For flavouring Asian dishes, buy toasted (dark) sesame oil from a brand such as Yutaka, Clearspring, or Lee Kum Kee. Toasted sesame oil is pressed from roasted seeds and has a strong, nutty flavour, so it’s used as a finishing oil rather than for frying. Untoasted, light sesame oil has a milder taste and a higher smoke point, better suited to cooking.
Sesame oil comes in two very different forms, and using the wrong one can throw off a whole dish. This guide covers the difference, what to check on the bottle, and how to store it once opened.
Toasted vs untoasted: the key difference
- Toasted (dark) sesame oil is made from roasted sesame seeds. It has a deep, nutty aroma and burns easily, so it’s stirred in at the end of cooking or used in dressings and marinades rather than for frying.
- Untoasted (light) sesame oil is pressed from raw seeds, has a much milder taste, and can handle higher heat, making it closer to a general cooking oil.
Most recipes calling simply for “sesame oil” mean the toasted, dark version, since that’s the one with the recognisable flavour.
What to check before you buy
- Colour. Toasted sesame oil is a deep amber to brown. If a bottle labelled “sesame oil” looks pale yellow, check whether it’s the untoasted type.
- Ingredients. A pure sesame oil should list only sesame seed oil. Some blended “sesame oil” products cut it with a cheaper oil like soybean or sunflower, which weakens the flavour.
- Bottle size and storage. Sesame oil can turn rancid once opened, especially in a warm kitchen. A smaller bottle used within a few months keeps its flavour better than a large one that sits half-used for a year.
Comparing common brands
| Brand | Type | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Yutaka | Toasted sesame oil | Everyday finishing oil, widely stocked |
| Clearspring | Organic toasted sesame oil | Those wanting an organic option |
| Lee Kum Kee | Toasted sesame oil | Stir-fries and dressings, easy to find |
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FAQ
Can I fry with toasted sesame oil?
Not on its own. It burns and turns bitter at high heat, so it’s better mixed into a dish at the end or blended with a neutral oil if you want some sesame flavour while frying.
Why does my sesame oil taste bitter?
This usually means the oil has gone rancid, often from heat or light exposure, or it was heated too high while cooking. Store it in a cool, dark cupboard and check the smell before using an older bottle.
Is sesame oil the same as sesame paste or tahini?
No. Sesame oil is a pressed oil, while tahini and sesame paste are ground whole seeds, which give a thicker, nuttier product used in dips and sauces.
