Sesame Oil

Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty aroma to finished dishes. A few drops transform any Korean side dish.

Toasted sesame oil is the finishing touch in Korean cooking. It goes in after the heat is off — a drizzle over rice, a few drops in namul, a splash in soup right before serving. High heat destroys the fragrance, so it's never used as a cooking oil. The difference between toasted and untoasted sesame oil is significant: toasted has a deep amber color and a strong nutty smell. Untoasted is pale and mild. Korean recipes always mean the toasted kind. Kadoya and CJ are reliable brands. A bottle lasts a long time since you use small amounts.

Have these ingredients?

K-Fridge finds Korean recipes you can make with what you already have.

Try K-Fridge Free

K-Fridge

Already have sesame oil in your kitchen?

K-Fridge filters Korean recipes by what is already in your fridge and pantry, so you can turn sesame oil into dinner without guessing.

See What I Can Cook

Guides & Tips

Guide

Korean Pantry for Beginners — The 7 Ingredients You Actually Need

Stock your kitchen with these 7 Korean pantry essentials and you can make dozens of authentic dishes. No specialty store required.

Buying Guide

Korean Pantry Starter Kit — Everything You Need Under $50

Build a complete Korean pantry for under $50. Covers gochugaru, gochujang, doenjang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and more with brand picks and substitutes.