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Toasted sesame seeds are crunchy and have a bold, nutty flavor! They’re great for topping noodles, sauteed or roasted vegetables, rice bowls, more. Here’s how to toast sesame seeds two ways.
Sesame seeds are one thing, but toasted sesame seeds? They’re like a different ingredient altogether! Toasting sesame seeds brings out their natural nutty flavor and gives them an even crunchier texture.
After Alex and I learned the power of this trick, we always toast sesame seeds before using them. They’re perfect on Asian noodle dishes like a soba bowl or coating sushi, but they also work in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine like sprinkling on hummus or falafel. Even better: it only takes a few minutes! Here’s how to toast sesame seeds: two ways.
How to toast sesame seeds: on the stove
Make toasted sesame seeds on the stovetop when you have a small quantity of seeds and want to make them quickly. The pro to this method is that it take only 3 minutes. However, toasting seeds on the stovetop can cook unevenly, and it’s harder to toast large quantities. Here’s what to do:
- Step 1: Place the seeds in a dry skillet—don’t add oil!
- Step 2: Heat over medium heat for about 3 minutes, until golden and fragrant, stirring often. Do not leave the stove, because the seeds can burn very easily!
How to toast sesame seeds: in the oven
Make toasted sesame seeds in the oven when you have time to preheat the oven! This method cooks the seeds more evenly than the stovetop method, and you can cook a large quantity of seeds at once. The downside is it takes longer than the stovetop method; you’ll have to wait for the oven to preheat.
- Step 1: Preheat to 350°F.
- Step 2: Place the seeds on a baking sheet and bake 5 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Again, don’t leave the oven because they can burn easily.
Ways to use toasted sesame seeds
Once you know how to toast sesame seeds, the sky’s the limit in recipes! They work in both Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, so there are lots of different places to sprinkle them. Here are some ideas:
- Noodles: Try a sprinkle on our soba noodle bowl or quick soba noodles.
- Sushi: Add them to coat the outside of a maki sushi roll or vegan sushi.
- Edamame: Add pizzazz to your edamame! Try them on edamame, spicy edamame or shelled edamame.
- Veggies: Toasted sesame seeds also work on steamed broccoli or steamed green beans.
- Bowls: They’re be perfect on a poke bowl or vegan poke bowl.
- Stir Fry: Toss them on a broccoli stir fry or shrimp and broccoli.
- Hummus: Throw a handful on this hummus recipe or spicy hummus.
- Tofu: Heighten the flavors in this pan fried tofu or baked tofu.
Storing toasted sesame seeds
After you toast the sesame seeds (and your kitchen smells amazing), you can use them immediately! Here’s how to store leftovers, if you have them:
- Cool fully and place in a sealed container. We like to use a small glass container with lid.
- Store at room temperature for 3 months OR store refrigerated for 6 months.
- Freeze for up to 1 year to extend the life even further.
Frequently asked questions
Toasting sesame seeds enhances their natural nutty flavor and aroma, adding a depth and complexity that raw seeds lack. Toasted sesame seeds can elevate the taste of various dishes, from salads and stir-fries to baked goods and desserts.
While it’s possible to toast sesame seeds in the microwave, it’s not recommended. It’s difficult to control the heat and prevent them from burning.
Sesame seeds are toasted when they turn a light golden brown color and become fragrant. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can quickly burn and become bitter.
How to Toast Sesame Seeds
Toasted sesame seeds are crunchy and have a bold, nutty flavor! They’re great for topping noodles, sauteed or roasted vegetables, rice bowls, more. Here’s how to toast sesame seeds two ways.
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ½ cup 1x
- Category: Essentials
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- ½ cup sesame seeds (or any quantity; for more than 1 cup use the oven method)
Instructions
- Stovetop method: Place the seeds in a dry skillet (no oil) over medium heat. Heat, shaking the pan and stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the seeds are fragrant and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Stay at the stove because the seeds can easily burn! Remove immediately from the heat and transfer to a plate to stop the cooking.
- Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant and golden brown, stirring once. Do not stray far from the oven, since the seeds can go from toasted to burned quickly. Remove immediately and transfer to a plate to stop the cooking.
- Use immediately. Or, allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 months and refrigerated at least 6 months. (You also can extend the life by freezing the seeds.)
More ways to toast
So many ingredients taste better toasted! Here are all our our methods on how to toast nuts and seeds:
- Learn how to toast nuts, like how to toast pine nuts, how to toast almonds, how to toast pecans, and how to toast walnuts.
- Opt for how to toast coconut for smoothies and desserts.
- Figure out how to toast a baguette.
Thanks for these instructions, it is super easy!
I wanted to try sesame seed milk because I love love love sesame seeds and also want to drink nondairy milk but just haven’t found one that I like
So I made the milk and it tasted terrible, bleh
Then the light bulb went off in my head, where I thought well, I love toasted sesame seeds, could I make toasted sesame seed milk
Turns out you sure can and it is absolutely delicious. The difference between the raw and the toasted is so very noticeable.
I have now found my favorite milk!
That’s great!
Do black sesame seeds Same way.
Made General Tso’s chicken dish from woksof life site & toasted my white sesame seeds.
Ciao KC
Worked great