ขนมงา

Simple Thai Sesame Brittle (ขนมงา) — Easy Recipe for Beginners

Introduction to ขนมงา

ขนมงา (khanom nga) is a classic Thai sesame snack — a crunchy, sweet sesame brittle that’s easy to make at home. This little treat showcases toasted sesame seeds mixed with caramelized sugar for a nutty, caramel flavor. Perfect for beginners and home cooks, this recipe uses common ingredients and straightforward steps so you can enjoy authentic ขนมงา in under an hour.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15–20 minutes | Yield: about 12 pieces

Ingredients for ขนมงา

• 1 cup (about 140 g) sesame seeds (white, black, or a mix)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) palm sugar or light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup or honey (optional — helps prevent crystallization)
• 1/4 teaspoon lime juice or lemon juice (prevents sugar from crystallizing)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil or a small pat of butter (to grease the tray)
• Parchment paper or a silicone mat for lining

Instructions to Make ขนมงา

1. Toast the sesame seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast, stirring constantly for 3–5 minutes, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare your tray: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and lightly grease with oil or butter. Have a spatula ready.
3. Make the sugar syrup: In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup (if using). Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring once it starts to boil.
4. Cook to amber stage: Let the syrup boil until it turns a deep amber color. If you have a candy thermometer, aim for about 300°F (150°C, hard-crack stage). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small amount of syrup into very cold water — it should form hard, brittle threads.
5. Finish the syrup: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lime juice and a pinch of salt. Be careful — the syrup will bubble.
6. Combine with sesame seeds: Quickly add the toasted sesame seeds to the hot syrup and stir vigorously until every seed is evenly coated.
7. Form the brittle: Immediately pour the sesame-sugar mixture onto the prepared tray. Use an oiled spatula or the back of a spoon (or another sheet of parchment) to press the mixture into an even layer about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
8. Cool and cut: Let the sheet cool for a few minutes until it’s still pliable but not too hot, then score into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Allow to cool completely and harden, about 15–30 minutes.
9. Break or cut: Once fully cooled and set, break or cut along your scored lines into individual pieces.
10. Store: Keep ขนมงา in an airtight container with parchment between layers. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

Cooking Tips for ขนมงา

Working with hot sugar can be tricky, so these tips help beginners get great results:

• Use a candy thermometer if possible — it takes the guesswork out of sugar stages.
• Toast sesame seeds gently and watch them closely; they burn fast. Remove from heat as soon as they’re fragrant.
• Have all tools and your lined tray ready before you start the syrup — once the sugar reaches amber, you must move quickly.
• If the syrup crystallizes, you can try adding a splash more water and gently reheating, but avoid stirring vigorously.
• Make smaller batches if you’re nervous — sugar cools fast and is easier to manage in smaller amounts.
• For a softer chew, reduce the sugar slightly and add a tablespoon of honey, but expect a different texture.
• Wear oven mitts and be cautious — hot sugar causes severe burns. Keep kids away while making the syrup.

Nutritional Information for ขนมงา

Approximate nutrition per piece (if recipe makes 12 pieces):

• Calories: ~115–125 kcal
• Fat: ~6 g
• Carbohydrates: ~15 g (mostly sugars)
• Protein: ~2 g
• Fiber: ~1–1.5 g

Notes: These values are estimates. Sesame seeds are high in healthy fats, calcium, and minerals, while the sugar contributes most of the carbohydrates and calories. ขนมงา contains sesame — a common allergen.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade ขนมงา

ขนมงา is a simple, delicious Thai snack you can easily make at home. With toasted sesame seeds and caramelized sugar, this brittle delivers crunchy, nutty flavor that’s perfect for gifting, tea time, or a sweet finish after dinner. Follow the steps, take safety precautions with the hot sugar, and enjoy your homemade ขนมงา — a traditional treat with modern ease.