Toasted Sesame Oil
Rich, nutty and intensely aromatic, our Toasted Sesame Specialty Oil brings deep roasted sesame flavor and savory umami character to noodles, stir-fries, marinades, rice bowls, vegetables and Asian-inspired dishes.
Crafted in Japan from sesame seeds that are slowly roasted before pressing, this specialty oil develops the warm, distinctive toasted flavor that makes sesame oil such an essential ingredient in Japanese, Korean, Chinese and other Asian cuisines. Unlike a neutral cooking oil, toasted sesame oil is prized for its concentrated flavor and aroma—a small drizzle can completely transform a finished dish.
If you're searching for the best toasted sesame oil for noodles, stir-fries, fried rice, ramen, marinades, dipping sauces, vegetables or homemade dressings, this is one of the most useful specialty oils you can keep in your pantry.
Why You'll Love It
• Crafted in Japan using traditionally toasted sesame seeds
• Rich, nutty and deeply aromatic toasted sesame flavor
• Adds instant savory and umami depth to simple dishes
• Excellent for finishing, marinades, sauces and dressings
• A little goes a long way thanks to its concentrated flavor
• Perfect for Asian-inspired cooking at home
Perfect Uses
• Stir-fries and fried rice
• Ramen, soba, udon and other noodle dishes
• Rice bowls and grain bowls
• Dumpling and potsticker dipping sauces
• Chicken, beef, tofu and vegetable marinades
• Asian-inspired vinaigrettes and salad dressings
• Roasted or sautéed vegetables
• Soups, broths and finishing drizzles
Our Favorite Balsamic Pairings
• Honey Ginger White Balsamic Vinegar
• Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic Vinegar
• Coconut White Balsamic Vinegar
• Cranberry Pear White Balsamic Vinegar
• Lemongrass-Mint White Balsamic Vinegar
• Black Mission Fig Dark Balsamic Vinegar
Flavor Profile
Deeply toasted sesame, roasted nuttiness and savory umami with a rich aroma and lingering finish that adds complexity to both simple and boldly flavored dishes.
Best For
Noodles, stir-fries, fried rice, ramen, marinades, dipping sauces, vegetables, dressings, rice bowls and Asian-inspired cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Toasted Sesame Oil best used for?
Toasted Sesame Specialty Oil is ideal for noodles, stir-fries, fried rice, ramen, marinades, dipping sauces, vegetables, rice bowls and homemade dressings. Because its flavor is concentrated, it is also excellent as a finishing oil added just before serving.
What does Toasted Sesame Oil taste like?
It has a rich, roasted and distinctly nutty sesame flavor with a deeply aromatic, savory character. Toasting the sesame seeds before pressing creates a much more pronounced flavor than untoasted sesame oil.
What is the difference between toasted sesame oil and regular sesame oil?
The biggest difference is flavor. Toasted sesame oil is made from roasted sesame seeds, giving it a darker color and a much richer, nuttier aroma and flavor. Regular sesame oil made from untoasted seeds is typically milder and more neutral.
What balsamic vinegar pairs best with Toasted Sesame Oil?
Honey Ginger White Balsamic Vinegar is one of our favorite pairings because its sweet honey, warm ginger and bright acidity complement the rich nuttiness of toasted sesame. Sicilian Lemon, Coconut and Lemongrass-Mint White Balsamic Vinegars are also excellent choices for dressings, marinades and Asian-inspired dishes.
Can I use Toasted Sesame Oil in a marinade?
Absolutely. Toasted Sesame Oil adds rich sesame flavor to marinades for chicken, beef, tofu, mushrooms and vegetables. Try combining it with Honey Ginger White Balsamic Vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and fresh ginger for an easy savory-sweet marinade.
Should Toasted Sesame Oil be used for cooking or finishing?
Both, but its concentrated toasted flavor makes it especially valuable as a flavoring and finishing oil. Add it to stir-fries and sauces during cooking, whisk it into marinades and dressings, or drizzle a small amount over noodles, rice, vegetables or soup just before serving.
From quick weeknight stir-fries to homemade ramen and dumpling dipping sauces, Toasted Sesame Specialty Oil is the kind of pantry staple that makes simple food taste far more interesting. Rich, aromatic and packed with roasted sesame flavor, just a drizzle brings unmistakable savory depth to the dish.