Tahini (sesame paste)

طحينة / ṭaḥīna · tahini

Flavor and role

A Middle Eastern paste of hulled, lightly toasted sesame seeds ground fine. Nutty and slightly bitter, it turns into a creamy sauce when mixed with lemon juice.

Typical dishes and uses

Hummus, Dubai chocolate, baba ganoush, falafel sauce, halva

Substitutes

1 tbsp tahini = 1 tbsp unsweetened peanut butter + a few drops of sesame oil. Chinese sesame paste (zhimajiang) has a stronger toasted flavor.

Storage

After opening, keeps 1 month at room temperature, 6 months refrigerated. If the oil separates, stir well before use.

Main countries

Lebanon · Israel · Türkiye

Used in this book

HummusDubai ChocolateBaba ganoushDan Dan NoodlesFalafelSabichShabu-ShabuCharcoal baba ganoush with pine nuts and pomegranate molassesMiso-sesame baba ganoushBaba ganoush eggplant boatsWhite Miso Sesame Swirl BrowniesSizzling Tadka Lentil HummusJapanese-Style Tantanmen (Sesame-Miso Soy Milk Ramen)Crispy Dan Dan Rice-Paper DumplingsTempered Dark Dubai Bar with Homemade Pistachio PasteFava and Chickpea Falafel with Parsley Tarator and Sumac OnionsFalafel Banh Mi with Quick Pickles and Sriracha Tahini MayoBaked Falafel Crunch BowlSlow-Simmered Ful with Tahini and Garlic TashaWhipped Ful & Tahini Toast with Za'atarHummus bil Lahme with Spiced Beef and Pine NutsIndian Tadka Hummus with Curry-Leaf GheeCrispy Chickpea Hummus Toast with Jammy EggMomo Smash Tacos with Achar MayoSabich with Haminados Eggs and ZhugEggplant Katsu Sabich SandoSabich Deviled EggsCold Shabu Salad Bowl with Sesame PonzuChicken Shawarma TacosCrispy Tofu-Pouch Udon Salad Bowl

Updated 2026-10-10