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

Low In Something Appetizers Low Fat Dietary

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!

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Easy Course Time To Make

Asian Broth With Tofu And Rice

This vibrant Asian broth is a culinary delight! Ready in just 20 minutes, this light and healthy recipe from Cooking Light (January 2001) features tender silken tofu, fragrant rice, and a zesty soy-vinegar dressing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the ease and delicious flavors!

See Complete Recipe
Equipment Winter Main Dish Grains

Baked Pumpkin With Herbed Barley And Chickpeas

Warm up your autumn with this delightful Baked Pumpkin with Herbed Barley and Chickpeas! This hearty and flavorful recipe features a roasted pumpkin filled with a savory blend of herbed barley, chickpeas, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a cozy fall or winter dinner, this visually stunning dish is as delicious as it is beautiful. Easy to follow instructions make it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.

See Complete Recipe
Stove Top Ground Beef Easy Cuisine

Asian Sauced Meatballs

These easy Asian Sauced Meatballs are bursting with flavor! Use your favorite meatball recipe (beef, pork, chicken – it's your choice!) and toss them in a vibrant, savory sauce. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Nuts Occasion Pasta Rice And Grains Summer

Asian Ramen Salad With Chicken

Craving a vibrant and flavorful meal? This Asian Ramen Salad with Chicken is packed with crunchy textures and a zesty, tangy dressing that will tantalize your taste buds! Save precious time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. This recipe combines the satisfying crunch of ramen noodles with fresh vegetables and a delicious Asian-inspired dressing. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Main Dish To Go Main Ingredient

Asian Noodles And Broccoli

Quick and easy Asian Noodles and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe, ready in under 30 minutes! This vibrant dish features crunchy broccoli, perfectly cooked noodles, and a savory sesame-soy sauce. Inspired by our April/May 2001 newsletter, this recipe is a timeless classic.

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Dietary One Dish Meal 3 Steps Or Less

Asian Curried Sesame Peanut Butter Noodles With Shanghai Tips

Indulge in a whirlwind of flavor with our Asian Curried Sesame Peanut Butter Noodles! This 25-minute recipe features sweet and savory noodles tossed in a creamy, irresistible peanut butter sauce infused with aromatic curry and sesame. Add your choice of protein – tender chicken or savory sausage – to create a complete and satisfying one-dish meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend treat!

See Complete Recipe
Course Course Roast Meat

Asian Marinated Rack Of Lamb

Impress your guests with this succulent Asian Marinated Rack of Lamb, adapted from the Junior League of Seattle Cookbook! This elegant recipe features a flavorful marinade that tenderizes the lamb to perfection. The 24-hour marination ensures maximum flavor absorption, resulting in a juicy and aromatic dish. Serve with your favorite sides like rice pilaf, creamy polenta, or a vibrant green salad for a complete and unforgettable meal.

See Complete Recipe
Scandinavian Main Ingredient Cuisine European

Baked Salmon With Green Onion Garnish

This vibrant Baked Salmon with Zesty Green Onion Garnish is the perfect summer recipe! Flaky salmon fillets are baked to perfection and topped with a bright, refreshing green onion garnish. A creamy yogurt sauce adds a cool and tangy counterpoint to the rich salmon. Easily adaptable for grilling, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Serving size is approximately 5 ounces of salmon and 2 tablespoons of yogurt sauce per person – adjust ingredients as needed for larger appetites.

See Complete Recipe
30 Minutes Or Less Low In Something Summer Grilling

Asian Marinated Flank Steak

Experience a flavor explosion with this Asian Marinated Flank Steak! A fragrant marinade of soy sauce, honey, and warming nutmeg creates a sweet, salty, and tangy masterpiece. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, this recipe is a culinary adventure. Serve with steamed sugar snap peas and your choice of rice or soba noodles for a complete and satisfying Asian-inspired meal. (Marinating time: 24 hours, not included in prep time)

See Complete Recipe
Appetizers Dietary Course 30 Minutes Or Less

Asian Beef Kabobs

Fire up the grill or broiler for these irresistible Asian Beef Kabobs! Tender beef marinated in a savory blend of brown sugar, sherry, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Perfect as an appetizer for 16 or a satisfying main course for 4. Get ready for a flavor explosion from the Texas Beef Council!

See Complete Recipe
Grains Course 4 Hours Or Less Low Saturated Fat

Barley Shiitake And Spinach Pilaf

Discover this unique barley recipe, unearthed from a vintage vegetarian magazine! Unlike typical barley soups, this pilaf boasts a delightful combination of chewy barley, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and vibrant spinach. A simple yet elegant side dish or satisfying vegetarian main course, ready in under 80 minutes.

See Complete Recipe
Dinner Party Dinner Party Course Preparation

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.

See Complete Recipe
Meat 15 Minutes Or Less Beef Free Of Something

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!

See Complete Recipe
Vegetables Main Ingredient Inexpensive Lunch

Asian Warm Chicken Cole Slaw

This vibrant Asian Warm Chicken Coleslaw, found in Family Circle magazine, is a light, flavorful, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breast is marinated in a zesty soy-ginger dressing, then pan-seared to perfection. It's tossed with crisp coleslaw and vibrant snow peas for a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!

See Complete Recipe
Meat Preparation Pork 30 Minutes Or Less

Asian Noodles With Vegetables And Shredded Pork

A quick and easy 20-minute Asian noodle recipe bursting with flavor! Tender shredded pork, crisp-tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce. This 5-point recipe is packed with deliciousness and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

See Complete Recipe
Asian Salmon Cuisine Saltwater Fish

Asian Salmon Burgers

Delectable Asian Salmon Burgers bursting with flavor! This recipe, inspired by Prevention magazine, features juicy salmon patties packed with fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions, then pan-fried to perfection. Topped with sesame seeds and served on buns with vibrant spinach and pickled ginger, it's a healthy and delicious weeknight meal.

See Complete Recipe
Low Carb 60 Minutes Or Less Thai High In Something

Asian Lemon Grass Pork

Fire up your grill for these irresistible Asian Lemon Grass Pork Skewers! A quick and easy recipe, perfect as a delicious appetizer for your next party or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender pork marinated in a vibrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, and Asian flavors will tantalize your taste buds. Ready in under an hour!

See Complete Recipe