Sesame Oil

What Is Sesame Oil?

Sesame oil (Sesamum indicum) is a vegetable oil made by pressing sesame seeds. There are two main types: a pale yellow, mild, slightly sweet oil made by cold-pressing raw seeds, and a dark brown, strongly aromatic oil made from roasted seeds.

Dark roasted sesame oil is especially used in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines as a finishing ingredient that adds a distinctive aroma.

Sesame Oil Nutrition Facts

At approximately 884 kcal per 100 g, sesame oil has a balanced fatty acid profile, with similar proportions of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. It contains plant compounds with antioxidant properties, such as sesamol and sesamin.

What Are the Benefits of Sesame Oil?

With its balanced fatty acid profile and plant-based antioxidants, sesame oil is one of the oils considered part of a balanced diet; research on these compounds is ongoing.

This is general information; sesame oil is a food and does not replace medical treatment. People with sesame allergies should not consume sesame oil.

How to Choose Sesame Oil

When choosing sesame oil, select roasted or cold-pressed oil according to the needs of the recipe.

• Choose roasted (dark) or cold-pressed (pale) oil according to the recipe.
• Choose a dark bottle or tin; light can damage the aroma.
• A sharp, bitter smell may mean the oil has gone rancid.

How to Store Sesame Oil

Sesame oil can be stored in a cool, dark cupboard; roasted sesame oil in particular stays fresh longer in the refrigerator after opening. Keep it away from hot and humid places.

Using Sesame Oil in the Kitchen

Pale cold-pressed sesame oil can be used for sautéing over medium heat, while dark roasted sesame oil is usually added after cooking because its strong aroma dissipates quickly with heat.

How to Use Roasted Sesame Oil

In Korean-style salads, soups, and stir-fries, drizzle on a few drops immediately after cooking; if added earlier, its roasted aroma evaporates and is lost.

What Recipes Use Sesame Oil?

It is often used in Korean-style vegetable salads (namul), Chinese-style stir-fries and noodle dishes, marinades, and as a finishing touch for soups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sesame oil good for?

With its balanced fatty acid profile and antioxidant compounds, sesame oil is one of the oils considered part of a balanced diet. It is a food and is not claimed to cure any disease.

Is sesame oil the same as tahini?

No. Sesame oil is a pure liquid oil obtained by pressing sesame seeds; tahini is a paste with solid particles, made by grinding roasted sesame seeds.

Can sesame oil be used for frying?

The pale cold-pressed type can be used over medium heat; the dark roasted type is not suitable for frying because of its low smoke point.

How should sesame oil be stored?

It can be stored in a cool, dark cupboard; after opening, the roasted type in particular stays fresh longer in the refrigerator.

Why does sesame oil have such a strong aroma?

Sesame oil made from roasted seeds carries concentrated aromatic compounds formed during roasting; these are the source of its characteristic strong aroma.