America's Test Kitchen LogoCook's Country LogoCook's Illustrated Logo

Sesame Oil: Plain vs. Toasted

Can plain and toasted sesame oil be used interchangeably?

Can plain and toasted sesame oil be used interchangeably?

Plain and toasted sesame oil cannot be used interchangeably. The plain (or cold-pressed) variety is made from raw sesame seeds and has very little color, smell, or flavor. Its neutral taste and high smoke point make it a good oil for cooking. It also keeps for months at room temperature. Toasted (or roasted) sesame oil, on the other hand, is made from toasted seeds—toasting draws out rich flavor and aroma from the seeds. Toasted sesame oil has a deep brown color, a lower smoke point, and a shorter shelf life than plain sesame oil. In fact, toasted sesame oil should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it from going rancid. We like toasted sesame oil in vinaigrettes and cold salads, and we sometimes add a few drops to stir-fries off-heat at the very end of cooking. It should not be used as a cooking medium.

Recommended Reading

This is a members' feature.