Sesame Oil: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bottle

A star ingredient in Asian cuisines, sesame oil is a pantry essential. Yet, once you're in the store aisle, choosing the right one can be overwhelming: light, toasted, chilli, black… Which one is best for an authentic bibimbap, a flavourful marinade, or to liven up a simple vinaigrette?

To help you make sense of it all, we're breaking down the main types of sesame oil and sharing our top picks, tailored for every recipe and every palate.

How to Choose the Right Sesame Oil

Before diving into our selection, here are the key criteria to ensure you make the right choice.

1. Light or Toasted: It's All About the Use Case

The main difference? Whether or not the seeds were roasted before pressing. And that changes everything.

• Light (or white) sesame oil: Pressed from raw seeds, it's recognisable by its pale colour and mild, almost neutral flavour. Its high smoke point makes it a great ally for high-heat cooking, like stir-frying vegetables in a wok.
• Toasted sesame oil: Made from roasted seeds, it boasts an amber hue and a powerful, nutty aroma. It's the ultimate finishing oil, perfect for adding at the end of cooking or into a sauce to give a dish its signature flavour. This is the emblematic taste of Asian sesame oil, particularly Korean sesame oil, which is renowned for its aromatic depth.

2. The Variations: Chilli or Black for More Character

To step off the beaten path, other versions open up new flavour horizons.

• Chilli sesame oil: This is simply sesame oil (most often toasted) infused with chillies. The result is a perfect pairing of nutty roundness and a spicy kick. Ideal for awakening a noodle dish, a soup, or dipping sauces.
• Black sesame oil: Pressed from black sesame seeds, it offers even more intense and complex aromas than its toasted cousin, with a highly sought-after hint of bitterness. A treasure in Chinese cuisine, especially as a seasoning.

3. The Composition: 100% Pure or a Blend?

Always take a look at the ingredients list. A 100% sesame oil will give you a pure, uncompromising taste. Others are blended, often with soybean oil, for a milder result and a more accessible price point. Far from being a flaw, this is a deliberate choice that depends on the intensity you're aiming for.

Recommended Sesame Oils Reviewed

Let's dive into our top finds! Here are oils that each have their own personality, ready to meet all your culinary needs.

Kadoya Hot Sesame Seed Oil 163 ML

What sets it apart This chilli sesame oil from the Japanese brand Kadoya combines the richness of toasted sesame oil with a chilli extract infusion. Its purpose: to add character and a spicy touch to any dish.

Key Strengths

• The winning combination: nutty and spicy.
• Perfect as a finishing touch on soups, noodles, and stir-fries.
• A simple and effective recipe: sesame oil and chilli extract.

Who is it for? For lovers of bold flavours who want to subtly spice up their dishes (Asian or otherwise). A few drops are all it takes to change everything.

Ottogi Sesame oil 160ml

What sets it apart Ottogi oil is THE gold standard for Korean sesame oil. Pressed from 100% carefully selected and toasted sesame seeds, it exudes a rich, deep nutty aroma that is the signature of Korean cuisine.

Key Strengths

• Absolute purity: 100% toasted sesame seeds.
• A powerful and authentic aroma.
• Essential for bibimbap, japchae, or Korean barbecue marinades.

Who is it for? For purists and Korean food enthusiasts who want to capture the original taste of their favourite dishes. It's an indispensable staple.

Lee Kum Kee Premium Sesame Oil 207ml

What sets it apart From Lee Kum Kee, the Hong Kong-based star of Asian sauces, this oil is a clever blend of sesame oil (50%) and soybean oil. The result is a milder flavour and incredible versatility.

Key Strengths

• A subtle and well-balanced aroma.
• The Swiss Army knife of your pantry: vinaigrettes, marinades, noodles…
• Ideal for everyday use.

Who is it for? Perfect for those new to sesame oil or for anyone who prefers a discreet, fragrant touch. It's the smart staple to always have on hand.

Cuizipai Black Sesame Oil 218ml

What sets it apart This black sesame oil is made from 100% black sesame seeds pressed with a stone mill, following traditional methods. With a long history behind it, the Cuizi brand delivers an oil with an intense and authentic taste.

Key Strengths

• 100% pure black sesame for an uncompromising flavour.
• Rich, deep aroma with complex roasted notes.
• Excellent as a finishing oil on cold dishes, soups, and sauces.

Who is it for? For discerning palates and flavour explorers seeking the unique taste profile of black sesame oil, with its depth and distinctive bitterness so prized in Chinese gastronomy.

Want to Explore More?

Our selection highlights the diversity of sesame oils. If you're a die-hard fan of toasted sesame oil, the star of Asian cooking, feel free to explore our entire range to find the size or brand that will earn a spot in your pantry.

? Discover Our Entire Toasted Sesame Oil Category

Sesame Oil: Your Questions Answered

What's the difference between light and toasted sesame oil?

They're night and day! Light oil (from raw seeds) is neutral and perfect for high-heat cooking. Toasted oil (from roasted seeds) is an aromatic powerhouse with a nutty taste, best reserved as a final touch to flavour a dish.

Can you cook with toasted sesame oil?

Definitely not! Intense heat would destroy its subtle aromas and make it bitter. Its superpower is adding fragrance, so always add it at the end of cooking or directly on the plate.

How should you store sesame oil?

Like any good oil, it's sensitive to light, heat, and air. Keep it tightly sealed in a cool, dark cupboard. Once opened, use it within a few months to enjoy its full freshness. A quick look at the label will confirm if refrigeration is recommended.

By the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer