Sesame paste is one of the most used sauces and seasonings out there. Sesame paste goes perfectly with sweet dishes as well as savory recipes. However, sesame paste isn’t easy to find, which can hinder the cooking processes. In case you are struggling to find sesame paste, we have lined out the sesame paste substitutes to help you out!
Sesame Paste Substitutes
1) Tahini
Whenever you need to find a substitute for sesame paste, tahini paste is an apt option. As a matter of fact, both tahini and sesame paste can be used as substitutes for each other. Actually, tahini paste is made from sesame seeds. It originates from the Mediterranean or Eastern region. Tahini paste has a similar texture to sesame paste.
As far as the flavor is concerned, there is a slight gap between the flavor profiles. This is because tahini paste might have a darker appearance with a nutty flavor. However, if you have to use tahini as the substitute for sesame paste for seasoning, it’s best to add some olive oil because it creates a rich and bold flavor. As far as the saltiness is concerned, you can add paprika, salt, and pepper as per your liking.
2) Nut Butters
If you want to replace sesame paste, you can use nut butter. The best thing about using nut butter as substitutes is that you don’t need any specific flavor. That’s to say, because you can use the brazil nut, cashew, or almond butter as they will add the perfect level of richness and creaminess. However, the flavor profile will be different but isn’t too differentiating. However, nut butter can be pretty costly!
3) Sun Butter
In particular, sun butter is butter made from sunflower seeds. The sun butter works great as the sesame paste substitute. Some people often say that taste and flavor are too distinct. However, it can be fixed if you add the roasted sesame oil to sun butter, and the flavor profile will be optimized.
4) Smooth Peanut Butter
We are pretty sure that you would have peanut butter on your dining table, and it makes a promising substitute for sesame paste. In case you’ve to make hummus, the peanut butter will leave a distinct flavor, but it doesn’t mean it won’t be delicious enough. As compared to sesame paste, the flavor might be stronger, so the flavor will be dominating.
Smooth peanut butter makes the substitute for sesame paste only if sesame paste isn’t the main ingredient. But again, you will need to tweak peanut butter a bit to make it a fine substitute for sesame paste. For this purpose, you need to add the sesame oil to peanut butter and blend it properly to achieve the right flavor.
5) Sesame Seeds
If your recipe demands the addition of sesame paste as a seasoning, sprinkling sesame seeds on the top will deliver the nutty flavor. However, you will need to compromise on the texture. If you don’t want any difference in texture, you can blend the sesame seeds and make a powder. Before you blend the sesame seeds, keep in mind that they will be a bit gritty.
6) Sesame Oil
In case you want the slight sesame paste flavor in your fish, sesame oil makes a perfect replacement. This is because the sesame oil will have a concentrated flavor, so use it in a lesser quantity. However, sesame oil will not replace sesame paste in hummus. In simpler words, sesame oil can only be used as a substitute in dishes that want sesame paste flavor instead of texture. All in all, you can make the sesame oil’s texture denser by adding the mashes sesame seeds.
7) Greek Yogurt
Yes, we know that it is a completely different direction, but it works in few recipes. This is because if you needed sesame paste to improve the texture and creaminess, it’s best to use Greek Yogurt. However, keep in mind that the texture is watery, so it might impact the appearance of the dish.
8) Soy Butter
In case you need to substitute sesame paste, soy butter is a perfect choice. For making soy butter, you add soy milk and oil. However, don’t forget to add a bit of lemon juice to bring out the right flavor. You must the mixture until it gets thick. Also, it’s best to refrigerate soy butter!