Oil | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Paleo

Sesame Oil

Sesamum indicum Allergens: Sesame
sesame oil

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Pedaliaceae
  • Primary Cuisine East Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Sesame Seeds

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

An edible vegetable oil derived from sesame seeds, prized for its distinctive nutty aroma and flavor, especially in Asian cuisines.

Sensory Profile

TasteNutty,Umami
TextureSmooth,Viscous
AromaToasted,Nutty,Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Antioxidant Content

Rich in sesamol & sesamin

Shelf Life (Opened)

6-12 months (refrigerated)

Smoke Point (Toasted)

~350°F (175°C)

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (14g)
Calories900 kcal
Total Fat100 g
Saturated Fat14 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate0 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium0 mg
Iron0 mg
Potassium0 mg

Chef’s Secret

Use toasted sesame oil sparingly as a finishing oil to add depth and aroma, reserving lighter sesame oil for cooking at higher temperatures.

Substitutions

Best Match

Peanut Oil

1:1

Offers a similar nutty flavor profile, suitable for stir-fries and dressings.

Walnut Oil

1:1

Has a distinct nutty flavor, best used in dressings or as a finishing oil.

Toasted Almond Oil

1:1

Provides a subtle nutty taste, good for dressings and light cooking.

Vegetable Oil + Toasted Sesame Seeds

1:1

To get some sesame flavor, toast seeds in a neutral oil like canola or grapeseed.

Buying Guide

Choose between light (unrefined) for cooking or dark (toasted) for finishing. Store in a cool, dark place.

Flavor Pairings

Stir-fries Noodles Dressings Marinades Roasted vegetables Asian dishes

Recipes Using Sesame Oil

Chicken Eggs Meat Kid Friendly

Leftover Lo Mein For Two

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Angry Edamame

Spicy, savory, and unbelievably addictive! This Angry Edamame recipe delivers a fiery kick with a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 30 minutes!

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Salads Vegan Vegetables Dietary

Asian Cabbage Salad With Fresh Pea Pods

This vibrant Asian Cabbage Salad with Fresh Pea Pods is a quick and easy recipe perfect for a light lunch or side dish. Made with the freshest vegetables (ideally from your local Sav-on/Albertsons!), this recipe bursts with flavor and texture. The crunchy cabbage and refreshing pea pods are complemented by a zesty Asian-inspired dressing. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Easy Main Dish Poultry Low Saturated Fat

Asian Chicken And Noodles

Craving a delicious and authentic Asian-inspired meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This recipe delivers! Ready in just 20 minutes, this vibrant Asian Chicken and Noodles dish is your new weeknight go-to. Perfectly tender chicken, flavorful noodles, and crisp-tender veggies combine for a satisfying and quick dinner. Prep ahead by cutting the chicken the night before for an even faster weeknight meal!

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Cuisine Course Asian 15 Minutes Or Less

Asian Chili Garlic Sauce

Unlock the secret flavor of a popular San Francisco Asian restaurant! This recipe delivers a generous batch of intensely flavorful chili garlic sauce. Perfect for dipping dumplings, noodles, or adding a fiery kick to your favorite stir-fry. Easily scaled down for smaller needs, or enjoy the deliciousness for up to two weeks in the fridge.

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Asian Plum Sauce

Ignite your taste buds with this explosive Asian Plum Sauce! Sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory, this vibrant sauce is the perfect complement to fried tofu, chicken, or pork. Imagine the juicy plum flavor mingling with a hint of chili heat, all balanced by a touch of salty umami. Garnish with fresh scallions for an extra burst of freshness. This homemade sauce is a game-changer for your weeknight meals and a delightful gift for fellow food lovers!

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Main Ingredient Cuisine Salmon Low Carb

Asian Salmon Skewers With Peanut Butter Sauce

Fire up your grill or skillet for these irresistible Asian Salmon Skewers! Marinated in a vibrant blend of Asian flavors, then grilled to perfection, these skewers are juicy and bursting with taste. The creamy peanut butter sauce adds the perfect touch of richness and sweetness. This recipe is easily adaptable – use chicken instead of salmon for a delicious variation. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue!

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Main Ingredient Cuisine Main Ingredient Appetizers

Asian Steamed Dumpling Filling

Unlock the secrets to unbelievably delicious Asian steamed dumplings with this chef-inspired recipe! Learned from a Benihana chef, this versatile filling works wonders with ground pork (classic!), succulent shrimp (a luxurious treat!), or lean ground turkey (our personal favorite!). Get ready to impress your family and friends with these juicy, flavorful dumplings – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Healthy Time To Make Kosher Low Fat

Asian Style Couscous

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired couscous recipe ready in under 30 minutes! This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a light lunch. Enjoy tender couscous infused with the aromatic flavors of ginger, garlic, and scallions, making it a delicious and healthy option.

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Time To Make Dietary Time To Make Preparation

Asian Style Kale

Discover the vibrant flavors of this Asian-inspired kale recipe! Using tender black kale (dino kale) or curly scotch kale, this dish is packed with nutrients and ready in under 20 minutes. Learn how to easily prepare this delicious and economical meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is adapted from Northern Virginia cooking instructor Robyn Webb and celebrates the incredible versatility of kale.

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Dietary Course Technique Chicken

Asian Style Pork And Broccoli In Garlic Sauce

This sizzling Asian-inspired dish is a flavor explosion! Tender pork (or chicken!) is stir-fried to perfection with crisp-tender broccoli, mushrooms, and a rich, savory garlic sauce. Double the recipe for a crowd-pleasing meal – it's that good! Easily adaptable to your taste, this recipe is quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious. Get ready for a taste of authentic Asian flavors in just 30 minutes!

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Main Ingredient Stove Top Asian Asparagus

Asparagus With Cashews

This vibrant recipe delivers a quick and easy weeknight meal! Crisp-tender asparagus spears are tossed with savory cashews, fragrant ginger, and earthy mushrooms in a flavorful soy sauce. Best prepared in a wok for maximum flavor, but easily adaptable to a high-sided skillet. This delicious side dish complements any protein, from chicken and fish to tofu and steak. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes!

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Course Cuisine Time To Make South West Pacific

Aussie Shrimp On The Barbie With Orange Ginger Sauce

Sizzle and savor the taste of Australia with this vibrant shrimp recipe! Succulent shrimp are marinated in a bright orange-ginger glaze, then grilled to perfection on the barbie. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend BBQ. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Main Dish Cuisine Appetizers Side Dishes

Awesome Egg Rolls

Conquer your weeknight dinner routine with this unbelievably easy egg roll recipe! Even picky eaters will gobble these up, transforming cabbage haters into enthusiastic fans. Get ready for rave reviews – these addictive egg rolls are guaranteed to be a new family favorite! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend project.

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Beginner Cook Easy Beginner Cook Australian

Barbecue Sesame Prawns Shrimp

Fire up your BBQ for these succulent, sesame-glazed prawns! This recipe, inspired by the Australian Barbecue Kettle Cookbook, delivers a mouthwatering marinade that infuses your shrimp with incredible flavor. Perfect for a summer feast or a quick weeknight meal, these prawns are ready in under 30 minutes (excluding marinating time). Get ready for a taste of Aussie BBQ magic!

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Chicken Time To Make

Barbecued Sesame Chicken Breasts

Fire up your grill for these irresistible Barbecued Sesame Chicken Breasts! Our unique marinade delivers a burst of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavor in just 25 minutes. Tender chicken breasts get a delicious char on the grill, then are basted with a rich, flavorful sesame sauce. A simple recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue!

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Main Dish Grains

Barley And Sesame Chicken Stir Fry

This quick and easy 20-minute Barley and Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry recipe from Lorna Sass's "Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way" is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe uses leftover cooked barley (or your favorite grain!) and pre-sliced chicken for ultimate convenience. The savory sesame sauce, crunchy vegetables, and tender chicken create a delicious and satisfying stir-fry that's sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with a crisp Chenin Blanc for the ultimate culinary experience!

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Basic Fried Rice With Variations

Master the art of fried rice with this versatile recipe! Learned from a Chinese cooking class, this fundamental fried rice provides a base for endless customization. Choose your favorite protein and veggies to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Explore exciting flavor combinations – from classic beef and peppers to unique chicken and bamboo shoot creations. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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