Sesame sticks, also known as sesame crackers or sesame crisps, are a popular snack made from sesame seeds. They have a crunchy, crispy texture and nutty sesame flavor. But what exactly are the ingredients that go into making these tasty crackers?
Sesame Seeds
The main ingredient in sesame sticks is sesame seeds. Sesame seeds come from the sesame plant, which is native to parts of Africa and Asia. The seeds grow in pods and are harvested when ripe. After harvesting, the seeds are cleaned, hulled, and toasted to bring out their nutty aroma and taste.
There are several varieties of sesame seeds that can be used to make sesame sticks:
- Tan sesame seeds – These are the most common variety. Tan sesame seeds have a mild, nutty flavor.
- Black sesame seeds – Black sesame seeds are smaller and have a more pronounced, aromatic sesame flavor.
- White sesame seeds – White sesame seeds are larger and have a delicate, sweet flavor.
Any of these sesame seed varieties can be used to create delicious sesame sticks. Some producers may blend different types of sesame seeds to create a particular flavor profile.
Flour
In addition to sesame seeds, sesame sticks also contain some type of flour. Flour helps bind the sesame seeds together to form the crackers.
Common types of flour used include:
- Wheat flour – This provides stretchiness and structure.
- Rice flour – Rice flour adds crunch and enhances the nutty flavor.
- Tapioca flour – Tapioca flour helps create a crispy texture.
The specific blend of flours depends on the brand, but wheat flour tends to be a primary ingredient. Some sesame stick producers may use all wheat flour, while others might incorporate rice or tapioca flour to alter the texture.
Oil
A small amount of oil is also essential for making sesame sticks. The oil helps coat the dough, allowing the sesame seeds to stick to the exterior and get evenly distributed throughout the crackers.
Sesame oil is commonly used, which enhances the sesame flavor. Other neutral-tasting oils like vegetable, peanut, or canola oil may be used as well. A small amount of oil goes a long way in helping form the texture of the crackers.
Salt
Nearly all sesame stick recipes call for a pinch of salt. Salt enhances the nutty, toasted flavor of the sesame seeds. It also adds savoriness that balances out the sesame stick’s sweetness.
Too much salt can make the crackers taste overly salty. Most recipes use just a sprinkling of salt to gently season the sesame crackers.
Other Possible Ingredients
Some sesame stick producers may add extra ingredients to create unique flavors or textures:
- Sugar – A bit of sugar can enhance the sweetness of the sesame seeds.
- Spices – Spices like cayenne or paprika can add a kick.
- Seeds – Sunflower, poppy, or anise seeds may be mixed in for variety.
- Dried vegetables – Onion, garlic, or veggie powders can provide extra flavor.
However, most traditional sesame stick recipes tend to stick with simple ingredients: sesame seeds, flour, oil, and salt. More complex ingredient lists are often used by flavored or gourmet varieties.
How Sesame Sticks Are Made
Sesame sticks begin by combining the dry ingredients – sesame seeds, flour, and salt. The seeds and flour are mixed thoroughly so they are evenly distributed.
Next, a small amount of oil is added and the dough is kneaded until it forms a stiff ball. The dough needs to be moist enough to stick together but dry enough to break apart into crackers.
The dough is then rolled out flat, often into a rectangle. A rolling pin can help achieve an even thickness.
The rolled dough is docked by poking holes all over it using a fork or docking tool. This prevents bubbling and helps the crackers bake evenly.
Then, the dough is cut into even strips using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. The width of the strips depends on the size of stick desired.
The strips are laid out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. They are baked in the oven at around 300°F until lightly browned; baking time ranges from 15-30 minutes.
Once the sesame sticks are cooled, they develop their signature crispy, crunchy texture that makes them so addictive. The sticks can be enjoyed as-is or flavored by tossing them in spices, salt, or sugar after baking.
Sesame sticks have a long shelf life of several months when stored properly in an airtight container. The low moisture content prevents them from going stale quickly.
Health Benefits of Sesame Sticks
Though they are a tasty snack, sesame sticks also offer some health benefits:
- Fiber – The flour and sesame seeds provide fiber that promotes good digestion.
- Protein – Sesame seeds supply plant-based protein.
- Calcium – Just 1 ounce of sesame seeds contains 88mg of calcium to support bone health.
- Iron – Sesame sticks provide iron to prevent anemia.
- Magnesium – Magnesium in the seeds helps reduce muscle cramping and PMS symptoms.
- Zinc – Zinc supports immune function and wound healing.
Compared to chips, crackers, or other salty snacks, sesame sticks are relatively high in valuable vitamins and minerals. But as with any snack food, moderation is still key.
Buying Sesame Sticks
Look for sesame sticks in the Asian food aisle at grocery stores. They are often sold in cans, plastic sleeves, or zip-top bags. Popular brands include Royal Family, Wu Miao, and McCormick.
Check the ingredients list to see what type of seeds and flour are used. Opt for sticks made with whole grain flours like whole wheat over refined flours like white flour.
Avoid sesame sticks with a long list of additives and preservatives. Simple recipes with just sesame seeds, flour, oil, and salt tend to taste best.
Sesame sticks can also be found at Asian markets, health food stores, and online retailers. Price ranges from about $1-5 per package depending on brand, size, and ingredients.
For freshly baked sesame sticks, look for them in the bakery section at Chinese or Vietnamese restaurants and grocers. They make the crackers throughout the day so they are crunchy and full of sesame flavor.
Storing Sesame Sticks
Properly stored, sesame sticks will stay fresh for several months past the printed best by date. To maximize freshness and prevent staleness:
- Keep sticks in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.
- Avoid humidity by not refrigerating sticks.
- Sesame sticks can be frozen up to 3 months to extend shelf life.
- Let frozen sticks come to room temp before eating to prevent condensation.
- Discard any sticks that smell rancid or are soft instead of crunchy.
With proper storage, sesame sticks can stay tasty for many months after opening. Their low moisture content prevents early spoilage.
Serving Suggestions
Sesame sticks are delicious on their own, but can also be served other ways:
- Garnish soups – Add crunch by topping bowls of noodle or egg drop soup.
- Ice cream topping – Crumble over vanilla, chocolate, or green tea ice cream.
- Yogurt mix-in – Stir into yogurt parfaits along with fruit and granola.
- Salad topper – Scatter over Asian chicken, noodle, or tofu salads.
- Snack mix addition – Toss into DIY trail mixes along with nuts and dried fruit.
- Cheese board item – Offer alongside cheese, grapes, and crackers.
Mix up your snacking routine by enjoying sesame sticks in creative ways. Their versatility makes them a pantry staple ingredient.
Sesame Stick Recipes
Sesame sticks aren’t just limited to the pre-packaged kind. You can easily make homemade sesame crackers with just a few ingredients:
Basic Sesame Sticks
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- In a bowl, combine sesame seeds, flour, oil, and salt. Mix well.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle 1⁄4 inch thick.
- Cut into 1⁄2 inch wide sticks.
- Place sticks on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Spicy Sesame Sticks
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- In a bowl, combine sesame seeds, flour, oil, salt, cayenne, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle 1⁄4 inch thick.
- Cut into 1⁄2 inch wide sticks.
- Place sticks on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Conclusion
Sesame sticks have a satisfyingly crunchy texture and toasty sesame flavor that makes them an addictive snack. The simple combination of sesame seeds, flour, oil, and salt creates their signature taste and crispiness.
Look for sesame sticks containing primarily whole grain flours and natural ingredients. Store them properly in an airtight container at room temperature to maximize freshness. Beyond snacking, sesame sticks can also be used to enhance many recipes and dishes.
Making your own sesame sticks at home is easy too. Bake up a batch using minimal ingredients for a healthy, homemade snack anytime.
