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

Preparation One Dish Meal Copycat Occasion

Applebee's Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl

Recreate the irresistible Applebee's Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl at home! This recipe delivers tender, crispy chicken tossed in a vibrant orange sauce, served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables. A complete and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Course Chicken Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less

Asian Baked Chicken In Vinegar Sauce

This easy Asian baked chicken recipe is a family favorite! Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a sweet and tangy vinegar sauce, creating a flavorful and unforgettable dish. Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Impress your family with this delicious and surprisingly simple recipe!

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Time To Make Time To Make Preparation 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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Greens Asian Meat Fruit

Asian Chicken Salad With Glazed Pecans

Craving a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal? This Asian Chicken Salad with Maple-Glazed Pecans is your answer! Packed with fresh veggies, juicy chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option!), and crunchy, sweet maple-glazed pecans, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or satisfying dinner. The irresistible maple pecans take only 5 minutes to make, and the entire salad comes together in a flash. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Time To Make Low In Something Main Dish Preparation

Asian Creation

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired spaghetti dish! This recipe combines the best of Thai noodles and Chinese lo mein, featuring tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, sweet honey, fragrant ginger and cardamom, savory soy sauce, and a touch of spicy heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is easy to customize to your spice preference.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta Rice And Grains 30 Minutes Or Less Stove Top

Asian Flank Steak Stir Fry

Experience a taste of home with this vibrant Asian Flank Steak Stir-Fry! Tender flank steak is expertly seared and tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce, then combined with crisp-tender vegetables and your choice of rice noodles or angel hair pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend dinner. Find rice noodles in the Asian section of your grocery store, or easily substitute with angel hair pasta.

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North American Low In Something Low Carb Diabetic

Asian Grilled Salmon Low Carb Fabulous

This vibrant Asian-inspired grilled salmon recipe is perfect for a low-carb, diabetic-friendly diet. Marinated to perfection and grilled to flaky tenderness, this dish is bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! Impress your family and friends with this healthy and satisfying meal.

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Low Carb Main Ingredient Low In Something Course

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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Pasta 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course

Asian Shrimp And Pasta

A vibrant and flavorful Asian Shrimp Pasta recipe, inspired by Southern Living Magazine (May 2004). This quick and easy dish is perfect for seafood lovers! Enjoy succulent shrimp tossed in a zesty soy-ginger sauce with crunchy water chestnuts and fresh herbs over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under an hour!

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Time To Make Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less Preparation

Asian Slaw

This Asian slaw recipe is a crowd-pleaser! A vibrant mix of crunchy ramen noodles, shredded cabbage, carrots, and edamame tossed in a savory sesame ginger dressing. Toasted almonds and sesame seeds add extra texture and flavor. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a quick weeknight meal. Make the dressing ahead and toss just before serving to keep the slaw crisp and refreshing!

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Salad Dressings Asian Easy Time To Make

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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Time To Make Low Calorie Fruit Dietary

Asparagus And Cashew Stir Fry

This vibrant asparagus and cashew stir-fry is a quick and easy weeknight dinner side dish or light meal! The crunchy cashews and tender asparagus create a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Perfect alongside grilled fish, pork, chicken, or even as a standalone dish with added protein like chicken breast. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 15 minutes!

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Asparagus Dietary Low Cholesterol Preparation

Asparagus Cashew Stir Fry

This vibrant Asparagus Cashew Stir-Fry is a delicious and healthy weeknight meal ready in under 15 minutes! Tender asparagus spears meet crunchy cashews in a savory sauce, all served over fluffy rice. A perfect blend of textures and flavors that will quickly become a family favorite. #asparagus #cashew #stirfry #weeknightdinner #easyrecipe #healthyrecipe #asianinspired

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Dietary Easy Korean Course

Aunt Lee's Oriental Noodles

A quick and easy, healthy, and flavorful Korean-inspired noodle dish! This family favorite recipe, passed down from Aunt Lee, is bursting with savory aromas and satisfying textures. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Preparation Main Dish Time To Make Shrimp

Baked Ramen Noodles With Shrimp

Transform ordinary ramen into an extraordinary meal with this easy, 30-minute recipe! Inspired by Rachel Ray, this baked ramen with succulent shrimp is bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Crispy noodles, juicy shrimp, and a hint of savory goodness – get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Equipment 60 Minutes Or Less Easy Dinner Party

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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Course Main Dish Seafood 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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15 Minutes Or Less Course Cuisine 5 Ingredients Or Less

Bbq Basting Sauce Oriental Ginger

Elevate your grilling game with this quick and easy Oriental Ginger BBQ basting sauce! Perfect for pork, chicken, or even fish, this vibrant glaze delivers a burst of flavor in just 5 minutes. Impress your guests with a surprisingly simple recipe that's packed with delicious, zesty ginger notes. Easily customizable – add a kick with crushed chili flakes for extra heat! Triple the recipe for larger gatherings.

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