Ingredient Guide

Chinese Sesame Paste vs Tahini

Chinese pantry · Substitutions · Menu literacy

Use this guide to understand 芝麻酱 (zhī ma jiàng), how it functions, and what substitutions actually change.

Common menu signals to check

Shellfish High Check for shrimp, oyster sauce, dried shrimp, XO sauce, seafood broth, and shared equipment.
Gluten / wheat High Check soy sauce, wrappers, noodles, flour coatings, wheat starch, and shared fryers.
Soy High Check soy sauce, tofu, fermented bean pastes, marinades, and prepared sauces.
Sesame High Check sesame oil, sesame paste, sesame seeds, chile crisp, and sauce bars.
Peanuts / tree nuts High Check peanuts, cashews, walnuts, almond cookies, nut oils, and garnishes.
Heat High Ask for mild, less spicy, or chile on the side if heat tolerance is limited.

Common menu signals to check. Actual ingredients and kitchen practice vary by restaurant.

What it is

芝麻酱 (zhī ma jiàng) is Chinese sesame paste is usually made from roasted sesame seeds; tahini is often lighter and less roasted.

Best uses and substitutes

Use case	Guidance
Best	Chinese sesame paste for dan dan noodles, sesame noodles, hot pot sauce, and cold dishes.
Acceptable	Tahini plus a little toasted sesame oil.
Texture adjustment	Loosen either paste with warm water before using.

Bad substitutes

Peanut butter as a direct sesame substitute
Unthinned paste in noodle sauces
Sweet sesame dessert paste

Dietary issues

Check labels for wheat, shellfish, sesame, soy, peanuts, alcohol, added sugar, and certification claims. Restaurant sauces are harder to verify than home-cooking ingredients.