Sesame Seeds

Sesamum indicum Seed

Sesame Seeds Seed

At a Glance

  • Category Seed

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond the Bun: Explore the ancient versatility of sesame seeds, from flavor enhancer to nutrient powerhouse in global cuisine."

Definition

Small, flat, oily seeds used whole or ground to add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to a variety of sweet and savory dishes.

Calcium (Unshelled) ~975 mg per 100g
Global Production (2022) ~7.6 million tons
Protein Content ~18g per 100g

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Sesame Seeds are:

Nutty Earthy Slightly Sweet (when toasted)

Chef’s Secret

To bring out their full aroma and flavor, dry-toast sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring constantly.

Best Substitutes

Poppy Seeds

for texture/garnish
Ratio 1:1

Toasted Sunflower Seeds

for nuttiness
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Purchase in bulk from high-turnover stores. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place or refrigerate/freeze to extend shelf life.

Recipes Using Sesame Seeds

Cuisine Cuisine Course Asian

Barefoot Chinese Chicken Salad

Ina Garten's sensational Chinese Chicken Salad recipe! This vibrant and refreshing salad features tender shredded chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and colorful bell peppers tossed in a luscious homemade sesame ginger dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, weeknight dinner, or a potluck contribution – get ready to impress!

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Cuisine Technique Diabetic Main Ingredient

Bhutanese Chile Chicken With Red Rice

Experience the fiery flavors of the Himalayas with this Bhutanese-inspired chicken stir-fry! This healthier twist on a classic recipe uses whole-grain red rice for extra fiber and reduces sodium and fat. Customize the heat with your favorite chili—jalapenos, Thai chilis, or even ghost peppers for the truly adventurous. A vibrant and flavorful dish ready in under an hour!

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Time To Make Asian Beef Cuisine

Asian Fire Beef

Experience the explosive flavors of Asia with this incredibly easy and delicious Chinese Fire Beef recipe! This vibrant stir-fry offers a refreshing twist on traditional beef dishes, delivering a fiery kick with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. (Marinating time not included in cook time.)

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Main Ingredient Condiments Etc Main Ingredient Time To Make

Asian Style Chicken Marinade

Quick & easy Asian-inspired chicken marinade recipe! Ready in 5 minutes, this simple marinade delivers incredible flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick grilling session. Impress your family with restaurant-quality chicken without the fuss!

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Chicken Time To Make Course Preparation

Chicken On Pasta With Spicy Asian Style Sauce

Craving a flavor explosion? This Spicy Asian Peanut Chicken & Linguine recipe from Bon Appetit magazine delivers! A creamy, spicy peanut sauce coats tender chicken and perfectly cooked linguine. Quick, easy, and bursting with authentic Asian flavors – perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Asian High Protein Preparation Low Carb

Barbecued Beef Pulgogi

Experience the rich, savory flavors of authentic Korean BBQ with this easy-to-follow Barbecued Beef Bulgogi recipe! Tender slices of marinated beef are broiled to perfection, creating a mouthwatering dish ready in under 30 minutes. Serve with your favorite Korean side dishes for a complete and unforgettable meal.

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Asparagus Side Dishes Vegetarian 5 Ingredients Or Less

Asian Inspired Asparagus

Whip up this flavorful Asian-inspired asparagus side dish in just 21 minutes! A quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, boasting bright, fresh flavors that will complement any main course. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Brunch Side Dishes Salads Taste Mood

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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Dinner Party Preparation Time To Make Taste Mood

Beer And Sriracha Marinated Beef Lettuce Cups

Experience a flavor explosion with these Beer & Sriracha Marinated Beef Lettuce Cups! This umami-rich recipe combines savory marinated beef with vibrant fresh vegetables and a spicy-sweet sriracha kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible taste. Marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 for maximum flavor!), then sear to perfection. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Salad Dressings Salad Dressings Holiday Event Dinner Party

Asian Slaw With Spicy Thai Vinaigrette

Craving a flavor explosion? This Asian slaw, inspired by Joe's Farm Grill in Gilbert, Arizona (featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!), is bursting with vibrant flavors and a spicy kick. This isn't your average slaw – it's a culinary adventure! We've adapted Guy Fieri's recipe to bring you the most amazing, restaurant-quality slaw you can make at home. Get ready for perfectly balanced sweet, sour, and spicy notes in every crunchy bite! Perfect as a side dish for burgers, grilled meats, or even as a light meal on its own.

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Easy For Large Groups Number Of Servings 60 Minutes Or Less

Artichoke French Bread

This crowd-pleasing Artichoke French Bread is ridiculously easy to make and always a party favorite! Imagine warm, cheesy artichoke goodness baked inside a crispy French bread shell. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Low In Something Weeknight Time To Make Low Cholesterol

Asparagus Strawberry Salad

A vibrant and surprisingly delicious salad! Sweet strawberries meet crisp asparagus in a creamy poppy seed dressing, topped with crumbly blue cheese. This unique recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a stunning appetizer. Prep time includes chilling for optimal flavor.

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Inexpensive Technique Asian White Rice

Best Of The Best Fried Rice

Craving restaurant-quality fried rice without the hassle? This recipe combines the best elements from top-rated recipes, delivering a simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish in just 25 minutes! Using readily available ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Get ready to experience the ultimate fried rice!

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Vegetarian Course Dietary Vegetarian

Almond Sesame Nut Roast With Mushroom Onion Sauce

This sensational vegetarian nut roast, inspired by a rare vegetarian cookbook, is a game-changer. Forget bland tofu loaves – this recipe delivers incredible flavor and texture. Packed with almonds, sesame seeds, and herbs, the roast is baked to perfection and then topped with a decadent mushroom-onion sauce (easily adaptable for mushroom-free diets!). Impress your dinner guests with this show-stopping centerpiece, perfect for a holiday gathering or a special weeknight meal. Even without the mushrooms (ketchup works too!), it's unbelievably delicious!

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One Dish Meal One Dish Meal Broccoli Asian

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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Vegan Beginner Cook Free Of Something Time To Make

Berry Breakfast Power Bar

Fuel your family with these delicious and healthy Berry Breakfast Power Bars! Wheat-free, dairy-free, and egg-free, these bars are perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking for a quick and easy energy boost. Created by a mom for her health-conscious teen, these bars are a kid-approved hit and even make a fantastic hormone-supporting (HRT) snack. Easy to make and lasting for at least two weeks in an airtight container, these bars are perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go fuel. Get ready to experience a burst of berry goodness!

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Main Dish Main Dish One Dish Meal Course

Asia Style Chicken Drumsticks In The Crock Pot

Experience succulent, fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks bathed in a vibrant ponzu-based sauce! This easy crock-pot recipe delivers a burst of Asian-inspired flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve over fluffy rice or sesame noodles, and complete your meal with a soothing cup of green tea. A budget-friendly winner (created for the "Dining on a Dollar" contest!), this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Main Dish Time To Make Occasion Cuisine

Asian Racks Of Lamb With Sesame Sauce

Experience a flavor explosion with these succulent Asian Sesame Glazed Lamb Racks! Our modified recipe reduces fat while maximizing deliciousness. Tender lamb racks are marinated in a fragrant Asian-inspired sauce, then roasted to golden perfection. Served with a rich and savory sesame gravy, this dish is a culinary masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to make. (Marinating time: at least 1 hour, not included in cook time)

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