10 Ways to Use Black Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds, no matter the color—white, beige, brown, or black, come from the Sesamum Indicum plant, which grows all around the world.  For the most part, black sesame seeds are grown in Asia.  Sesame seeds are tiny but tasty and full of good oil.  They are also easily identifiable, especially when hanging out atop a veggie burger bun or sprinkled on a salad.

You may have noticed that black sesame seeds tend to cost a little more than other ‘regular’ sesame seeds at the market. This is probably due to the idea that they are somehow healthier than other sesame seeds; however, there is actually little evidence to support this at the moment, and more research needs to be done.

That said, there is certainly nothing to sniff at regarding the nutritional profile of the black sesame seed.  In just 2 tablespoons of black sesame seeds, you get calcium (18% of the Daily Value (DV)), magnesium (16% of the DV), phosphorus (11% of the DV), copper (83% of the DV), manganese (22% of the DV), iron (15% of the DV) and zinc (9% of the DV).

Aside from simply munching on a spoonful of sesame seeds, there is plenty of fun and delicious ways to add a few black sesame seeds to your meals that go beyond just tossing some in the mix for decoration.  Let’s make black sesame seeds the star.

1. Tofu Halloumi With Black Sesame Soba

Source: Tofu Halloumi With Black Sesame Soba/One Green Planet

In this stunning Tofu Halloumi With Black Sesame Soba recipe by Sylwia Radzaj, tofu is marinated and grilled to resemble halloumi cheese.  It is then served with soba noodles that have been tossed with toasted black sesame seeds and sesame oil for a rich and nutty flavor.

2.  Healthy Sesame Mushroom, Tofu, and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Source: Healthy Sesame Mushroom, Tofu, and Asparagus Stir-Fry/One Green Planet

Both black and white sesame seeds are used in this recipe for Healthy Sesame Mushroom, Tofu, and Asparagus Stir-Fry by Pavani Nandula.  The seeds add a nutty crunch to a hearty stir-fry that is packed with tender asparagus and fried tofu.  This is a great meal to whip up if you want something quick, tasty, yet healthy.

3.  Black Sesame Rice Balls

Source: Black Sesame Rice Balls/One Green Planet

These rice balls are a little different in that they are made with black rice and black tahini.  If you hadn’t already guessed, black tahini is made from black sesame seeds! These Black Sesame Rice Balls by Helyn Dunn are quite the eye-catchers.  They make wonderful appetizers or a tasty light lunch, especially when served with some greens on the side.

4.  Black Sesame Mochi

Source:  Black Sesame Mochi/One Green Planet

Mochi is a traditional Chinese dessert made with glutenous rice and water.  These Black Sesame Mochi by Daphne Goh are made with a black sesame filling that contrasts beautifully with the outer white rice and pistachio coating.  These make a great gluten-free snack or a lovely dessert, especially after some delicious Chinese entrées.

5.  Chinese Black Sesame Cake With Pistachio Buttercream

Source: Chinese Black Sesame Cake With Pistachio Buttercream/One Green Planet

Here is another Chinese dessert that showcases black sesame seeds.  This Chinese Black Sesame Cake With Pistachio Buttercream, also by Daphne Goh, is actually a traditional Cantonese cake.  This cake is not only vegan, but it is gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free, too.  Interestingly, this cake is steamed, not baked!

6.  Black Sesame Crumb Cake

Source:  Black Sesame Crumb Cake/One Green Planet

Sit down with a nice cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of wine and a big slice of Stephanie McKinnie‘s Black Sesame Crumb Cake.  This recipe calls for vegan crème Fraiche that gives that cake a real richness.  Amazingly, this cake is also gluten-free as it uses rice, oat, millet, and tapioca flour.

7.  Black Sesame White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Source: Black Sesame White Chocolate Chip Cookies/One Green Planet

These Black Sesame White Chocolate Chip Cookies by George Lee not only look striking and delicious but they can be whipped up with just 5 ingredients.  You might be please to know that they are also flourless.  This recipe calls for some black tahini, which as we now know, is just like regular tahini only made with black sesame seeds!

8.  Midnight Black Sesame Tarts

Source: Midnight Black Sesame Tarts/One Green Planet

Here is another striking dessert.  These Midnight Black Sesame Tarts by Buffy-Ellen Gill are a raw, vegan dessert.  The base of the tart is made from almonds, dates, and black tahini while the filling is made from more nutty and creamy black tahini, cashews, and a nectar or syrup of your choice.  These would make a very unusual and elegant dessert at a dinner party.

9.  Black Sesame and Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars

Source: Black Sesame and Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars/One Green Planet

A chewy chia and black sesame seed base is topped with a sticky chocolate and cherry layer before being covered in a crunchy nut and cacao nib crust.  This recipe for Black Sesame and Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars by Laura Peill is a healthy snack disguised as a naughty, gooey treat.

10.  Black Sesame Thumbprint Cookies

Source:  Black Sesame Thumbprint Cookies/One Green Planet

These Black Sesame Thumbprint Cookies by Elsa Brobbey are a vegan take on a simple classic.  The cookies are made with nutty black sesame seeds, oat flour, and warm spices, such as cardamom and cinnamon.  You can fill the thumbprint with your own choice of jam or preserve.

So, give black sesame seeds a try.  They certainly give a striking look to dishes both sweet and savory.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes. It is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

As you can see, going vegan does not mean that you have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods that you loved eating beforehand. There’s a healthier, plant-based alternative for practically any animal product you can think of! Whether you’re planning a summer cookout or barbeque or preparing a traditional breakfast full of comfort food, once discovering these vegan food companies, you’ll have all of your friends and family shocked at just how tasty vegan food can really be.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Lastly, being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!