White sesame seeds are commonly used for cooking but did you know that black seeds are also available? White and black sesame seeds are two different varieties of the same seed, which is derived from the sesame plant (Sesamum indicum).
White sesame seeds are the more common variety and are generally used in a wide range of cuisines. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are often used as a garnish or topping for dishes such as sushi, salads, and stir-fries.
Black sesame seeds are less common and have a slightly more pronounced flavor than white sesame seeds. They are often used in East Asian cuisine, particularly in sweets and desserts, where they lend a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and a distinctive color to dishes.
In terms of nutrition, both white and black sesame seeds are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and are a good source of minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium.
White And Black Sesame Seeds Compared
What do you get when you use white sesame seeds versus using black sesame seeds? Let’s take a closer look in this table.
| Property | White sesame seeds | Black sesame seeds |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Light beige | Dark brownish-black |
| Flavor | Mild, nutty | Slightly stronger, earthy |
| Common usage | Garnish or topping for a wide range of dishes | Used in East Asian cuisine, particularly in sweets and desserts |
| Nutritional content | High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and a good source of minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium | High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and a good source of minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium |
| Culinary uses | Sushi, salads, stir-fries, baked goods | Sweets, desserts, ice creams, drinks, bakery products |
| Appearance in cuisine | Commonly used in a wide range of cuisines | Used primarily in East Asian cuisine |
This table provides a quick overview of the differences between white and black sesame seeds, including their appearance, flavor, culinary uses, and nutritional content.
Dishes That Use White Sesame Seeds
The following dishes use white sesame seeds as a garnish, to add a mild nutty flavor or just to add some crunch:
- Sesame Chicken: A popular Chinese dish made with battered and fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, and garnished with white sesame seeds.
- Sushi Rolls: Sushi rolls are often sprinkled with white sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. They are commonly used in rolls such as California rolls and spicy tuna rolls.
- Tahini: Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds that is used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is a key ingredient in dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel.
- Bagels: Bagels are often topped with a mix of white sesame seeds and poppy seeds, giving them a slightly nutty and crunchy texture.
- Salad Dressings: White sesame seeds can be used to make flavorful dressings for salads, such as a sesame ginger dressing or a honey sesame dressing.
Dishes That Use Black Sesame Seeds
These dishes use black sesame seeds as a garnish, to add a slightly stronger nutty flavor and to add some crunch.
- Black Sesame Ice Cream: A popular dessert in East Asian cuisine, black sesame ice cream is made with black sesame seeds, milk, cream, sugar, and sometimes egg yolks. It has a slightly nutty and roasted flavor and is often garnished with black sesame seeds.
- Goma-ae: A Japanese side dish made with boiled spinach or other vegetables and dressed with a paste made from ground black sesame seeds, sugar, and soy sauce.
- Rice Balls: In Japanese cuisine, onigiri (rice balls) are often coated with black sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Tofu dishes: In Chinese cuisine, black sesame seeds are used in a variety of tofu dishes. They are often mixed with soy sauce and rice vinegar to create a savory marinade for tofu, or used as a coating for fried tofu.
- Noodle dishes: Black sesame seeds are commonly used to flavor noodle dishes in East Asian cuisine, particularly in soba noodles. They are often mixed with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and other ingredients to create a flavorful sauce for the noodles.
Dishes That Use White And Black Sesame Seeds Together
- Soba Noodle Salad: A refreshing Japanese salad made with cold soba noodles, shredded vegetables, and a sesame dressing made from a mix of white and black sesame seeds.
- Bagels: As mentioned earlier, bagels are often topped with a mix of white and black sesame seeds, giving them a slightly nutty and crunchy texture.
- Rice Bowls: In many Asian cuisines, rice bowls are often topped with a variety of toppings including vegetables, protein, and a mix of white and black sesame seeds.
- Seared Tuna: A popular dish in Japanese cuisine, seared tuna is often coated with a mix of white and black sesame seeds before being seared to create a flavorful and crunchy crust.
- Homemade Granola: Homemade granola can be made with a mix of white and black sesame seeds to add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the oats and nuts.
Should You Use White And Black Sesame Seeds Whole Or Ground?
Both whole and ground sesame seeds can be used in cooking, and the choice depends on the specific recipe and the desired texture.
Whole sesame seeds are often used as a topping or garnish, as they add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to dishes. For example, whole sesame seeds are commonly used to top bagels or rice bowls.
Ground sesame seeds, on the other hand, are often used as a seasoning or ingredient in sauces, marinades, or dressings. Ground sesame seeds have a more intense flavor and a smoother texture, making them ideal for creating a thick paste or sauce.
In summary, it’s important to read the recipe carefully and follow the instructions on whether to use whole or ground sesame seeds. Sometimes you can use whole seeds and sometimes the recipe calls for them to be ground.