Black Sesame Ice Cream Recipe (2024)

Why It Works

  • Brown sugar complements the flavor of roasted sesame.
  • Unlike black tahini, Japanese-style sesame paste is roasted, giving it a much deeper flavor and jet-black appearance.
  • When the custard is steaming-hot, the yolks will be cooked through.

Anyone who's traveled abroad can relate to the experience of returning home and struggling to re-create a favorite dish. Even with the simplest ingredients, manufacturing practices may vary from country to country and change everything. (Witnessthe difference between American and Belgian brown sugar, one made from molasses and the other with caramel.)

Such was the case in my quest to reproduce the black sesame ice cream I fell in love with during my time in Japan. It was always jet-black and outrageously nutty, with a pleasant bitterness like dark chocolate and an almost savory edge.

Black Sesame Ice Cream Recipe (1)

Japanese Black Sesame Paste Makes All the Difference

I knew from snooping around in Japanese kitchens that the key was commercial black sesame paste, rather than black sesame seeds. Though seeds alone can makea tasty ice cream, those ground at home can't provide the intensity of color, flavor, or richness that I longed for. It's like comparing a jar of Skippy to peanut butter made in afood processor—similar but undeniably a different beast.

Yet the black sesame paste I found in supermarkets invariably made my ice cream bitter, bland, and a sickly shade of gray-green. I realized immediately that there was something unique about Japanese black sesame paste, so I ordered the genuine article online.

As it turns out, black tahini is made from hulled, raw black sesame seeds, giving it a bitter astringency and only a mild nuttiness. Japanese-style black sesame paste, on the other hand, is made from toasted black sesame seeds, with their hulls intact. Those two factors give Japanese black sesame paste its super-nutty flavor and deep black color, with just a hint of bitterness—something that's lovely and mellow, rather than sharp.

That level of intensity is able to survive dilution with milk and cream, meaning that the prized flavor and color are evident in every bite.

Black Sesame Ice Cream Recipe (2)

Use Turbinado Sugar to Amplify Flavor

In Japan, black sesame desserts are often served withkuromitsu, which means "black honey," though it's really a type of light molasses. It has a maltiness and mild acidity that underscore toasted black sesame in a delightful way. To cash in on that classic pairing without having to source yet another specialty ingredient, I reached for turbinado sugar instead: Its all-natural molasses flavor is perfect for the job, though Demerara or light brown sugar would work nicely, too.

Making the Ice Cream Base

With those ingredients in place, I make the ice cream base in much the same way as the custard for myOreo ice cream, with the eggs, sugar, milk, and cream all mixed together from the start and gently warmed over medium-low heat.

Once the mixture is warm to the touch, I bump the heat up to medium and keep cooking and stirring until it's steaming-hot, but well short of bubbling. If you need to be certain the eggs are cooked through, aim for about 155°F (68°C), but hitting that specific temperature isn't important to the success of the recipe.

Off heat, add the black sesame paste, whisk until smooth, and strain to remove any bits of chalazae or chunky sesame pieces—the fineness of the paste will vary from brand to brand. On that note, if you do find yourself with a coarser black sesame paste, feel free to hit the ice cream base with animmersion blenderto smooth it out, though I found this step unnecessary with ultra-smooth brands like Kuki.

Churning the Ice Cream

Refrigerate the ice cream base until it's no warmer than 40°F (4°C) before churning. (This can take about four hours, so use an ice bath to speed this process along if you're in a hurry.) As with any ice cream churned in a canister, it's vital that that canister be as cold as possible, so adjust the dial if your freezer is usually warmer than 1°F (-18°C); otherwise, your ice creams won't be as creamy as they should. I love myCuisinart ice cream machine, but any stand-alone machine should produce equally excellent results.

When the ice cream is thick and light, you can enjoy it like Japanese soft-serve, or transfer it to a chilled ice cream container, empty yogurt tub, or loaf pan. Press a sheet of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the ice cream (to prevent freezer burn), then cover with a lid or sheet of foil and freeze until it's firm enough to scoop.

Black Sesame Ice Cream Recipe (4)

Dressing Up Black Sesame Ice Cream

I'm crazy about black sesame ice cream by itself—it's bittersweet, rich, and complex enough to stand all on its own. If you'd like to dress it up, though, I've found that black sesame ice cream is amazing with a spoonful of raspberry purée.

Black Sesame Ice Cream Recipe (5)

It's something of a peanut butter and jelly vibe, with the toasted black sesame perfectly complemented by the bright acidity of fresh fruit.

Black Sesame Ice Cream Recipe (6)

And if you have any extra black sesame when you're done, be sure to try Daniel'sroasted carrots with black sesame dressing—it's a recipe he invented to polish off all my leftover black sesame paste.

October 2017

Recipe Details

Black Sesame Ice Cream Recipe

Active25 mins

Total5 hrs

Serves8 servings

Makes1 quart

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces turbinadoor light brown sugar (about 3/4 cup; 170g)

  • 4 1/2 ounces egg yolk (about 1/2 cup; 125g), from 7 large eggs

  • 1/2 teaspoon (2g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use about half as much by volume or the same weight

  • 7 ounces heavy cream (about 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons; 195g)

  • 8 ounces whole milk (about 1 cup; 225g)

  • 6 ounces Japanese-style black sesame paste (about 2/3 cup; 170g), such as Kuki (see note)

Directions

  1. Combine turbinado or light brown sugar, egg yolks, and salt in a 3-quart stainless steel saucier, then whisk in cream and milk. Cook over medium-low heat until warm to the touch, then increase to medium and cook, stirring constantly with a flexible spatula, until mixture is steaming-hot but not bubbling, about 8 minutes or to 155°F (68°C) on a digital thermometer. Off heat, whisk in black sesame paste and strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large stainless steel bowl. For a more hom*ogeneous color, process about 30 seconds with an immersion blender; this is strictly an aesthetic consideration.

    Black Sesame Ice Cream Recipe (7)

  2. Fill a sink compartment or extra-large bowl with a few inches of ice water and place bowl of custard inside, stirring from time to time, until cool, about 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until no warmer than 40°F (4°C), about 4 hours, or hold up to 1 week.

  3. Churn in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s directions. Meanwhile, place a 1-quart container and flexible spatula in the freezer. When ice cream is fluffy and thick, shut off the machine and scrape ice cream into chilled container, using chilled spatula. Enjoy as soft-serve or cover with plastic pressed directly against surface of ice cream, then close lid and freeze until hard, about 4 hours.

    Black Sesame Ice Cream Recipe (8)

Special Equipment

3-quart stainless steel saucier, balloon whisk, flexible spatula, digital thermometer (optional), fine-mesh sieve, immersion blender (optional), ice cream maker

Notes

The flavor and color of this ice cream hinge on high-quality Japanese-style black sesame paste, which is made from roasted, un-hulled black sesame seeds. The jet-black paste is rich, intensely nutty, and pleasantly bitter, like dark chocolate. Look for it in squeezable pouches at your local Japanese market, or shop for Kuki black sesame paste online. American brands of black sesame paste (often labeled "black tahini") are made from raw, un-roasted black sesame seeds, for a flavor that's too mild and astringent for ice cream.

Read More

  • No-Bake Black Sesame and Honey Puddings
Black Sesame Ice Cream Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the flavor of black sesame ice cream? ›

The flavor and color of this ice cream hinge on high-quality Japanese-style black sesame paste, which is made from roasted, un-hulled black sesame seeds. The jet-black paste is rich, intensely nutty, and pleasantly bitter, like dark chocolate.

Is black sesame ice cream good? ›

Black Sesame ice cream is one of the most delicious, nutty and aromatic ice cream flavours! Learn how to make the most delicious black sesame ice cream using an easy no churn method. This is intensely flavoured with black sesame and super easy!

What pairs well with black sesame ice cream? ›

Although this ice cream is so good on its own, we love to add fresh seasonal berries. Black sesame goes particularly well with berries or fruit with a little acidity to bring out the flavours. Enjoy with fresh strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, blueberries - all with a little acidity.

What flavours with black sesame? ›

Myo notes that its flavor profile is complementary to warm flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate. In the form of seeds, it can add a new dimension to homemade granola; streusels for coffeecakes, muffins, loaves, or cobblers; and buttery cookies like sugar and shortbread.

Is black sesame just toasted white sesame? ›

Enter black sesame. White sesame seeds are usually sold with their tan, brownish hulls removed, revealing the off-white embryo within, whereas black sesame often have their hulls still intact. But aside from color, there's also a subtle difference in taste.

What is black Hawaii ice cream? ›

Black Hawaii the black ice cream revolution created by Prodotti Rubicone. Natural black color thanks to charcoal. Unique taste with coconut water and raw cocoa beans. Lactose free, gluten free, with prebiotic fibers. Beneficial detox effect.

Why is black sesame more expensive? ›

Black sesame seeds are less commonly grown and harvested compared to white sesame seeds, which makes them less available in the market. The lower supply and higher demand for black sesame seeds can result in higher prices.

What does black sesame flavor taste like? ›

Black sesame flavor in desserts or boba tea tastes like black sesames seeds—but sweet. It's nutty and ever so slightly bitter and earthy with a round, brown sugar sweetness.

What does black sesame do for your hair? ›

How Black Sesame Seeds Can Help Treat Hair Loss. Black sesame seeds are rich in nutrients that are essential for hair growth, including vitamins A, B, and E, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, and essential fatty acids. These nutrients help to nourish the hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.

Why is black sesame so good? ›

Because black sesame seeds and white sesame seeds come from the same plant, their health benefits are quite similar. However, because black sesame seeds retain their outer shells, they offer enhanced nutrition and increased levels of plant compounds, vitamins, and minerals.

Should I refrigerate black sesame? ›

Once opened, black sesame seeds maintain their quality for about six months to one year if stored correctly in the pantry. Refrigeration can further extend their shelf life, allowing them to stay fresh for potentially up to two years after opening.

Where is black sesame ice cream from? ›

Creamy, nutty, sweet, and somewhat savory, this homemade Black Sesame Ice Cream has got it all! Enjoy the unique flavor of Japanese ice cream at home with my easy recipe.

Does black sesame taste like chocolate? ›

The black variety will have a richer, nuttier flavor along the lines of rich chocolate or coffee, making them perfectly suited for use in sweet dessert recipes.

What does black sesame milk taste like? ›

Black sesame offers a distinctive, nutty, and bold flavor - it's also naturally rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium. Expand your milk horizons with this creamy and delicious Black Sesame Milk! Its smooth, slightly sweet flavor and unique color will give your recipes a fun, tasty twist.

What is the common name of black sesame? ›

Sesamum radiatum is a species of flowering plant in the Pedaliaceae. It is in the same genus as sesame, and is known by the English common names benniseed, black benniseed, black sesame, and vegetable sesame.

What does black sesame dessert taste like? ›

If you've never had black sesame before, the best I can do is say it's somewhat similar to peanut butter, perhaps sweeter and earthier. If you've had it before, then it's like eating a cone of the inside of a black sesame Tang Yuan (Chinese sweet rice ball). Either way it's delicious and definitely worth a try.

What does black sesame soft serve taste like? ›

And, just like you make tahini from white sesame seeds, you also can turn black sesame seeds into a paste. Many Asian cuisines use black sesame paste in both savory and sweet dishes. Popular desserts include mochi, bread, dumplings, and you guessed it, ice cream. They have a nutty taste and smell a bit like coffee.

What does black sesame bingsu taste like? ›

Using shaved milk, the Black Sesame Bingsu contains toasted almonds, black sesame, red bean and Korean rice cake. We were also told that all the ingredients were imported from Korea to maintain its authenticity. Definitely a sweet treat for people with a sweet tooth and a deserving one after a hard day's work.

How would you describe the flavor of sesame? ›

Sesame seeds have a mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch when eaten whole. They're often baked or toasted to bring out a stronger almond-like flavor and aroma and make the seeds more evident in dishes.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aron Pacocha

Last Updated:

Views: 5661

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aron Pacocha

Birthday: 1999-08-12

Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

Phone: +393457723392

Job: Retail Consultant

Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.