Sesame Oil
Sesame oil offers nutty complexity, best as a finishing touch.
Flavor profile
Aroma: nutty, toasty
Good to know
Origin: East Asia
Forms: toasted, light, unrefined
Storage: Store in a cool, dark place to prevent rancidity; refrigerate to extend shelf life after opening.
How to use sesame oil
Aromatic Stir-fries
Add last to infuse a nutty aroma.
Toasted Marinades
Sesamol aroma complements umami in marinades.
What goes with sesame oil
- Soy Sauce. Sesame oil's aroma compounds dissolve in soy sauce's liquid matrix, heightening aroma.
- Bok Choy. Toasted sesame oil adds nutty aroma to bok choy's fresh green flavor.
- Scallion. Shared sulfury aroma compounds create a savory note.
- Tofu. Sesame oil infuses tofu with a toasty aroma.
- Rice. Rice takes up sesame oil, allowing its nutty fragrance to permeate.
- Chicken thigh. Sesame oil's fat helps dissolve aroma compounds that cling to chicken's surface.
- Miso. Sesame oil dissolves aroma compounds in miso, intensifying 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.
- Pork Belly. Toasty sesame oil echoes the nutty depth of seared pork belly.
Mistakes to avoid
- Strong aroma can overpower if unbalanced.
- Breakdown creates bitterness above 210C.
Ideas for tonight
- Sesame oil-drizzled noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables with sesame oil
- Sesame oil-based dipping sauce
Sesame Oil: questions
What does sesame oil taste like?
Sesame oil offers nutty complexity, best as a finishing touch., with an aroma that is nutty, toasty.
What goes well with sesame oil?
Sesame Oil pairs best with soy sauce, bok choy, scallion, tofu, rice. Sesame oil's aroma compounds dissolve in soy sauce's liquid matrix, heightening aroma.
How do you use sesame oil in cooking?
Aromatic Stir-fries: add last to infuse a nutty aroma.
How should you store sesame oil?
Store in a cool, dark place to prevent rancidity; refrigerate to extend shelf life after opening.
What is the most common mistake with sesame oil?
Strong aroma can overpower if unbalanced.
