Asian sesame paste 芝麻酱 (zhī ma jiàng)

This brown paste made from ground roasted sesame seeds looks and tastes similar to peanut butter, but it has a richer, rounder flavor. It should not be confused with Mediterranean tahini, which is made with unroasted sesame seeds and tastes very different. Make sure you stir the paste before using it, because it often separates into a layer of oil and solid paste when left on the shelf for a while. Substitute creamy peanut butter.