designed as sesame sauces. ChaoWang Sesame Seasoning 430g contains 65% roasted sesame seeds, vegetable oil, salt, sugar and spices, among other ingredients. It is more convenient for seasoning a dish directly, but you will have less control over the amount of salt or chilli you add yourself.

Remember to check the allergens too: sesame must be clearly highlighted in accordance with European food information regulations. Some recipes also contain peanuts, soya, wheat or celery.

2. Texture and how to loosen it

A very thick paste can be difficult to mix into noodles or a hot pot sauce. On the other hand, this dense texture may be ideal for spreading on toast, adding to a filling or preparing a rich, concentrated sauce.

To achieve a smooth, even mixture, work through these steps:

1. Mix the paste to redistribute the oil.
2. Spoon the amount you need into a bowl.
3. Gradually add a little warm water, stock or soy sauce.
4. Mix, then adjust with rice vinegar, chilli oil or garlic, depending on the recipe.

Wangzhihe specifically recommends mixing the paste with warm water, light soy sauce and vinegar. For sesame paste intended for Chinese hot pot, this method creates a consistency that works well with vegetables, mushrooms, beef or dumplings.

3. Size, storage and frequency of use

A 160 g jar is ideal for trying this condiment or using it occasionally. If you eat it regularly, a 280 to 454 g format means you will not need to buy a new jar so often.

After opening, most pure pastes should be stored in the fridge. Recommendations vary by manufacturer: CUIZI advises consuming its 300 g jar within two months of opening, while Sanfeng also recommends keeping it chilled, with the precise shelf life to be checked on the packaging. In all cases, follow the date and instructions shown on the product you receive.

Recommended for : Budget-conscious beginners

Cuizipai Sesame Paste 160g

Why this product suits this profile : Its 160 g format lets you try sesame paste in noodles, with vegetables or spread on toast, without building up a large stock.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details list sesame as an ingredient and specify that it can be used directly or diluted. Its role as a sauce base is therefore clearly established.

Main benefit and key strengths

Compact 160 g format, a creamy texture described by the manufacturer and suitable for use with cold noodles, vegetables or hot pot.

Recommended for : Premium enthusiasts

Wangzhihe Pure Sesame Paste 225g

Why this product suits this profile : This 100 % sesame paste is ideal for those who prefer to make their own sauce and adjust the acidity, saltiness and consistency precisely.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The quantitative declaration states 100 % sesame, with no pre-seasoned recipe to restrict your options.

Main benefit and key strengths

225 g jar, a clearly stated single ingredient and instructions for preparing hot pot sauces, cold noodles or vinaigrettes.

Recommended for : Specific uses and frequent users

ChaoWang Sesame Seasoning 430g

Why this product suits this profile : At 430 g, this jar is well suited to households that regularly prepare sauces, marinades, stir-fries or side dishes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list roasted sesame, oil, salt, sugar and spices: this is clearly a fully prepared seasoning.

Main benefit and key strengths

Large 430 g format, advertised for use in dipping sauces, marinades, stir-fries and vinaigrettes.

Recommended for : Quick meals with Asian flavours

Wan He Sesame Paste Rice Noodles – Bowl 126g

Why this product suits this profile : This individual bowl is easy to take to work for lunch or keep in the cupboard as a standby meal. It is simple to prepare with boiling water.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The separate sachets let you adjust the chilli oil, vinegar and peanuts to suit your taste.

Main benefit and key strengths

126 g format, preparation in five minutes and clearly stated allergens: peanuts, sesame, soya and wheat.

Which paste should you choose for your recipe?

• Chinese hot pot: choose a pure paste, then loosen it with warm water, soy sauce and vinegar.
• Cold or dry noodles: a creamy paste such as Wangzhihe or CUIZI mixes in easily once diluted.
• Salads and vegetables: an already seasoned sauce, such as ChaoWang or Yamamori Roasted Sesame Sauce 500ml, reduces the number of ingredients you need to add.
• Quick meals: sesame instant noodles, whether in a bowl or family-sized pack, only require cooking or rehydration. Even so, check the salt content and allergens before buying.

FAQ about Chinese sesame paste

How do you loosen sesame paste that is too thick?

Add a little warm water while stirring. To give the sauce more flavour, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic or chilli oil. Adding the liquid gradually will help you avoid making the mixture too runny.

How long can sesame paste be kept after opening?

Keep it in the fridge if the label recommends this, and close the lid securely after each use. Oil separation is natural in many cases: simply mix the paste before using it. For the exact storage period, check the packaging, as this depends on the recipe and manufacturer.

Does Chinese sesame paste always contain peanuts?

No. Some products contain sesame only, while others combine sesame paste with peanut butter. Always check the ingredients list and allergen declaration, particularly for instant noodles and sauces intended for hot pot.