what color should sesame oil be

Learn everything you need to know about sesame oil. Find out how its different from toasted (dark) sesame oil, how to cook with it, and whether you should pick up a bottle.

If you’ve already got olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, and more in your pantry, you may be asking if you really need to add sesame oil to your life. The answer largely depends on the type of recipes you love to make.

Sesame oil is extracted from sesame seeds. The seeds can either be toasted, yielding a brown oil that’s nutty in flavor with a strong roast-y aroma, or raw, which results in a lighter color oil that is more neutral in flavor.

Raw, untoasted sesame oil is most often used for cooking due to its higher smoke point.

Best uses: High heat cooking, or in any application where youd use canola, sunflower, or blended vegetable oil.

Sesame oil made from seeds that have not been toasted is a pale yellow liquid with a pleasant grain-like odor and somewhat nutty taste, and is used as frying oil. Oil made from pressed and toasted sesame seeds is amber-colored and aromatic, and is used as a flavoring agent in the final stages of cooking.

How to Store

Once you open a bottle of untoasted sesame oil, store it in the refrigerator. This extends the shelf life for up to one year and prevents off or rancid flavors from forming. Sesame oil will thicken and appear cloudy when cold—that’s OK. Take it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you want to use it.

Untoasted (Regular) vs Toasted (Dark) Sesame Oil

Regular sesame oil vs dark sesame oil is the biggest point of confusion when it comes to this ingredient. Both varieties are made from the same single ingredient: sesame seeds. But they have different uses and flavor profiles.

Untoasted sesame oil is light in color and flavor and it’s used like any other neutral cooking or salad oil. You may see it labeled as “raw sesame oil,” “expeller-pressed sesame oil” or simply “sesame oil.” You will know it by its light color—it looks like canola oil.

Dark sesame oil may also be labeled as “toasted sesame oil,” “roasted sesame oil,” or simply “sesame oil.” You’ll know its a toasted sesame oil by its dark color. It’s generally added off-heat to avoid diminishing its bold flavor.

If you’re inspired by Asian recipes, you’ll probably want a bottle of toasted sesame oil around. “[Toasted] sesame oil has a warm, toasty aroma that can change the flavor profile of a dish with just a few drops,” says Hsiao-Ching Chou, author of “Chinese Soul Food and Vegetarian Chinese Soul Food.”

In fact, she includes it on her short-list of MVP pantry staples, as does Hetty McKinnon.

5 Powerful Benefits Of Sesame Oil

FAQ

Which is better dark or light sesame oil?

Is sesame oil supposed to be brown?

What is the color of pure sesame oil?

What does sesame oil taste like?

Sesame oil is extracted from sesame seeds. The seeds can either be toasted, yielding a brown oil that’s nutty in flavor with a strong roast-y aroma, or raw, which results in a lighter color oil that is more neutral in flavor. Raw, untoasted sesame oil is most often used for cooking due to its higher smoke point.

What is the difference between sesame oil and sesame seed oil?

The difference between the two oils is that sesame oil usually includes a wide variety of oils, while sesame seed oil is a special darker oil.

Which sesame oil should I use?

For a novice, it’s not always apparent which oil to use for which purpose. Pure sesame oil, the light golden variety, has a pleasant flavor. It’s pressed from uncooked sesame seeds, and comes in both refined and unrefined versions. The unrefined versions are used in salad dressings and marinades, where their flavor can be enjoyed for its own sake.

Should I use white or black sesame oil?

The choice between white and black sesame oil often depends on the desired flavor profile and the type of dish being prepared. For a neutral flavor and versatility, white sesame oil is the preferred choice. For a bold, nutty flavor and intense aroma, black sesame oil takes the stage.