Sesame Oil
Sesame oil offers nutty complexity, best as a finishing touch.
Flavor
warm
sweet
pungent
bitter
floral
earthy
citrus
smoky
How to use it
Aromatic Stir-fries. Add last to infuse a nutty aroma.
Toasted Marinades. Sesamol aroma complements umami in marinades.
Common mistakes
- Strong aroma can overpower if unbalanced.
- Breakdown creates bitterness above 210C.
What goes with sesame oil
- Soy Sauce. Sesame oil's aroma compounds dissolve in soy sauce's liquid matrix, heightening aroma.
- Gochujang. Toasted sesame oil's nutty aroma rounds out gochujang's heat in bibimbap sauce and marinades.
- Scallion. Shared sulfury aroma compounds create a savory note.
- Rice. Rice takes up sesame oil, allowing its nutty fragrance to permeate.
- Miso. Sesame oil dissolves aroma compounds in miso, intensifying flavor.
- Bok Choy. Toasted sesame oil adds nutty aroma to bok choy's fresh green flavor.
- Cucumber. Toasted sesame oil adds nutty aroma to cool, crisp cucumber.
- Ginger. Toasted sesame oil's nutty depth rounds out ginger's sharp heat.
Try tonight
- Sesame oil-drizzled noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables with sesame oil
- Sesame oil-based dipping sauce
Storage
Store in a cool, dark place to prevent rancidity; refrigerate to extend shelf life after opening.