All About Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a cooking oil that's used in a wide range of dishes across Asia. It's made by pressing plain white sesame seeds or by roasting the seeds, and it has a distinct nutty aroma and flavor. The type of sesame oil you use is usually determined by what dish you're preparing and its cultural origin. For example, Japanese and Chinese cooking use light sesame oil, while South Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine uses toasted sesame oil, which has a stronger flavor. Both kinds are made from plain unhulled white sesame seeds, but toasted sesame oil has been heated for a longer time. Both Japanese and Chinese cooks typically use light toasted sesame oil for its taste and versatility as a neutral cooking oil.

Varieties 

If your tastes lean more toward Asian cooking, you may already be familiar with toasted (also known as dark) sesame oil. Distinguishable by its dark brown color and smoky, nutty taste, this oil is made by roasting sesame seeds at high heat until their natural oils are released.

The difference between light and dark sesame oil depends on processing. Light sesame oil is made from white sesame seeds that have been heated. Dark sesame oil, on the other hand, is made with black (also called toasted) sesame seeds. While light and dark sesame oils are both made with sesame seeds, there are significant differences in flavor, aroma, and consistency between them.

There are three varieties of sesame oil. The first is cold-pressed sesame oil, which is made without the use of heat or chemicals. It's prized for its purity and can be found in health food stores. Blended oils are also available, combining toasted sesame oil with other oils. The result is a cheaper option with a less intense flavor.

White VS Black 

Light sesame oil—also called toasted sesame oil—and regular sesame oil both have their place in the kitchen. While they are often thought of as a flavor enhancer, light and toasted sesame oils can be used much like traditional vegetable or canola oils.

Dark sesame oil is mostly made from roasted black sesame seeds and has a deep, roasted flavor with a nutty aroma. Its taste is distinct from that of lighter, untoasted sesame oils. While it can be used for deep-frying, dark sesame oil tends to lose its flavor when heated for a long time or at a high temperature.

Storage 

Sesame oil has a long shelf life, so you don't have to worry about it going bad for a long time. It can be stored in its container, with the lid screwed on tight, in a cool, dark place. Sesame is great for when you're cooking Asian food as a tablespoon or two added to your wok will greatly enhance the flavor of your dish.