Sesame oil

Sesame oil is a vegetable oil made from sesame seeds. There’s a mild, light sesame oil suited to cooking and a darker toasted sesame oil with a bold, nutty flavour that’s mainly used as a seasoning.

Latin name: Sesamum indicum
Origin: Africa and Asia

Description

Sesame oil is pressed from sesame seeds. Depending on the seed and processing, its colour ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. The toasted version is made from (lightly) roasted seeds, which gives it a much stronger aroma.

In the kitchen

Light sesame oil works well for stir-frying, frying and marinades. Toasted sesame oil is usually added at the end: a few drops over noodles, stir-fried vegetables, soups, rice dishes or in dressings instantly adds that distinctive nutty note. It pairs nicely with soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, chilli, spring onion and citrus.

Storage & preparation

Keep sesame oil tightly sealed, cool and away from light. Toasted sesame oil loses its flavour more quickly with heat and light, so a dark bottle and a spot away from the hob are ideal. If it smells flat or stale, replace it. Use toasted sesame oil sparingly; the flavour is powerful.