The quickest way to toast sesame seeds is in a dry frying pan over a medium heat, shaking the pan often, for three to five minutes until they turn light golden and smell nutty. No oil is needed. You can also toast them in the microwave in under three minutes, or in the oven, which is best for a big batch.
Toasting brings out the oils in the seeds, turning a bland, slightly chalky seed into a crunchy, nutty one. Here is how to do it each way, and how to tell when they are ready.
Methods compared
| Method | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dry pan | 3 to 5 minutes | Small batches and everyday cooking |
| Microwave | 2 to 3 minutes | A few spoonfuls, fast |
| Oven | 8 to 10 minutes | Large batches, even colour |
How to toast sesame seeds in a pan
- Tip the seeds into a cold, dry frying pan in a single layer.
- Set the pan over a medium heat.
- Shake the pan or stir every 20 to 30 seconds. The seeds will start to pop and smell nutty after two or three minutes.
- When most of them are light golden, tip them straight onto a cold plate. Left in the hot pan they keep cooking and can burn in seconds.
Can you toast sesame seeds in the microwave?
Yes, and it is the fastest way for a few spoonfuls. Seeds toast from the inside in a microwave, so they colour less than in a pan. Go by smell and taste rather than colour.
- Spread up to 4 tablespoons of seeds thinly on a microwave safe plate.
- Microwave on full power for 1 minute, then stir.
- Carry on in 30 second bursts, stirring each time, until the seeds smell toasted and taste nutty. Most batches take 2 to 3 minutes in total.
- Let them cool on the plate. They crisp up as they cool.
Microwaves vary, so check a little early the first time. A larger amount needs more time, so it is easier to do two small batches than one big one.
How to toast sesame seeds in the oven
Heat the oven to 180C (160C fan). Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking tray and toast for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through. The oven gives the most even colour and needs the least watching, so it suits a jar sized batch.
Black sesame seeds
Black sesame seeds toast the same way, but you cannot see them change colour. Toast them in a pan and pull them off the heat when they start to pop and smell rich and nutty, usually after two to four minutes. Taste one: a toasted seed is crisp, not chewy. Read more in our guide to black sesame.
Ways to use toasted sesame seeds
- Scatter over stir fries, noodles, rice bowls and salads just before serving.
- Press onto the outside of sesame prawn toast or sprinkle over sesame chicken.
- Grind with a pinch of salt for a quick seasoning, or mix with nori flakes for a simple homemade furikake.
- Stir into dressings with soy sauce, rice vinegar and a few drops of sesame oil.
Storing toasted sesame seeds
Let the seeds cool completely, then keep them in a sealed jar in a cool cupboard for up to a month. For longer, keep them in the fridge or freezer, where they stay fresh for several months. Toasted seeds turn stale and bitter faster than raw ones because their oils are exposed, so toast a small batch at a time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when sesame seeds are toasted?
They turn light golden, start to pop and give off a nutty smell. Taste one to check, as colour alone is hard to judge.
Do I need oil to toast sesame seeds?
No. Sesame seeds hold enough natural oil to toast in a completely dry pan, oven or microwave.
Can I buy sesame seeds already toasted?
Yes. Asian grocers sell roasted sesame seeds in bags, and they are handy for everyday sprinkling. Toasting your own gives a fresher, stronger flavour.
Why do my sesame seeds taste bitter?
They were toasted too long or too hot. Take them off the heat as soon as they turn light golden, as the colour keeps deepening off the heat.
