DIY Sesame Sticks Recipe (2024)

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A one-bowl recipe with endless possibilities.

By

Molly Sheridan

DIY Sesame Sticks Recipe (1)

Molly Sheridan

Molly Sheridan began chronicling her cooking adventures on Wonderland Kitchen in 2011. Her writing has appeared in publications such as TimeOut and The Washington Post.

Learn about Serious Eats'Editorial Process

Updated June 06, 2023

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DIY Sesame Sticks Recipe (2)

Why It Works

  • The ingredients can be tossed into a bowl and mixed until a dough comes together. No fancy equipment required.
  • With homemade sesame sticks, you can customize the finished product by controlling the type and amount of fats and seasonings used.

In DIY attempts to mimic packaged goods, it often comes down to the shape of things. Cookie cutter defines mass production. When a homemade version of this sort of food is even a bit off visually, it can ruin the illusion—no matter how good it is, the look may beat out the taste in the rush to judgment.

Maybe it's just me, but that's where I sometimes find myself getting frustrated in the kitchen. I feel an imaginary Tim Gunn peering over my shoulder, his exasperated voice urging me to pull it together, make it work, and get it in the oven already, even though my efforts have only produced a cheap imitation. And that's where I stood with these sesame sticks. Thosetraditional snakes of seed-flecked doughconfounded me. Could I use a dough thin enough to push through a wide pastry tip and still get the taste I wanted? I could not. Could I use the dough I preferred for taste and just cut it into small rectangles? I could, but something was missing. It felt more like eating very small crackers than the customary bulk-bin treat.

So I picked up a small piece of dough and rolled it briskly between my palms a couple times.Et, voila!A small snake of a sesame stick. That said, by the end of rolling the batch, I was seriously questioning this added-labor decision just to get the visual. Next time, I might just roll the dough out a little thicker, cut the strips narrow, and call that shape...well, close enough for homemade.

Requiring no fancy equipment, this recipe couldn't be easier—just toss the ingredients into a bowl and stir up the dough. In this way, the cook also controls the type and amount of fats and seasonings that end up in the finished product, so you can really have some fun with it. Still, in my house, sesame sticks are an occasional snacking treat, not a weekly staple, and simply pulling down the bar on the bulk bin of Cajun Hot Sticks—even if I have no idea how long they have been sitting in there—will remain a tempting option.

October 2012

This recipe was cross-tested in 2023 and updated to guarantee best results. Instead of baking the sesame sticks, we now recommend frying them for crisper, lighter sesame sticks that more closely resemble the store-bought version.

Recipe Details

DIY Sesame Sticks Recipe

Prep5 mins

Cook20 mins

Active45 mins

Resting Time45 mins

Total70 mins

Serves12 servings

Makes3 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (about 5 ounces; 142g)

  • 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds (about 2 ounces; 57g)

  • 1/4 cup fine cracked wheat (about 1.5 ounces; 43g)

  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric

  • 1/4 teaspoon beet rootpowder (optional)

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder,or to taste

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) sesame oil (plain, not toasted finishing oil)

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) plus 2 tablespoons water

  • Canola oil, for frying

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sesame seeds, cracked wheat, turmeric, beet powder (if using), garlic powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.

    DIY Sesame Sticks Recipe (3)

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together oil and water. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Combine thoroughly, kneading any remaining bits into the dough by hand.

  3. Divide dough in half and wrap each in plastic, flattening into 3/4-inch-thick disks. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow dough to firm up before rolling.

  4. Pour canola oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches in a large pot or a large deep-sided skillet; heat oil over medium to 350°F (177°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels; set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness and, using a knife or pizza wheel, cut into small rectangles (approximately 1/4-inch by 3/4-inch). Alternatively, roll and cut dough to your desired shape, reworking the scraps until all the dough is used. (Uniformity is more important than size to assure even cooking.) Leave the pieces as they are or roll each one quickly between your palms to form thin rods.

    DIY Sesame Sticks Recipe (4)

  5. Working in 3 batches, carefully add shaped dough to hot oil and fry, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown, about 90 seconds. Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer fried sesame sticks to prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, allowing the hot oil to return to 350°F in between batches. Let cool completely, about 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

    DIY Sesame Sticks Recipe (5)

Special Equipment

Whisk, large pot or large deep-sided skillet, thermometer, rimmed baking sheet, slotted spoon

I used beet powder because it is an ingredient listed in most commercial versions of the sticks. However, it seems to be more for color than for taste, so you may eliminate it if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
122Calories
8g Fat
11g Carbs
3g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories122
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g11%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 442mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 11g4%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 52mg4%
Iron 1mg7%
Potassium 74mg2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

DIY Sesame Sticks Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in sesame sticks? ›

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sesame seeds, cracked wheat, turmeric, beet powder (if using), garlic powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. In a small bowl, whisk together oil and water. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Combine thoroughly, kneading any remaining bits into the dough by hand.

How to make sesame seeds stick to buns? ›

How to Make an Egg Wash for your Sesame Hamburger Buns: EASY. Mix 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Egg wash helps adhere the topping and also adds shine and colour to the buns.

How to make sesame o? ›

Use a ratio of one part sesame seeds to two parts oil — i.e., if you're using a quarter cup of seeds, use half a cup of oil. You'll only need to cook for a few minutes. Strain the seeds out, leaving the tasty oil behind. For toasted sesame oil, cook the seeds in the pan until they're aromatic, then add the oil.

How to make sesame sticks taste better? ›

- Brush the frozen cracker sheet with oil, sprinkle with more sesame seeds, and bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes—the darker they are (without burning), the more flavorful and crunchy they'll be. Brush a little more sesame oil over top for the last few minutes of baking.

Are sesame sticks anti inflammatory? ›

Sesame seeds are a potent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These tiny seeds contain powerful antioxidants like sesamin and sesamol, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.

How to get sesame seeds to stick to sourdough bread? ›

Spread out a thin layer of seeds on a clean kitchen towel or on a sheet pan. After shaping the dough into a batard or boule, roll it, smooth side down, on the seeds so they stick.

How to get sesame seeds to stick to bagels? ›

In a small bowl, make an egg wash by whisking 1 egg with 1 tbsp (15ml) water. Brush bagels with egg wash, and spoon sesame seeds over each bagel.

Who should not take sesame seeds? ›

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to sesame. Foods to avoid if they have a sesame allergy include foods containing sesame seeds, sesame oil, and tahini. Sesame reactions can range from a mild sensitivity to a severe allergy. A severe allergy can trigger anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening situation.

What happens if we eat sesame seeds daily? ›

Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, B vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds. Regularly eating substantial portions of these seeds — not just an occasional sprinkling on a burger bun — may aid blood sugar control, combat arthritis pain, and lower cholesterol.

Is it OK to eat raw sesame? ›

Sesame seeds can be eaten raw, or they can be baked or toasted to bring out more of their natural nutty flavor. They are a common topping on bagels, burger buns, salads, and breadsticks. They can also be tossed into salads. Tahini, which is a main ingredient in hummus, is made from ground sesame seeds.

Can I make my own sesame paste? ›

How to Make Tahini (Stepwise Photos)
  1. Dry roast cleaned sesame seeds on a medium flame until they begin to pop. ...
  2. Cool completely and add them to a grinder or a food processor jar. ...
  3. Blend it on a medium speed until all the seeds are crushed well. ...
  4. Add olive oil. ...
  5. Blend well again until you get a smooth consistency.
Mar 1, 2024

How is black sesame made? ›

Black Sesame seeds are the whole seed harvested from the sesame plant, an annual classified as Sesamum indicum. Black Sesame seeds grow within the fruit of the plant. These fruit pop open when ripe and expel the seeds outward, making harvesting a challenge.

Is eating sesame sticks good for you? ›

They are not only flavorful but also provide several health benefits. With their high fiber content, sesame sticks can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut. They also contain essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are important for maintaining strong bones and muscles.

Are sesame sticks a healthy snack? ›

Sesame sticks are an excellent source of calcium, with 48 percent of the daily value in 1 oz. They also contain small amounts of other nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin B-6 and zinc. Watch out for the sodium found in this snack; 1 oz. contains 18 percent of the daily value.

Are sesame sticks seeds good for you? ›

Sesame seeds contain a variety of healthy nutrients. As a rich source of protein, they are a great addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. They're also packed with copper, which helps make and red blood cells and also supports your immune system function.

What vitamins are in sesame sticks? ›

Snacks, sesame sticks, wheat-based, unsalted
Amount Per Serving
Saturated Fat 2g9%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g0%
Calcium 4% Iron 1% Magnesium 3% Phosphorus 3% Potassium 1% Zinc 3% Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Thiamin (B1) 3% Riboflavin (B2) 1% Niacin (B3) 3% Vitamin B6 1% Folic Acid (B9) 2% Vitamin B12 0%
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