The quickest way to toast sesame seeds is in a dry frying pan over a medium heat, shaking the pan often, for around three to five minutes until they turn light golden and smell nutty. No oil is needed. The oven and microwave both work too, and are worth using when toasting a larger batch at once.
Toasting sesame seeds deepens their flavour and adds crunch to stir fries, salads, and rice dishes. This guide covers three methods, so you can pick whichever suits the amount you are making.
Dry pan method
Add the sesame seeds to a cold, dry frying pan, then place over a medium heat. Shake or stir the pan often, since sesame seeds burn quickly once they start to colour. They are ready in three to five minutes, when they turn light golden and you can smell a nutty aroma. Tip them out of the pan straight away so they stop cooking.
Oven method
Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking tray and place in an oven heated to 160C fan. Toast for eight to ten minutes, giving the tray a shake halfway through. This method suits a larger batch, since the seeds toast evenly without needing constant attention.
Microwave method
Spread the seeds on a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 30 second bursts on full power, stirring between each burst. Most seeds are ready after two to three bursts. This is the fastest method for a small batch, though it needs closer watching than the oven.
Methods compared
| Method | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dry pan | 3 to 5 minutes | Small batches, everyday cooking |
| Oven | 8 to 10 minutes | Larger batches |
| Microwave | 1 to 2 minutes | Quick, small batches |
FAQ
How do I know when sesame seeds are toasted?
They turn a light golden colour and give off a nutty smell. Taste one to check, since colour alone can be hard to judge with pale seeds.
Do I need oil to toast sesame seeds?
No. Sesame seeds have enough natural oil in them to toast in a completely dry pan or oven.
How long do toasted sesame seeds keep?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they keep well for around one month.
Can I toast black and white sesame seeds together?
Yes, though check them a little earlier, since black sesame seeds make it harder to judge colour change by sight.
Use toasted sesame seeds to finish our sesame chicken recipe or sesame prawn toast. If a shop nearby does not stock sesame oil, see where to buy sesame oil in the UK.
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- Sesame seeds. A resealable pack, good for toasting in batches.
