Toasted sesame seeds are crunchier and have a nuttier flavor! They’re great for topping pasta, veggies, and more. How to toast sesame seeds two ways.
Sesame is one thing, but toasted sesame? Completely different! Roasting the sesame seeds brings out their natural nutty flavor even more: and that makes them even crunchier. Alex and I almost always toast the sesame seeds before using them. They’re great in Asian pasta dishes like a soba bowl or coated sushi, but they also work in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine as crumbles on top of hummus or falafel. Even better: It only takes a few minutes! How to toast sesame seeds: two ways.
How to toast sesame seeds: On the stovetop
Prepare Roasted Sesame Seeds on the stovetop when you have a small amount of seeds and want them ready quickly.
- Advantages: This method is so fast: it only takes 3 minutes!
- Disadvantages: Roasting seeds on the stovetop can cook unevenly and it is more difficult to roast large batches.
- Basic hotplate method (to the recipe): Place the seeds in a dry pan (don’t add oil!). Heat over medium-high heat until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Our biggest tip: do not remove from the heat as the seeds can burn very easily. We know from experience!
How to roast sesame: in the oven
Roast the sesame seeds in the oven when you have time to preheat the oven! You can also grill large quantities at once.
- Advantages : This method cooks the seeds more evenly than the stovetop method, and you can cook many seeds at once.
- Disadvantages: You have to wait for the oven to preheat: about 10 to 15 minutes!
- Simple oven method (to the recipe): Preheat to 350 degrees and bake the seeds on a baking sheet until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Again, do not remove them from the oven as they can burn easily.
Ways to use toasted sesame seeds
Once you know how to toast sesame seeds, the sky’s the limit for your recipes! They work in both Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, so there are many different places to sprinkle them. Here are a few ideas:
storage information
After you’ve toasted the sesame seeds (and your kitchen smells great), you’re ready to use them! Here’s how to save leftovers if you have any:
- Let cool completely and place in an airtight container. We use a small glass container with a lid.
- Store at room temperature for 3 months OR
- Keep refrigerated for 6 months.
- Freeze to extend shelf life even further, up to 1 year or more.
The description
Toasted sesame seeds are crunchier and have a nuttier flavor! They’re great for topping pasta, veggies, and more. How to toast sesame seeds two ways.
- ½ cup Sesame seeds (or lots; for more 1 cup use oven method)
- Stovetop method: Place the seeds in a dry frying pan (no oil) over medium heat. Heat, shaking the pan and stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the seeds are fragrant and golden, about 3 minutes. Stay near the stove as the seeds can burn easily! Immediately remove from heat and transfer to a plate to stop cooking.
- baking method: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until fragrant and golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring once. Don’t stray far from the oven as the seeds can go from roasted to burned quickly. Remove immediately and transfer to a plate to stop cooking.
- Use immediately. Or allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 months and refrigerated for at least 6 months. (You can also extend the shelf life by freezing the seeds.)
- Category: Essential
- Method: Cook
- Kitchen: Asian
- Diet: vegan
Keywords: How to roast sesame seeds, roasted sesame seeds
More BBQ Recipes!
So many foods are better grilled! Here are all of our methods for toasting nuts and seeds (and even bread):
