Black sesame seeds are used primarily in Japanese and Chinese cooking, usually as a garnish, but also in desserts and puddings. They have a more distinctly pronounced flavor than the common white sesame seeds. One traditional Japanese condiment, gomasio, is made from black sesame seeds mixed with salt.
Today, versatile and elegant black sesame seeds have found a place in the western kitchen as well. Use them with salads, fish, poultry and meat dishes, add to stir frys, cakes, cookies and breads.