Sesame Candy
- Total Time
- 30 minutes
- Rating
- Notes
- Read community notes
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Ingredients
Yield:About 36 pieces
- 1½cups/215 grams black sesame seeds
- 1teaspoon kosher salt
- Cooking spray, as needed
- ¾cup/150 grams granulated sugar
- 2tablespoons light corn syrup
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (36 servings)
55 calories; 3 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 1 gram monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 7 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 5 grams sugars; 1 gram protein; 27 milligrams sodium
Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Powered byPreparation
- Step 1
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread sesame seeds onto a large baking tray and toast in oven until the seeds are fragrant, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on the tray. Mix in the salt.
- Step 2
Spray two sheets of parchment paper with cooking spray and prepare a clean work space.
- Step 3
Bring sugar, corn syrup and ¼ cup water to a boil in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer. Once the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar has dissolved, lower the heat to medium and continue cooking, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 250 degrees on the candy thermometer, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 4
Turn off the heat and stir in the sesame seeds and fold until they’re coated with syrup. Turn the sesame mixture onto one sheet of oiled parchment and place the other sheet of parchment on top, oiled side down. With a rolling pin, quickly roll the sesame mixture until about ¼-inch thick.
- Step 5
Transfer the rolled sesame onto a cutting board and peel off the two sheets of parchment. While the mixture is still warm, using a kitchen knife, quickly cut it into 1-inch wide strips. Turn the strips and cut into roughly 1½-inch-long pieces. (Do not worry if the pieces are not even, they will be just as good.) Let cool and serve. Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Private Notes
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Cooking Notes
Jack
Try using a pizza cutter instead of a knife. Slow and steady to make clean corners.
Deb Z
Can you use regular brown sesame seeds?
Jo
I have had white sesame candy growing up so it’s not really that they are not auspicious enough for lunar new year in Chinese culture. A lot of people (myself included) do prefer the taste of black sesame. The elders will tell you that black sesame seeds are good for keeping your hair healthy. Plus I’d imagine the recipe would be slightly different for white sesames :))
Lisa
This is only a guess, but white is often used as a funeral color and so maybe that is why?
Teresa
I used non-stick spray instead of oil. Is that why parts of my candy turned grayish?
Rachel
really good.
Grey
Yes you can definitely use white or brown sesame seeds ! The “original” classic sesame candy is wi to white sesame in China
kaili
does anyone know approximately how long it takes for the sugar/water/syrup mixture to get up to 250f? as i don't have a candy thermometer
Jack
Try using a pizza cutter instead of a knife. Slow and steady to make clean corners.
erika
Very tasty recipe. The salt level is perfect. Would definitely make again and share as gifts. I cooked to exactly 250 and the candy has a pleasant chew.
LEM
What can I use as a substitute for the light corn syrup? Is maple syrup the best choice?
Jo
I have had white sesame candy growing up so it’s not really that they are not auspicious enough for lunar new year in Chinese culture. A lot of people (myself included) do prefer the taste of black sesame. The elders will tell you that black sesame seeds are good for keeping your hair healthy. Plus I’d imagine the recipe would be slightly different for white sesames :))
lisa
Google says-black sesame seeds are more nutritious and slightly bitter and more crunchy due to the hull still on them than white sesame seeds? So maybe those qualities are preferred in contrast to the sweetness for this candy? That being said-don’t see why not substitute white/brown for black if preferred?
Mala
Any suggestions for a corn syrup alternative?
Ashley
I'm in the UK and use glucose syrup!
Bibi
A curiousity: Would anyone happen to know the story of why black sesame seeds are used in a sweets recipe for Chinese Lunar New Year? In other cultures I am familiar with, further afield, white is the color of food associated with good fortune -- white sugar, white rice, for example. Thank you in advance.
Lisa
This is only a guess, but white is often used as a funeral color and so maybe that is why?
Deb Z
Can you use regular brown sesame seeds?
Bibi
There is a Greek version of this sweet -- identitcal, actually -- which uses the white sesame seeds. There is no real true great difference in taste between the black and the white seeds.
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