Homemade Gomasio (Sesame Salt)
Gomasio, a classic Japanese sesame salt, is a simple yet incredibly flavorful condiment that adds a nutty, savory, and slightly salty crunch to any dish. It's easy to make at home with just two ingredients.
For 20 servings
If using raw sesame seeds, toast them: Heat a dry, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a shallow dish or plate and spread them out to cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent them from clumping and to maintain their crispness.
Once cooled, combine the toasted sesame seeds and coarse sea salt in a mortar and pestle or a small spice grinder.
Grind the mixture briefly. If using a mortar and pestle, use a gentle circular motion. If using a spice grinder, pulse in very short bursts (1-2 seconds).
The goal is to break about half of the sesame seeds, releasing their oils and aroma, but not to create a fine powder or a paste. You should still see plenty of whole seeds.
Taste the gomasio and adjust the salt level if desired. The traditional ratio is about 8-10 parts sesame to 1 part salt by volume, but you can customize it to your preference.
Transfer the homemade gomasio to a clean, airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't Over-Grind: The key to authentic gomasio is a coarse texture, with many seeds still whole. Over-grinding will release too much oil, making it pasty and reducing its shelf life.
- 2Adjust Salt Ratio: The 8:1 or 10:1 sesame-to-salt ratio is a guideline. Feel free to adjust based on your dietary needs and taste preferences. Start with less salt and add more if needed.
- 3Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality, fresh sesame seeds for the best flavor. Coarse sea salt provides a better texture and mineral profile than fine table salt.
- 4Storage: Store gomasio in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2-3 weeks. For longer storage (up to 1-2 months), you can refrigerate it, but ensure the container is tightly sealed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Gomasio
Add a pinch of dried red chili flakes or a tiny amount of sansho pepper to the mixture before grinding for a subtle spicy kick.
Umami Boost GomasioUmami Boost Gomasio
Incorporate a small piece (about 1/4 tsp) of dried nori seaweed, crumbled finely, into the mix before grinding for an extra layer of savory umami flavor.
Mixed Seed GomasioMixed Seed Gomasio
Experiment by adding a small amount of other toasted seeds like black sesame, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds for different nutritional profiles and flavor nuances.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Minerals
Sesame seeds are an excellent source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, which are vital for bone health, energy production, and immune function.
Antioxidant Properties
They contain lignans, powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Healthy Fats
Gomasio provides healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and overall well-being.
Frequently asked questions
A mortar and pestle is ideal for controlling the texture, allowing you to break some seeds while leaving others whole. A small electric spice grinder can also work, but use very short pulses to avoid over-grinding into a paste.
