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

Inexpensive Spaghetti Chicken Eggs Dairy

Leftover Lo Mein For Two

Transform leftover noodles and veggies into a delicious and satisfying Lo Mein in just 9 minutes! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to flavorful, budget-friendly fun!

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Wings Preparation Course Dinner Party

Asian Barbecued Chicken Wings

Fire up the grill for these irresistible Asian Barbecued Chicken Wings! Sweet, savory, and spicy, this recipe is perfect for your next cookout or game day. Get ready for finger-licking good flavor in just 40 minutes! (Marinating time not included)

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Time To Make Preparation Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Asian Barbecued Pork Tenderloin

Experience a burst of Asian flavors with this succulent Barbecued Pork Tenderloin recipe, inspired by Marlene Koch's "Fantastic Food with Splenda." This recipe uses a rich and complex hoisin-based marinade (Koon Chun brand recommended) to create tender, flavorful pork perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The marinade infuses the pork with sweet, spicy, and savory notes, resulting in a dish that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Prep time doesn't include the essential marinating time, allowing you to tailor it to your schedule.

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Savory Seasonal Taste Mood Asian

Asian Chicken Or Turkey Crispy Lettuce Wraps

Craving a vibrant and flavorful meal? These Asian Chicken or Turkey Crispy Lettuce Wraps are bursting with deliciousness! Juicy ground chicken or turkey, mixed with savory teriyaki, peanut butter, and a hint of spice, is perfectly nestled in crisp lettuce cups. A quick and easy weeknight dinner, these wraps are also incredibly adaptable – leftover rice can be added to the filling for extra heartiness. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and refreshing!

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Dietary Christmas Fruit Salads

Asian Citrus Salad

Brighten your holiday table or any weeknight meal with this vibrant Asian Citrus Salad! Featuring juicy blood oranges (if in season!), grapefruit, and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Adapted from Vegetarian Times magazine, this salad is a refreshing and healthy addition to your menu. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Preparation Cuisine 3 Steps Or Less Easy

Asian Ginger Dressing

Whip up this vibrant Asian Ginger Dressing in just 5 minutes! Perfect for crunchy cabbage salads, this incredibly yummy dressing also elevates any fresh raw vegetables. The zesty ginger and sweet honey create a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to experience a taste sensation!

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Main Ingredient Pork Meat Main Ingredient

Asian Inspired Pulled Pork Shoulder For Tacos Or Sliders

Craving incredible, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork? This slow cooker recipe delivers Asian-fusion flavor in a fraction of the time! Inspired by classic char siu, but with a unique twist, this recipe transforms a pork shoulder into tender, juicy perfection. Perfect for tacos, sliders, or enjoying on its own! Easy, delicious, and ready in just under 8 hours.

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Course Asian 15 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Asian Marinade

Elevate your grilling game with this vibrant Asian-inspired marinade! A secret ingredient—fresh rosemary—infuses your meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables with an unforgettable, aromatic depth. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressive gatherings, this marinade delivers a burst of flavor in just minutes. Marinate and grill for an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Main Ingredient Low In Something High Protein 60 Minutes Or Less

Asian Pork Tenderloin

This Asian Pork Tenderloin recipe is a flavor explosion! Light, healthy, and incredibly tasty, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy pork tenderloin gets glazed with a sweet and savory honey-soy marinade, then baked to perfection. Ready in under an hour, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite! #AsianPorkTenderloin #HealthyRecipe #PorkTenderloin #HoneySoy #WeeknightDinner

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3 Steps Or Less Course Asian Easy

Asian Salad Dressing Yum

Whip up this incredibly easy and delicious Asian salad dressing in just 10 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a vibrant potluck contribution. Sweet, savory, and tangy, this dressing is guaranteed to elevate your salad game. Try it with chow mein noodles and mandarin oranges for an extra special treat!

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Preparation Vegetarian Dinner Party Occasion

Asian Vinaigrette

Experience the vibrant flavors of Asia with this quick and easy Asian Vinaigrette recipe! Perfect for salads, spring rolls, or as a marinade, this recipe from Paderno's website bursts with fresh ginger, garlic, and a zesty lime. Elevate your dishes with this authentic and delicious dressing in just minutes!

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Course No Cook Easy Course

Asian Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

Whip up this light and tangy Asian Vinaigrette in just 10 minutes! A simple recipe easily customized to your taste, it's perfect for adding a vibrant zing to your favorite salads. Swap honey for sugar, add a kick of wasabi, or experiment with different oils – the possibilities are endless! This versatile dressing is equally delicious with sesame oil or a lighter olive oil.

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15 Minutes Or Less Number Of Servings Cuisine 15 Minutes Or Less

Asian American Confetti

Vibrant and flavorful Asian American Confetti Salad! This picnic-perfect dish bursts with color and a delightful mix of savory ingredients. Easy to prepare and even better chilled, it's the ideal side dish or light meal for any occasion. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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Preparation Low Carb Preparation Time To Make

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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Taste Mood Equipment Dinner Party Vegetables

Asian Style Wild Rice And Chicken Or Turkey Salad

This vibrant Asian-inspired wild rice salad is packed with protein and fresh veggies! Perfect for a light lunch, potluck, or weeknight dinner. Marinate in a zesty ginger-soy dressing for maximum flavor. Serves 3-4 (easily doubled). Plan ahead – chilling enhances the taste!

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Low Cholesterol Course Occasion Low Calorie

Asparagus With Sesame Oil Vinaigrette

Award-winning recipe! This vibrant asparagus dish, a San Francisco Chronicle runner-up (1987), features a luscious sesame oil vinaigrette. The high-quality sesame oil is key – use fresh, premium oil for the best flavor. Perfectly complements grilled salmon, steak, or chicken. Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. Easily adaptable – try with green beans or other tender vegetables! A quick, elegant side dish ready in minutes.

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Easy Equipment

Baked Wrapped Tilapia

Indulge in this spicy-sweet Baked Wrapped Tilapia, a recipe rumored to be Tori Amos' favorite! This crowd-pleasing dish features flaky tilapia fillets nestled in fragrant, flavorful toppings and baked to perfection in parchment paper (banana leaves recommended, but parchment works great!). Served with coconut rice, it's a delightful and easy weeknight meal your whole family will love. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Summer Main Dish High In Something Seasonal

Bek's Grilled Mahi Mahi Fillets In Soy Ginger Marinade Oamc

Savor the summer with this delightful Asian-inspired grilled Mahi Mahi recipe! Our mild soy ginger marinade perfectly complements the delicate flavor of the fish, creating a vibrant and refreshing dish. This recipe is easily adaptable – feel free to experiment with different mild fish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a sophisticated summer barbecue. Pro-tip from Chef Bek S: Double or triple the marinade and freeze portions for future culinary adventures!

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