Chinese sesame oil (麻油) is a finishing oil with intense, fragrant aroma — used sparingly at the end of cooking to add distinctive nutty, floral sesame flavor.
Toasted vs. Cold-Pressed
Toasted Sesame Oil (香油): Made from toasted sesame seeds — extremely aromatic, deep amber, intensely flavored. Standard for Chinese cooking.
Cold-Pressed: Made from raw, untoasted seeds — lighter, used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
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How to Use Sesame Oil
Cardinal rule: never cook with sesame oil over high heat. Add at the very end of cooking, in cold dishes and dressings, as dipping sauce component, or as garnish on soups and noodle dishes.
Discover more Chinese condiments in our Chinese Food Complete Guide.
