Dark Sesame Oil

Sesamum indicum (toasted seed oil) Oils & Flavorings

Dark Sesame Oil Oils & Flavorings

At a Glance

  • Category Oils & Flavorings

The Forktionary Angle

"The potent, nutty secret weapon for instantly imparting deep, complex Asian flavors to any dish."

Definition

An intensely aromatic oil made from toasted sesame seeds, primarily used as a flavoring agent in Asian cuisine, not for high-heat cooking.

Aroma Intensity Very high, few drops suffice
Primary Use Finishing Oil & Flavoring (90%)
Smoke Point Low (around 350°F / 175°C)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Dark Sesame Oil are:

Nutty smoky intense earthy

Chef’s Secret

Add dark sesame oil at the very end of cooking, just before serving, to preserve its delicate aroma and prevent bitterness from high heat.

Best Substitutes

Light Sesame Oil

less intense
Ratio 1:1

Peanut Oil

for nutty flavor, less intense
Ratio 1:1

Walnut Oil

for nuttiness, use sparingly
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for "toasted" or "dark" on the label. Store in a cool, dark place to prevent rancidity.

Recipes Using Dark Sesame Oil

Taste Mood Taste Mood Spicy Time To Make

African Chicken Peanut Soup

Impress your guests with this quick and flavorful African Chicken Peanut Soup! A zesty blend of savory chicken, creamy peanut butter, and warming spices creates a vibrant dish ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. (Spice level: Medium-High)

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Main Dish Course Easy Main Ingredient

Asian Beef Skewers 3 Points

Craving restaurant-quality teriyaki beef? These 3-Point Weight Watchers Asian Beef Skewers deliver! Juicy marinated beef, grilled to perfection, and bursting with flavor. Serve with rice and your favorite dipping sauce (Chinese mustard, duck sauce, or soy sauce) for a healthy and satisfying meal. Inspired by the Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook.

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Poultry Dietary Low Fat Low Carb

Asian Chicken Kabobs

These mouthwatering Asian Chicken Kabobs are bursting with flavor! Tender chicken and vibrant vegetables marinated in a savory soy, sherry, and garlic mixture, then grilled to perfection. Serve these delicious skewers over fluffy seasoned rice or couscous for a complete and unforgettable meal. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue!

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High In Something Time To Make High Protein Grilling

Asian Grilled Pork Chops

Fire up the grill for these incredibly flavorful Asian Grilled Pork Chops! Quick to marinate and cook, these juicy chops are glazed with a delicious soy-ginger-brown sugar sauce. Serve with your favorite steamed veggies and rice for a complete and satisfying Asian-inspired meal. Ready in under an hour!

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Healthy 60 Minutes Or Less Shellfish Dietary

Asian Noodles With Asparagus And Shrimp

Quick and easy recipe for light and flavorful Asian noodles with tender asparagus and juicy shrimp. Ready in under an hour! This vibrant dish is packed with fresh flavors and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Inexpensive Beginner Cook Inexpensive Low Saturated Fat

Asian Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian pasta salad inspired by Asian cuisine! This quick and easy recipe, originally from Karen C. Greenlee and featured in the Zaar World Tour 2005, is perfect for a light lunch, weeknight dinner, or potluck contribution. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful mix of textures and tastes in under an hour!

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Main Ingredient Beef For 1 Or 2 Cuisine

Asian Skirt Steak

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly flavorful Asian Grilled Skirt Steak! This recipe is surprisingly easy – simply marinate, grill, and reduce the marinade into a vibrant dipping sauce. The result? A juicy, perfectly charred steak bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. Get ready for a flavor explosion! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressive dinner party.

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Dietary Soy Tofu Low Cholesterol Lunch

Asian Style Savory Baked Tofu

Transform ordinary tofu into an irresistible Asian-inspired dish! This recipe delivers incredibly flavorful, crispy baked tofu that will even convert tofu skeptics. The secret? A flavorful marinade and thorough pressing to remove excess moisture. Get ready for a culinary adventure that's both easy and incredibly rewarding. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. Inspired by the Sunday Moosewood Cookbook.

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Side Dishes 30 Minutes Or Less Stove Top Cuisine

Asian Sweet And Spicy Noodles Vegetarian

Craving a vibrant and flavorful noodle dish? This Asian Sweet & Spicy Vegetarian Noodles recipe is a game-changer! Quick, easy, and incredibly versatile, it's perfect for a weeknight meal or a make-ahead picnic. The sweet and spicy sauce, featuring honey, rice wine vinegar, and chili garlic sauce, coats perfectly cooked spaghetti, creating a symphony of tastes. Loaded with colorful veggies like baby corn, chestnuts, bell peppers, and peas, this recipe is both satisfying and healthy. Add protein like shrimp or chicken to make it a complete meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Condiments Etc Dietary Occasion Low Saturated Fat

Asian Lime Sauce For Grilling And Dipping

Elevate your grilling game with this vibrant Asian Lime Sauce! Perfect for brushing onto ribs during grilling for an explosion of juicy, tangy flavor, or serve it on the side as a delicious dipping sauce. This quick and easy recipe, inspired by a magazine favorite, adds a zesty twist to any grilled meat.

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Turkey Meat Low Fat Healthy

Baked Egg Rolls

Crispy baked egg rolls bursting with flavor! This lighter take on a classic appetizer features savory turkey, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dipping sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack. Get ready for a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried egg rolls!

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Healthy Low Calorie Chicken Spaghetti

Baked Sesame Chicken Noodles

Craving a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dinner? This Baked Sesame Chicken Noodles casserole is your answer! Ready in under an hour, this easy recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory sesame sauce. A perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and delicious!

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Dinner Party One Dish Meal Poultry Low In Something

Barefoot Chinese Chicken Salad

Ina Garten's sensational Chinese Chicken Salad recipe! This vibrant and refreshing salad features tender shredded chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and colorful bell peppers tossed in a luscious homemade sesame ginger dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, weeknight dinner, or a potluck contribution – get ready to impress!

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Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains 60 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Barefoot Contessa's Crunchy Noodle Salad

Ina Garten's vibrant Crunchy Noodle Salad recipe, inspired by her cookbook Barefoot Contessa at Home. This easy-to-make recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed with crisp sugar snap peas, a zesty peanut sesame dressing, and fresh herbs. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Asian Cuisine Main Ingredient For 1 Or 2

Beef In Hot Garlic Sauce

Sizzle into flavor with this quick and easy Beef in Hot Garlic Sauce recipe! Tender beef strips and fresh spinach are stir-fried to perfection in a fragrant garlic sauce. A perfect weeknight meal ready in under 20 minutes!

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