Sesame Oil

What Is Sesame Oil?

Sesame oil (Sesamum indicum) is a vegetable oil obtained by pressing sesame seeds. There are two main types: a light yellow, mildly sweet type produced by cold-pressing raw seeds, and a dark brown, intensely aromatic type obtained from roasted seeds.

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

Nutritional Value of Sesame Oil

Sesame oil, carrying about 884 kcal of energy per 100 grams, has a balanced fatty acid profile with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat ratios close to each other. It contains plant compounds with antioxidant properties like 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 information is general; sesame oil is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People allergic to sesame should not consume sesame oil.

How to Choose Sesame Oil?

When choosing sesame oil, the roasted or cold-pressed type should be selected according to the needs of the recipe.

• The roasted (dark) or cold-pressed (light) type should be chosen according to the recipe's needs.
• A dark bottle or tin packaging should be preferred; light degrades the aroma.
• A sharp, bitter smell may indicate the oil has gone stale.

How to Store Sesame Oil?

Sesame oil can be stored in a cool, dark cabinet; especially the roasted type stays fresh longer in the refrigerator once opened. It should be kept away from warm and humid environments.

Using Sesame Oil in the Kitchen

The light-colored cold-pressed sesame oil can be used for sautéing over medium heat, while the dark roasted type is usually added after cooking, since its intense aroma quickly evaporates with heat.

How Is Roasted Sesame Oil Used?

It is used by drizzling a few drops right after cooking is finished in Korean-style salads, soups, and sautés; if added too early, the roasted aroma evaporates and is lost.

Which Recipes Use Sesame Oil?

It is frequently used in Korean-style vegetable salads (namul), Chinese-style stir-fry and noodle recipes, marinades, and as a finishing touch in soups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sesame oil good for?

Sesame oil, with its balanced fatty acid profile and antioxidant compounds, is one of the oils considered part of a balanced diet. It is a food; it does not carry a claim to cure any disease.

Are sesame oil and tahini the same thing?

No. Sesame oil is a pure liquid oil obtained by pressing sesame seeds; tahini is a solid-particled paste obtained by grinding roasted sesame.

Can sesame oil be used for frying?

The light-colored cold-pressed type can be used at medium heat; the dark roasted type is not suitable for frying due to its low smoke point.

How should sesame oil be stored?

It can be stored in a cool, dark cabinet; especially the roasted type stays fresh longer in the refrigerator once opened.

Why is sesame oil's smell so strong?

Sesame oil obtained from roasted seeds carries the aromatic compounds formed during roasting intensely; this is the source of its characteristic strong smell.