While sesame sauce (or paste) is similar in color and texture to tahini, they aren't the same thing. Sure, they're both made from sesame seeds, but the two differ significantly in taste. When sesame paste is made, the sesame seeds are toasted to a rich brown color, making it nuttier and more robust. Sesame paste is common in Chinese cuisine. Tahini is milder in flavor and works well in both savory and sweet dishes. In tahini, sesame seeds are only slightly toasted and blended with oil and salt. This simple sauce is creamy and light. It's commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, but has surged in popularity and is incorporated into a variety of recipes.