Sesame Oil

Sesamum indicum Oil

Sesame Oil Oil

At a Glance

  • Category Oil

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlocking the Umami: Discover how sesame oil transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary flavor experiences."

Definition

An aromatic oil extracted from sesame seeds, widely used in Asian cuisine for its distinctive nutty flavor and fragrance.

Antioxidant Content Rich in sesamol & sesamin
Shelf Life (Opened) 6-12 months (refrigerated)
Smoke Point (Toasted) ~350°F (175°C)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Sesame Oil are:

Nutty Toasted Earthy Pungent (when toasted)

Chef’s Secret

For maximum impact, add toasted sesame oil *after* cooking, just before serving, to preserve its delicate aroma and prevent bitterness from high heat.

Best Substitutes

Toasted Peanut Oil

Ratio 1:1

Walnut Oil

Ratio 1:1

Light Olive Oil

for untoasted
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose dark, toasted varieties for intense flavor. Look for cold-pressed for better quality. Check for clear, sediment-free oil.

Recipes Using Sesame Oil

Main Dish Time To Make Fish Main Dish

Barbequed Snapper

This vibrant recipe brings the taste of the tropics to your table with succulent barbequed snapper and a refreshing pineapple salsa. Perfect for a summer dinner party or a casual weeknight meal, this recipe easily serves 2-4. Feel free to substitute similar firm white fish like cod or sea bass. Get ready for a flavor explosion! (Inspired by an Australian Women's Weekly recipe)

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Stove Top Cuisine Main Ingredient Stove Top

Asian Spaghetti Sauce

Craving a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner? This Asian Fusion Spaghetti Sauce is a delicious twist on classic spaghetti, combining the savory richness of ground turkey with the sweet and spicy notes of teriyaki sauce. This easy recipe uses pantry staples and comes together in under 30 minutes! Customize the spice level with chili flakes to your liking. Perfect for a family meal or a satisfying solo dinner.

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30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less Easy

Asian Cole Slaw With Tofu

A vibrant and refreshing Asian-inspired coleslaw featuring crispy tofu, crunchy peanuts, and fragrant herbs. Inspired by Tori Ritchie's recipe (Food Network), this quick and easy dish is perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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15 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Inexpensive 15 Minutes Or Less

Best Halibut Ever

This unbelievably delicious halibut recipe comes together in a flash! Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Pan-searing and broiling create a flaky, tender interior with a beautifully crisp exterior. Get ready to experience the best halibut you've ever tasted!

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Meat Vegetables Weeknight Cuisine

Asian Chicken Cashew Dish

This flavorful Asian Chicken Cashew Stir-Fry recipe delivers a savory and satisfying meal perfect for a busy weeknight. Inspired by a classic Chicago newspaper recipe, this dish boasts tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a vibrant sauce that's sure to become a family favorite. Easy to customize and adaptable to your preferred spice level, this recipe is a must-try for Asian cuisine enthusiasts!

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Broccoli Cuisine Main Ingredient Vegetables

Bean Curd With Broccoli

Delight your taste buds with this vibrant and healthy vegetarian stir-fry! Tender bean curd and crisp-tender broccoli are tossed in a savory sauce of soy, sesame, and a touch of wine. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Poultry Easy Lunch Poultry

Asian Turkey Burgers With Wasabi Sauce

Juicy Asian Turkey Burgers with a zesty Wasabi Mayo! This family-friendly recipe, adapted from Sara Moulton's weeknight meals, is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. We used a whole 32lb turkey to create these delicious patties, and you'll be amazed at how simple yet satisfying this recipe is. The fragrant blend of ginger, sesame oil, and cilantro will tantalize your taste buds, while the creamy wasabi mayo adds a delightful kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering!

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Salads Main Ingredient Spaghetti Time To Make

Asian Chicken Salad

Craving a vibrant and flavorful summer meal? This Asian Chicken Salad is your answer! Quick, easy, and adaptable for picnics or potlucks, this recipe elevates the classic with extra veggies and a zesty ginger kick. Perfectly balanced flavors, tender chicken, and crunchy noodles make this a crowd-pleaser you'll want to make again and again. Spice it up with chili oil and red pepper flakes for an extra kick! Ready in under 30 minutes.

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Diabetic Dietary Main Ingredient Low Sodium

Asparagus With Gingered Orange Sesame Dressing

Elevate your asparagus game with this vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired dressing! Inspired by Bon Appetit, this quick and easy recipe combines the freshness of asparagus with a zesty ginger-orange sesame sauce. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer.

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Summer 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Seasonal

Asian Cole Slaw With Tofu Shiitake Mushrooms

This vibrant Asian coleslaw is a flavor explosion! Crispy tofu and savory shiitake mushrooms are tossed with a zesty wasabi-lemon dressing and crunchy napa cabbage and bok choy. Make-ahead friendly – prep the marinade and veggies in advance! Perfect as a light meal, side dish, or potluck contribution. Get ready for a taste of spring!

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Occasion Number Of Servings Easy Cuisine

Beef Black Beans And Rice Noodles With Oyster Sauce

Inspired by renowned Australian chef Neil Perry's Wokpool Noodle Bar, this recipe delivers a vibrant and flavourful beef noodle stir-fry. Enjoy tender beef, savory black beans, and perfectly cooked rice noodles in a rich, salty-sweet oyster sauce. A touch of chili adds a delightful kick! Skip the mushrooms (unless you're a fan!), and discover the secret to unlocking the ultimate flavor: adding sesame oil at the very end. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Asian Asian Course Main Dish

Asian Flavoured Chicken Burgers Oamc

Quick & Easy Asian-Flavored Chicken Burgers! These light and flavorful patties are perfect for busy weeknights or hungry teen snacks. Freeze them for later and enjoy a healthy, delicious meal in minutes! Serve on fresh buns with shredded carrots, lettuce, cucumber, your favorite Asian sauce (satay, sweet chili, or wasabi mayo!), and sprouts for a flavor explosion.

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Time To Make Low Sodium Course Salad Dressings

Amanda's Ginger Orange Dressing

This vibrant and flavorful ginger orange dressing recipe comes from a cherished college memory! Originally a gallon-sized family recipe, we've scaled it down for your convenience. Perfect for slaws, salads, or as a marinade, this zingy dressing is unbelievably easy to make and keeps for months in the fridge. Get ready for a burst of fresh ginger, sweet orange, and a touch of spicy heat – a delicious and budget-friendly recipe you'll make again and again!

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Holiday Event Dinner Party Presentation Number Of Servings

Barbecue Pork Buns

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of authentic-looking barbecue pork buns! These sweet and savory buns boast a deliciously thick, homemade barbecue sauce and tender pork filling. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing meal, prepare them a day ahead or simply re-steam frozen buns for a quick 5-minute delight. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Seafood Dietary Finger Food Equipment

Shrimp Prawn San Choy Bau

Experience a taste of authentic Asian cuisine with this vibrant Shrimp Prawn San Choy Bau recipe! Succulent shrimp and prawns are stir-fried with aromatic ginger, garlic, and chili, then nestled into crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing and flavourful appetizer or light meal. Perfect for a birthday dinner, a Chinese feast, or any special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Serves 4-6 as an appetizer or 2-3 as a main course.

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Pasta Dietary Cuisine Low Saturated Fat

Asian Carryout Noodles

Craving delicious takeout? Make this restaurant-quality Asian Carryout Noodles recipe at home! This quick and easy recipe delivers savory, umami-rich flavors in just 45 minutes. Perfectly tender noodles tossed in a vibrant sauce with juicy chicken and crisp bok choy – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Number Of Servings Low In Something Dips Vegetarian

Baba Ganouj Eggplant Dip With Sesame Oil

Experience the rich flavors of the Middle East with this creamy Baba Ganoush recipe! A delectable eggplant and sesame dip/spread, this is a family favorite, perfected over generations. This variation of a cherished father's recipe boasts a smoky eggplant flavor beautifully enhanced by the nutty aroma of sesame oil. Perfect as a dip with pita bread, crudités, or as a flavorful spread on sandwiches.

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Beef Main Dish Main Ingredient Pasta Rice And Grains

Asian Meatballs With Rice Noodles

These flavorful Asian meatballs, bursting with fresh herbs and a touch of spice, are tossed with delicious rice noodles for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a tasty lunch, this recipe delivers an explosion of authentic Asian flavors. Inspired by a successful contest entry, this recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Easily adjustable spice level – reduce the chili for a milder dish. Discover the secret ingredient: sesame oil for extra noodle deliciousness! This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

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